Before today, Kimberley Wren had often thought about a career in the tech industry, but never thought she was cut out for it.
But following an entrepreneurship and coding workshop in Brisbane, the 15-year-old has changed her mindset.
"I’ve never really thought I had the right skills for it, but now I see that I can build my skills easily," she tells NITV News.
Kimberley was one of 20 students from Capalaba State College who took part in the workshop, which involved public speaking and problem solving activities designed to boost students' confidence and communication skills.
The workshop was designed by Dean Foley - a Kamilaroi man from Gunnedah, NSW, who began his career in the air force, before starting his own business, Barayamal.
Source: NITV
The 28-year-old is passionate about encouraging young Indigenous people to see themselves as future entrepreneurs.
"When I was growing up, there was no opportunities for us to get involved at the local land council and learn about entrepreneurship or to gain those essential coding skills that could prepare you for the future," he says.
"It’s extremely important because the jobs are changing in the economy – they’re becoming more digital and tech-skill oriented.
"So it’s really important to empower the kids early on with the entrepreneurship and coding skills so they’re ready for the workforce, or to start their own business when they’re ready."
For participant Jai Heywood, the workshop was unlike anything he'd done before.
Source: NITV
"It’s good because it’s teaching me how to get more confidence going up in front of the whole class and speaking," he says.
The 14-year-old hopes his new skills will put him in good stead to launch his own Youtube channel.
"I've always been too scared getting up doing that kind of stuff, but one day I'll try it maybe."
Dean Foley hopes the workshop will be the first of many.
RELATED READING:
Tech experts unite to help Indigenous charities
Share
