First Nations students engaged in STEM through not-for-profit DeadlyScience will expand their horizons into the world of technology through a new partnership with Kinetic IT, the group says.
DeadlyScience noted when announcing the partnership on Wednesday that Australia's IT sector is facing a chronic skills shortage, needing an additional 7,000 skilled cyber security specialists over the next two years - with the shortfall estimated to rise to 16,600 by 2026.
"At the same time, First Nations people make up close to zero per cent of the tech industry," DeadlyScience said.
The organisation said it is important that with the industry facing emerging technologies such as generative AI and quantum computing, it is essential the workforce reflects the diverse communities it is intended to serve.
DeadlyScience provides science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) resources and learning experiences to regional and remote schools. Through connecting First Nations students with STEM professionals, the organisation's vision is to increase the percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a university STEM qualification. Currently, just 0.5 per cent of First Nations people have a STEM qualification.
DeadlyScience Founder and Director, Professor Corey Tutt, said the under-representation of Indigenous people in the sector is "a massive discrepancy".
"And the percentage is much lower than 0.5% for people living in regional and remote communities," he said.
As a young person, the Kamilaroi man from Nowra developed a love of STEM subjects but found little encouragement for First Nations people to pursue careers in these fields. The First Nations-led and community-driven organisation DeadlyScience was established in 2018 to provide visibility and encouragement.
"This partnership with Kinetic IT helps support the vital programs that DeadlyScience delivers in communities across Australia. We know how vital it is to provide culturally aware STEM education and resources to rural and remote classrooms in order to provide opportunities for the next generation of First Nations youth in STEM," Prof Tutt said.
"Partnering with Kinetic IT will support DeadlyScience deliver programs and initiatives that are technology focused, opening up new pathways for First Nations students in rural and remote communities."
Kinetic IT is the newest corporate partner of DeadlyScience, with the two organisations "set to create technology engagement opportunities for students", DeadlyScience said.
Kinetic IT Group Executive – Federal, Defence and Emergency Services, Leighton Freene, said the targeted partnership is a significant step towards promoting equity and opportunity in STEM.
"Kinetic IT strongly believes in the outstanding amplification of success that diversity, equity and inclusion make to business, and we are resolute in our commitment to making a positive impact in the communities we serve," he said.
"We're really excited to work with Corey and the team at DeadlyScience, to add further momentum to their work in regional and remote Australia - work which is truly moving the needle on unlocking equity for First Nations youth.
"Parents just want their kids to have access to a great education system in order to give them every advantage for a great life, but due to barriers beyond their control extra support is critical to give children equitable opportunity."
Mr Freene thanked DeadlyScience for "championing STEM for young learners and doing just that – creating equity".
"We first met Corey when he was a keynote speaker at the launch of Deadly Mob @KIT – our company's employee network for First Nations crew and allies. We're thrilled to now be officially working with him and the team at DeadlyScience through a formalised partnership," he said.
The partnership between Kinetic IT and DeadlyScience will provide targeted resources and support to inspire and empower First Nations students to pursue careers in technology. By focusing on the tech side of STEM, the initiative aims to "bridge the digital divide, and create a more inclusive and secure future".
