- Kaye North - Community and Engagement Manager, Code Club Australia
Telstra Foundation powers Code Club Australia (CCA), it’s an important part of the way we’re enabling critical thinking and digital skills for children and young people.
Learning critical thinking and digital skills that keep pace with technology is essential to give young people an advantage over automation and create future job opportunities. However, not all children and young people have access to quality digital skills education, which can limit their potential.
The Australian Youth Digital Index tells us that young people in major cities have better access and higher scores in digital skills compared to those in regional/remote areas. 85% of young people learn digital skills on their own, with 76% figuring things out independently and 52% using the internet for guidance. However, less than half (47%) of young people feel their teachers/school taught them digital skills. 58% of young people aspire to have a job that uses advanced digital skills.
Addressing the digital skills gap is important for a fairer, more equitable, and inclusive digital society, where everyone has opportunities to pursue digital careers and create with technology, digital making, AI, and coding education. CCA is providing invaluable opportunities for children and young people to develop essential coding and digital skills.
Building a strong foundation in coding
CCA offers a range of programs designed to introduce young learners to the world of coding. Through engaging and interactive sessions, children learn the basics of programming languages such as Scratch, Python, and HTML/CSS. These foundational skills are not only fun to learn but also serve as the building blocks for more advanced technological education.
Enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking
Coding is much more than just writing lines of code; it’s about solving problems and thinking critically. Our activities encourage students to approach challenges methodically, breaking down complex problems into manageable parts. This problem-solving mindset is a valuable asset in any career, fostering analytical thinking and resilience.
Fostering creativity and innovation
One of the most exciting aspects of learning to code is the ability to create something from scratch. Whether it’s designing a game, building a website, or developing an app, we nurture creativity and innovation. These skills are highly sought after in the modern job market, where employers value people who can think outside the box and bring fresh ideas to the table.
Promoting collboration and teamwork
Many of CCA’s projects are designed to be collaborative, encouraging students to work together to achieve common goals. This teamwork experience is crucial in preparing young people for the collaborative nature of most modern workplaces. Learning to communicate effectively, share responsibilities, and support one another are key skills that will benefit them in any career path they choose.
Preparing for future careers
The skills gained through our programs are directly applicable to a wide range of future careers. As technology continues to permeate every industry, the demand for tech-savvy professionals is on the rise. By learning to code, young people are opening doors to careers in software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and more. Even in non-technical fields, the ability to understand and leverage technology is a significant advantage.
Code Club Australia paving the way
Code Club Australia is playing a pivotal role in preparing the next generation for the future job market. By providing young people with the skills they need to succeed in a digital world, we’re not only enhancing individual career prospects but also contributing to the broader goal of building a skilled and innovative workforce for Australia. The skills learned at Code Club are more than just technical abilities; they are life skills that will serve young people well in whatever career they choose to pursue.
