Through a 17-year partnership with Australian Business & Community Network (ABCN)1, PwC Australia has been able to connect its skilled workforce with students from low socio-economic backgrounds. This collaboration contributes to workplace-based mentoring programs which are designed to foster vital skills as well as build confidence, leadership, resilience and aspirations. ABCN’s efforts are primarily directed towards schools in low socio-economic areas as students from these institutions often face significantly more challenges related to education and employment outcomes compared to their peers from more privileged backgrounds.
In the fiscal year 2023, approximately 240 of PwC Australia’s people volunteered their time to support and mentor ABCN programs. This effort allowed ABCN to extend their reach to over 500 young people across 24 schools.
The program presents a valuable opportunity for PwC staff to use Social Impact time for impact. By drawing on their personal journeys and career experiences, they can help pave the way for future opportunities and career paths for the upcoming generation of Australians.
“The ABCN program provides an opportunity for us to learn about the minds of the future of this country. Apart from that, it gives you a sense of achievement to witness the growth of these students over the program. I think, in life, there is always something to learn from everyone, and there is a lot to learn from these students.”
In March 2023, ABCN’s inaugural Digital Careers Expo in Sydney was attended by more than 200 students.
“The Tech Council of Australia reports that 45% of students in Australia say they did not learn enough about digital skills in high school and 63% of young people would be more likely to consider a tech career if they knew more about.”
The primary objective of the Expo was to provide students with a clear understanding of the potential paths a digital career could take across various industries. It aimed to demonstrate that irrespective of one’s background, pursuing a digital career is a viable option. The students were given the opportunity to visit between three to four companies, where they could interact with and learn from professionals working in a digital roles.
Over the course of two sessions, PwC Australia’s people engaged in speed mentoring and showcased a series of interactive stations to the students. These stations included an AI demonstration, a cybersecurity escape room, a virtual reality activity, an automation demonstration and activities related to social media safety. The atmosphere was charged with unparalleled energy and enthusiasm. The feedback received, along with the results of the student evaluation surveys, underscored the profound impact that PwC Australia’s team had on the students’ experience.
“I have been taught that technology is changing the world, making me realise that I want to influence and become part of this change.”
“This has been such an invaluable, immersive, industry-based experience! The students have walked away with so much more digital career-based knowledge. And the diverse mentors made it that much more unique, expressing that anything is possible.. just be willing to be curious and keep on learning.”
