When industry and educators meet: A tour of Orro cybersecurity by Queensland teachers
Highlights
On March 25th, educators from six different schools toured Orro Cybersecurity in Brisbane’s CBD, thanks to the ACS ICT ‘Gateway to Industry Schools’ project. Hosted by founder Scott Reid, who champions diversity and autistic workers, the tour included a look at the SOC, where threats are monitored. Teachers learned about industry pathways for their students. This is the first of many 2025 tours, as #ICTGISP is supported by the Queensland Government. Huge thanks to Orro and the dedicated teachers!
Pictured: ICT GISP Project Manager Jonathan Nalder, Mansfield State High School ICT Teachers Sean Bofinger, Lachlan Stewart, Mark Redhead.
March 25th saw an amazing meetup of Industry experts and Educators as the ACS facilitated ICT ‘Gateway to Industry Schools’ project (ICT GISP) took a tour to Orro cybersecurity, in Brisbane’s CBD. Six different schools were represented, ranging from State High Schools, to Independent and private and to alternate education.
Orro is one of Australia’s best-known technology partners, and our group was hosted by senior leader and shareholder Scott Reid, who founded RIoT Solutions – now part of the Orro Group – and has also led divisions for global companies like Dell and Cisco. Scott was the perfect host, bringing a unique perspective as a former special needs teacher and passionate advocate for workplace diversity, particularly the value that neurodivergent individuals, including autistic workers, bring to teams.
Scott inspired our attendees with his own story of getting a start in the industry — not by first gaining formal qualifications, but through a timely nudge from a video store software installer who recognised his potential. We were also ably hosted by Stuart Myerscough from the Orro team, who will be facilitating follow-up connections for the educators.
Teachers toured Orro’s Brisbane facilities, including a behind-the-scenes look at the Security Operations Centre (SOC), where cyber threats are actively monitored and responded to in real time. They also spoke with staff and engaged in discussions with Scott about the many pathways available to help students move successfully into the industry.
Scott Reid commented on the importance of industry-education initiatives like ICT GISP, saying: “We’re proud to support programs like this that help bridge the gap between education and real-world industry.
It’s particularly important to inspire the next generation of ICT professionals — especially young women, who remain underrepresented in the sector. The more we can show students what’s possible, the better equipped they’ll be to find their place in the industry.”
The ICT GISP is one of twelve gateway programs proudly supported by the Queensland Government. This tour to Orro was the first of many happening across the state in 2025, with more to come to Holographics, Game Development, Software and Power Station locations.
Huge thanks to Orro for their support of Education, and to the teachers for giving up their afternoons. It was great to see new connections being made, and student visits to Orro being planned by the end of the event.
Written by Jonathan Nalder - ICT GISP Program Manager