ACS / Social Impact / First Nations
The underrepresentation of First Nations Australians in the tech workforce is a significant loss for both.
By not addressing critical barriers – like limited tech access, reduced educational opportunity and socioeconomic factors – we will continue to lack the diversity, innovation and cultural awareness that the tech sector needs to progress and make a difference.
In addition to bridging the digital divide, boosting innovation and widening the talent pool to address skill shortages, increasing First Nations representation can help improve the quality of life within Indigenous communities. Providing better tech education, access and opportunities can economically empower First Nations groups, reduce socioeconomic disparity and provide much-needed role models and mentorship for young Indigenous Australians.
How ACS is helping to improve First Nations representation
ACS is partnering with several Indigenous organisations to improve access to tech and increase educational opportunities for First Nations people. This has included working with Goanna – an Aboriginal-owned and operated tech education to employment solution company – on its digital cadetship project. We’ve also provided a platform for organisations like Indigital to discuss their work connecting technology to First Nations communities.
Since 2018 , we have awarded the ACS Indigenous Scholarship, in conjunction with Charles Darwin University, to First Nations students who have showcased achievement in information technology courses.
ACS is looking to partner with more organisations that work to improve First Nations representation in the workforce. If your organisation is doing amazing things for First Nations Australians, we would love to chat with you.
Learn more with these ACS member resources
ACS Industry Insights Leaders Series – Mikaela Jade
Hear from Mikaela Jade, Founder of Indigital, as she discusses how she used digital technologies to translate cultural knowledge within Indigenous communities.
ACS congratulates Goanna on digital cadetship success
Read about ACS’ work with Goanna Solutions Education as part of the federal government’s Digital Cadetship Trial.
How you can take action
- Become an ACS member and join our community
- Increase your knowledge of First Nations representation through ACS online content, tools and resources
- Assist in our search for partnering organisations
- Become an advocate for First Nations representation within your workplace and develop an action plan
- Work with ACS to develop new and better ways to make a difference
- Connect with those creating more opportunities in tech for First Nations Australians, including:
- Mikaela Jade – Founder and CEO, Indigital
- Corey Brown – Founder, Goanna Solution
ACS Social Impact
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