Tech summer camp aims to boost interest in cyber security and other skills
Grok Academy’s National Computer Science School summer program is running now, and it wants to close the digital skills gap.
A total of 160 high school students from Sydney and Melbourne have given up a portion of their summer holidays to skill up and get ready for a career in technology-related fields this year.
They’re attending the Grok Academy’s National Computer Science School summer program, running at the University of NSW and the University of Melbourne and designed for students looking to go into years 11 and 12.
During the camp, which runs from 6 to 15 January, students can learn more about artificial intelligence, cyber security, coding, and cryptography. The camp is in its 28th year and has the backing of tech companies such as Atlassian, Google, and Airwallex, as well as the Australian Signals Directorate and three of Australia’s big four banks.
Dr James Curran, chief executive and director of Grok Academy, believes that starting students young can help close Australia’s skills gap.
“Whether you want to fight climate change, make a blockbuster movie, or unlock the secrets of the universe, technology will underpin almost every future career choice of today’s primary and high school students,” Curran said in a statement.
“We believe that establishing a solid computer science understanding and core skills from a child’s early learning years is vital to shore up our future economy.”
Richard White, CEO of WiseTech Global – which is a sponsor of the event, is pleased to see so many corporations involved with the event.
“Finding talented tech thinkers and creators to fill jobs is already challenging and is only going to get harder in future,” White said.
“This program is a chance for industry leaders to engage directly with students and teachers already investing in advanced digital literacy skills and learning.“
