Future Techie Award Sees Helimods Continue Their Support for Boosting ICT Careers

The ICT Gateway to Industry Schools project facilitated by ACS encourages partnerships between industry, government, schools and their communities to build Queensland's future information technology workforce. In a latest example of how the project helps address the shortfall of ICT talent in the state, James, a year 11 student from Caloundra State High, has been awarded his school’s ‘ICT GISP Future Techie’ Award for 2025.

James is currently studying Digital Solutions and was the school’s top Year 10 Digital Student in 2024. He also loves exploring related fields in Engineering, Mechatronics, 3D modelling and CNC while working at a Metal Fabrication business.

Each Future Techie Awardee also receives a year’s access to Zenva Academy, and a mentoring session that assists students to see how their skills can combine for a successful future. Sunshine Coast business Helimods, who have long supported dynamic school to career pathways, was happy to provide the perfect location for James’s session. Helimods was founded in 2002 by Will Shrapnel and has grown to become a leading enterprise, with world-renowned, vertically-integrated capability in advanced digital design, engineering, manufacturing, certification and support of aircraft systems from their hangar’s at Caloundra Aerodrome. Operating at the intersection of aerospace, digital engineering, advanced manufacturing, and IT, Helimods environment empowers young people to build future-ready skills in a truly cutting-edge environment. Learn more at https://www.helimods.com/.

James reported that it was a fantastic experience that immediately helped guide planning for his future. “Seeing the structure of a company as big as Helimods gave me more insight and context as to what my future pathway could be. Holly was excellent at answering questions, clearly explaining each role of the company, and giving valuable insight into every process of the business.”

Huge thanks to Teacher Gin Shaske at Caloundra State High for her encouragement of James, and to Holly and Grace at Helimods for supporting this session for James and continuing Helimods nurturing of the next generation of innovators by providing hands-on experiences and real-world learning opportunities.

This ICT GISP project is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government. It is facilitated by the Australian Computer Society. Learn more at https://qldictgisp.acs.org.au.