Using the tag line "technology skills increase your career options," the clip shows young people doing a variety of jobs, some of which are not automatically associated with IT such as a nurse and a park ranger. Apart from showing the relevance of information technology studies to a range of careers, the ad also works against sex stereotypes.
"The Bracks Government was particularly keen to address the perception that careers requiring technology skills were male-dominated. With this in mind, we undertook a unique research project to better understand young people's attitudes to technology skills," said Minister for State and Regional Development, John Brumby, referring to the Reality Bytes report that was released in February. "One of our most disturbing findings was that young girls thought females need not apply for jobs in the information technology industry," he added
Other aspects of the campaign include information kits for careers co-ordinators and a series of guest speakers explaining to secondary students how IT skills have helped their careers in various industries.
The video clip and other resources can be found online at www.mmv.vic.gov.au/newrealities.
