- Caroline McDaid - CEO WorkVentures
For nearly 45 years, WorkVentures has been at the forefront of addressing Australia’s digital divide.
The organisation helps young people gain meaningful skills, training, and jobs and provides affordable technology and connectivity to those who are digitally excluded. Young people who lack consistent access to a computer are at risk of falling behind academically and in their workplace readiness.
“I’ve been part of this journey for a while now,” says WorkVentures CEO Caroline McDaid. “And I’ve seen first-hand the difference that access to technology can make. Without a laptop, people can’t apply for jobs or finish their homework—it’s about giving everyone a fair shot.”
The Australian Youth Digital Index shows too many young people do not have access to an essential learning device (laptop or desktop computer). Around 19%, or 1.16 million young people, have no access to either type of computer at home. A further 430,000 have restricted or shared access to a learning device, meaning they have to fit around the needs and demands of others when going online.
WorkVentures’ latest initiative, a National Device Bank, aims to tackle this issue head-on by delivering refurbished devices to low-income Australians. All of whom might otherwise miss out on access to the digital world.
WorkVentures proposes that a National Device Bank would operate through a simple yet powerful model — corporate technology nearing the end of its life cycle is collected and data is safely destructed. Then it is refurbished and distributed to those who need it. However, as Caroline McDaid, WorkVentures CEO, explains, digital equity is about more than just handing out hardware.
“With a National Device Bank, we want to create lasting opportunities, encourage skills development for those who need it, and build a circular economy where technology is reused and made accessible.”
The National Device Bank project aims to distribute 10,000 devices in the first year, scaling to 1 million device pledges by year five. It’s an ambitious plan, but McDaid is confident. “We know that around 10 million laptops, tablets and PCs are refreshed by the public and private sector every five years. With increased corporate donations and government backing, we believe it’s more than achievable.”
A funding model with a purpose
One of the standout features of the National Device Bank is its ability to leverage a unique funding model. To support device collection, data sanitisation, refurbishment and redistribution via a network of NFP’s across the country, a portion of devices collected will be sold commercially to fund the donation of the remainder. It is expected for example, that one laptop sold will fund the donation of a second laptop.
“By selling some devices, we can donate others,” McDaid says. “It will help us overcome some of the funding challenges of processing and redistributing technology.”
This model allows the National Device Bank to provide more than just hardware — current WorkVentures recipients also receive technical support to help them make the most of their devices.
The other unique nature of the National Device Bank is its collaboration model. WorkVentures and its collaborating partners – Good Things Australia and Good360 – work with thousands of not-for-profit and community partners, meaning that devices can reach the people who need them nationwide. “By working together across the sector, we believe that we can address digital access for good in Australia”.
Tackling education inequality
The impact of WorkVentures’ efforts is profound, especially in education. “Around 25% of current Year 10 students don’t have access to a laptop at home1,” McDaid notes. “And 84% of those without a laptop say they can’t complete their homework2. This isn’t just a technology issue — it’s about education and social mobility.”
A National Device Bank would not only provide students with the tools they need, but it would also help close the digital divide and improve young Australians’ chances of completing their education.
A bold vision for digital equity
While scaling up donations and securing further support are key priorities, the effects of a National Device Bank are already being felt. “We’re in discussions with several state governments, including NSW as part of their upcoming NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy”,” McDaid shares. “With their support, we can expand even more.”
Looking ahead, McDaid believes the National Device Bank has the potential to be a game changer for digital equity in Australia. “We’re creating a new piece of social infrastructure,” she says. “Our goal is that no one in this country will be without access to a device because they can’t afford one. It’s ambitious, but it’s absolutely essential.”
