Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network held an Information Computer Technologies Day at Rochester Secondary College on Wednesday, November 27.
Students from Echuca College, Cohuna Secondary College, Rushworth P-12 College and Rochester Secondary College participated in a series of ICT-focused workshops across the day.
Kyabram-based business Advance Computing, La Trobe University Bendigo, Goulburn-Murray Water, Melbourne’s Academy of Interactive Entertainment and The Brainery joined from Geelong to run the activities.
Workshops included coding, gaming, programming, drone technology and cybersecurity.
CCLLEN school to work co-ordinator Jacq Campbell said the organisation identified a gap in the ICT field for local students, sparking the idea to host a day of workshops.
“Students get to interact with the workshop presenters and get real-time information from people who work in the industry,” she said.
“The whole premise is to give those students who have got that interest and that connection that real-time look.
“Most students, we find, who are into gaming or coding, are doing that in their own time, but to be able to connect with a business that is doing it live is great.”
Rochester Secondary College student Blake Kyne has an interest in ICT, including as a career path, and enjoyed the variety of activities on offer.
“They’re more my style,” he said.
“There’s stuff I already know about, but I am learning a fair bit along the way.
“This is something I would heavily consider for work.”
Ms Campbell emphasised the social value of these events, connecting students from across the region with similar interests.
She also thanked Rochester Secondary College for providing the space and catering for the attendees.
“It’s always great to create that,” she said.
“We really love doing that across our region with our schools.
“Rochester Secondary College so graciously hosted ... it’s been a really nice Rochy interactive day.”