Connecting Classrooms to Careers: ICT Gateway to Industry Schools Program Drives Digital Futures Across Queensland
The future of Queensland’s digital workforce is being shaped today through the ICT Gateway to Industry Schools Program (ICT GISP), an initiative connecting students, teachers and industry to real-world technology careers.
Delivered by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) with supported and funded by the Queensland Government’s Department of Trade, Employment and Training, the program continues to empower schools across the state to explore pathways in areas such as cybersecurity, robotics, Esports, simulation, and emerging technologies.
In 2025, ICT GISP has partnered with 51 schools, supported more than 80 schools and reached over 8,000 students through workshops, mentoring, industry events, and partnerships that bring the world of tech innovation into the classroom.
Building Future Pathways Through Industry Collaboration
Partnerships with leading technology companies continue to be the backbone of ICT GISP’s success, By working closely with over 80 businesses and industry partners, GISP is able to nurture a culture of innovation, collaboration and growth that supports the next generation of tech talent. For many of these organisations, their involvement with GISP is also their primary connection to ACS, creating a valuable pathway into the broader tech community.
This collective effort to strengthen STEM and ICT teaching resources and pathways is what truly sets the program apart and amplifies its impact. By giving students and teachers access to cutting-edge workplaces, these collaborations provide powerful insights into the skills and opportunities driving Queensland’s digital economy.
From Micromelon Robotics’ online robotics simulator and Gameloft Brisbane’s game development insights, to Cubic Defence Australia’s pioneering work in simulation training, ICT GISP partnerships are helping students imagine new futures in technology.
Our partnership with ACS and ICT GISP means thousands more students get the chance to use these tools and we are excited to see the program continue.” said Adam Stacey, Director of Micromelon Robotics.
Meanwhile, organisations like Go1 and Helimods have provided professional experiences that help students and teachers understand the diverse career possibilities within the ICT sector, from aerospace and defence to online learning and software development.
Esports: A New Frontier for Digital Learning
Esports has emerged as one of the program’s fastest-growing engagement areas. Through partnerships with the Valor Esports Platform, schools such as Forest Lake State High School, Woree State High School, and Hillcrest Christian College are using gaming to develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Teachers have praised the platform for helping students turn their passion for gaming into meaningful learning experiences. With Valor expanding its funded program to 10 ICT GISP schools in 2026, Esports is set to become an even stronger vehicle for student engagement and inclusion.
“Our students often lead the way, choosing their learning pathway, whether beginner or pro. It’s a wonderfully engaging platform that even provides reporting tools so we can easily track student progress.” said MJ Raatz, ICT teacher at Forest Lake SHS.
Inspiring Queensland’s Next Cyber Experts
Cybersecurity continues to be a major focus, with record student participation in the PECAN+ Cyber Challenge and the Australian Schools Cyber Challenge (ASCC) in 2025.
More than 550 Queensland students took part in PECAN+, hosted at TAFE Queensland campuses in Brisbane, Townsville, the Gold Coast and Toowoomba. Queensland teams achieved outstanding results, placing 2nd nationally in the beginner category and 3rd in advanced. Schools including Merrimac State High School, The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James, and Kelvin Grove State College continue to lead the way, with Merrimac SHS reaching the ASCC finals for the second consecutive year.
One of the volunteers from PECAN+ Cyber Challenge said her favourite part "was seeing the smiles on the students faces when they made it through a challenge or learnt something new."
Empowering Teachers to Inspire the Next Generation
Behind every student success is a teacher empowered with industry knowledge. ICT GISP continues to support professional learning for educators, connecting them with industry visits, workshops, and online resources that link curriculum to careers.
Through experiences like the Gameloft Brisbane teacher tours and Go1 workplace immersions, teachers gain a first-hand understanding of industry needs, ensuring students are learning the skills that matter most in tomorrow’s workforce.
Celebrating Student Success Across Queensland
From the Busy Schools network, which introduced alternative education students to ICT careers, to Saint Stephen’s College’s Girls in ICT Day that inspired more than 200 students to consider tech pathways, schools across Queensland are leading innovative initiatives that make technology learning exciting, inclusive, and accessible.
The Big Day In Brisbane event also welcomed more than 500 students from ICT GISP schools this year, providing a chance to hear directly from technology professionals and ACS Young Tech Ambassadors about their career journeys.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Impact in 2026
As the digital economy continues to evolve, ICT GISP remains focused on expanding opportunities for Queensland students. In 2026, the program aims to reach even more schools across regional areas including the Sunshine Coast and Far North Queensland, while deepening partnerships in Esports, simulation, and cybersecurity.
“The ICT Gateway to Industry Schools Program continues to demonstrate what’s possible when education and industry come together,” said Jonathan Nalder, manager of the GISP ICT program in ACS. “We’re seeing students from across Queensland discovering exciting, meaningful futures in technology and that’s exactly what this program is all about.”
About ICT GISP
The ICT Gateway to Industry Schools Program is an initiative of the Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training, delivered by the Australian Computer Society. It provides students and teachers with opportunities to connect with ICT professionals, explore career pathways, and build the digital capabilities that will shape Queensland’s future workforce.
Learn more at: qldictgisp.acs.org.au