Young Australians keen on a career in technology have gained greater insights via engagement with Kinetic IT as the national company is set to celebrate engaging its 1000th The Smith Family student.
Kinetic IT is in its fourth year of partnership with The Smith Family, a national charity dedicated to improving the educational outcomes of children experiencing disadvantage in Australia.
Since 2021, Kinetic IT has been committed to supporting The Smith Family’s programs that empower young Australians through education, with a focus on bridging the digital divide and fostering career aspirations.
With Australia’s IT sector facing a chronic skills shortage – including a shortfall of 16,000 cyber security specialists by 2026 – technology-specific initiatives such as those run by The Smith Family are vital for encouraging the next generations into the workforce, and supporting a strong and prosperous future.
The partnership has been anchored by Kinetic IT’s financial support for The Smith Family’s Youth ICT Explorers (YICTE) Accelerator program. This STEM-based initiative has provided more than 400 students across Australia with unique learning experiences, and the chance to develop digital skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities through collaboration. In tandem, the experiences provide students with knowledge of available science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) careers.
Beyond financial support, Kinetic IT and its crew have participated in initiatives that show students the career pathways open to them within the industry. This includes The Smith Family’s Work Inspiration program, an employer-led initiative that has allowed approximately 300 students to experience the world of work firsthand. Through this program, Kinetic IT has facilitated career engagement activities, enabling students to connect with professionals, explore different career paths, and gain invaluable insights into the workplace.
Kinetic IT has also attended The Smith Family’s Career Expos, where IT experts have shared inspiring stories with students from diverse backgrounds. With around 100 students at each session, these expos help to provide young Australians with positive role models and encourage overcoming challenges in pursuit of success. Additionally, Kinetic IT has supported The Smith Family’s annual Great Big Thank You event.
As an Australian owned and operated company, Kinetic IT focuses on investing in community partnerships that foster the next generations of technology specialists. The company has a long history of supporting education initiatives, Group Executive – Government, Education and Critical Infrastructure, Wayne Berriman, says.
“Since our beginnings with the WA Department of Education more than 20 years ago, Kinetic IT has proudly given thousands of individuals their first experience in a technology career, grounded in our firm belief that everyone deserves a fair go. “Welcoming students from The Smith Family into our operations—to hear from crew in our engineering, service desk, infrastructure, or corporate services—has been a rewarding journey. Their curiosity and passion remind us that Australia’s future in technology is bright, and we remain committed to opening doors for the next generation.
“On behalf of Kinetic IT, thank you to The Smith Family for providing industry these opportunities to meet with and encourage young Australians.”
