A technology company is looking to change the almost non-existent Indigenous representation in the tech industry, delivering thousands of laptops to students and placing unemployed youth in cadetships.
Indigenous Australians represent just 0.14 per cent of Australia’s tech workforce, while unemployment sits at 12.3 per cent compared to 4 per cent for non-Indigenous Australians.
Australia desperately needs 300,000 more tech workers by 2030 but the barriers faced by Indigenous youth are significant: 38% of Indigenous IT graduates only hold up to Certificate II qualifications, making them unqualified for entry-level tech roles.
Ethan Indigenous, a Supply Nation-certified ICT provider, has developed a solution with a no-barrier cadetship model that employs and trains unemployed Indigenous youth.
The cadets refurbish devices from which value is harvested. 100% of these proceeds are used to acquire brand new devices which are then donated to Indigenous organisations and youth.
So far, 3,200 laptops and 50,000 hours of professional employment have been created, with the program providing 100% cadet retention.
Through Ethan Indigenous’s profit-for-a-purpose model, organisations and government entities that procure through Ethan Indigenous directly contribute to the funding of the cadets and laptop programs. Schools who have received laptops from Ethan Indigenous have reported increased attendance when students have the technology.
“We’ve cracked the code on what works and the social return on investment is unmatched,” Managing Director of Ethan Indigenous Rachelle Towart OAM said.
“Every dollar in ICT procurement spent with Ethan Indigenous contributes to life-changing digital literacy and economic empowerment. Partnering with Ethan Indigenous means more indigenous youth can look forward to a brighter future with a rewarding Professional career.
“When we invest in Indigenous capability, the benefits ripple across communities.”
How the model works:
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No educational prerequisites for a two-year cadetship
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Vendor certifications provided during the program, building genuine qualifications
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Cadets refurbish devices and participate in ICT projects
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100% cadet retention rate through wraparound cultural support
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Australia’s first 100% Indigenous-delivered onsite cyber service
Ethan Indigenous’ model delivers full compliance with data security standards matching multinational providers, offering a sovereign and secure alternative to offshore giants with significant social impact.
If scaled nationally, the model could potentially place thousands of indigenous people in tech careers, lifting Indigenous participation to 2 per cent while reducing unemployment by up to 3 per cent.
Scaling the model requires government procurement reform, including:
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National cabinet to consider national procurement guidelines with commitment to include Indigenous organisations in ICT spending
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Caps to prevent over-concentration of spend with single ICT providers in government
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Increased Indigenous procurement thresholds beyond the current $250,000 limit to enable substantial and sustainable contracts
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Implement existing Indigenous procurement guidelines
NSW Parliament is hosting a rare bipartisan event today Wednesday October 15 showcasing the breakthrough model, including live laptop handovers to Indigenous students and cadets sharing their journey into tech careers.
Contact details:
For more information and interview requests: Lauren Ferri 0422 581 506
