An Adelaide coding school is helping Indigenous students crack the tech sector

Defence SA intern and Aeronautical Engineering student Justyce Manton came across tuition-free coding school 42 Adelaide through her professional mentor, who suggested it would complement her skill set.

Little did she know at the time, her world was about to be opened to a new world of education, relationships, and cultural development.

“42 Adelaide provides a multicultural community of like-minded people. It has expanded my knowledge, confidence and sense of community,” says Justyce.

Justyce is one of four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students currently studying at 42 Adelaide’s CBD campus and speaks highly of the opportunities it brings to people of all cultural backgrounds.

“The fact that the opportunity is financially-free and based on ability and commitment, enables more Indigenous students to take part more readily.”

42 Adelaide has always been focused on inclusivity and the opportunity for education for all, and the upcoming Reconciliation Week serves as an important reminder of the school’s philosophy of unlocking people’s potential, from all walks of life.

Since the inception of the Adelaide campus in 2021, the school has implemented several initiatives that have helped to see more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders like Justyce given the opportunity to not only study and work, but have access to other services, such as free childcare.

42 Adelaide is located on Kaurna Country, the Adelaide Plains, surrounded by other First Nations including Ngarrindjeri, Peramangk, Narrunga, Adnyamathanha, and Anangu.

Louise Nobes, CEO of KIK Innovation has highlighted the importance of removing barriers to education for young people: “We believe there are solutions to unlocking the potential in everyone and at 42 Adelaide, we will continue to work tirelessly to do our part.

“We’re dedicated to ensuring there is access to education and employment for all.”

When developing 42 Adelaide, Louise and her team worked with Nicole Gollan, Ngarrindjeri woman and founder of Nik&Co. Her consultation helped to develop and implement a Reconciliation Framework prior to launching the school.

Thoughtful steps taken at the inception stage ensured considerations of cultural inclusivity, demonstrating commitment to reconciliation.

As a result, the school is incredibly proud of its prominently placed Acknowledgement of Country (officially endorsed by Senior Kaurna woman, Aunty Susan Dixon), Reconciliation Vision Statement (officially endorsed by Ngarrindjeri Elders, Malcolm and Sharon) and local commissioned artwork by local emerging Ngarrindjeri and Narungga artist, Jamaya Branson.

Justyce continues to be an advocate for the innovative learning on offer at 42 Adelaide, and has offered her advice: “Be prepared to commit to the work and accept assistance from your peers and you will forge good relationships, skills and insight into your future career path.”

This year’s Reconciliation Week theme of “Be Brave. Make Change.” serves as an important challenge to all Australians to tackle the unfinished businesses of reconciliation, so we can make change for the benefit of all Australians.

Australian Aboriginal Lands were never ceded, and 42 Adelaide intends to continue to pay respect to First Nations people by acknowledging past, present and future aspects of culture.