Members of Western Sydney’s Aboriginal community have become IT whizzes thanks to a new TAFE NSW course delivered at Kimberwalli, an Aboriginal Centre for Excellence in Western Sydney to support young Aboriginal people transition from school to further education or employment.

A group of 18 participants learnt a range of new IT skills including how to use small-scale networks and office computer systems as well as how to operate word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications.

The participants graduated last week with a dual Certificate I in Information, Digital Media and Technology and a Certificate I in Business. Aboriginal students from Chifley College Shalvey Campus also took part in the pilot program and designed their own logo, which was digitally printed on t-shirts, as part of the Youth Engagement Strategy IT short course.

Blue Mountains resident, Kyle Hammond, was one of the participants who completed the course and said it helped build his confidence and take the first step in considering his career options.

“The course has helped me develop a higher skill level in information technology, which I hope to build on in the area of game design when I study at TAFE NSW in the future.

TAFE NSW Information Technology Team Leader, Gihan Ebaid, said the program allowed students to explore their options after high school.

“There are a wide range of employment opportunities in the IT industry, which is currently experiencing a skills shortage and crying out for skilled employees,” she said.[1]

“The four-week TAFE NSW program equipped the students with the practical skills, experience and insight they need to pursue a career in the IT industry when they graduate from high school.”

TAFE NSW is working with Kimberwalli, a $20 million NSW Government initiative in Whalan, to ensure Aboriginal people are at the forefront of economic development in Western Sydney. 

The Kimberwalli Centre will open to the public in 2020 and will provide top-class facilities and programs to support young Aboriginal people in Western Sydney to transition from school to further education or employment.

To enquire or enrol in Information Technology courses at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au, or call 131 601.

Media contact: Jessica Cortis, Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211.