FREIGHT technology company WiseTech and not-for-profit organisation KIK Innovation are working together to help school kids learn coding skills.
The concept involves an $8.7 million sponsorship over three years via the Grok Academy online learning platform and is free for schools, teachers and students across Australia and New Zealand.
Grok Academy, acquired by KIK Innovation in November 2024, is a gamified learning platform that aims to support students as they build knowledge and confidence in coding, digital technologies and digital literacy.
It also aims to equip teachers with classroom resources that make learning digital technologies enjoyable.
KIK Innovation founder and chief executive and new head of education at WiseTech Global, Louise Nobes, said the support from WiseTech Global marked a major milestone in their mission to remove barriers to education and opportunity for young people.
“Close collaboration with industry is essential for social impact organisations to deliver truly meaningful outcomes,” Ms Nobes said.
“WiseTech is a major tech employer who shares KIK’s focus on early engagement in schools as a pathway to drive more interest and job-ready skills for tech careers.”
WiseTech Global chief executive Zubin Appoo said they were “proud to support KIK Innovation to help more students across Australia and New Zealand learn coding and technology skills.
“Introducing students to the creative world of coding in a fun and enjoyable way will help spark an interest in further learning and career choices,” Mr Appoo said.
“This early engagement breaks down stereotypes and cultural perceptions of what career a student can pursue, exposing them to opportunities their families and communities might not consider.”
Mr Appoo said WiseTech’s education initiatives applied this thinking to boost Australia’s technology talent pipeline.
“We support education programs that help equip the next generation with the skills they will need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world of work,” he said.
“Working with KIK Innovation, we aim to make long term and real positive impact by helping to build Australia’s pipeline of future technologists.”