Students to showcase skills at CDU’s IT Code Fair

The technological talents of Charles Darwin University (CDU) students will be on display today at the annual CDU IT Code Fair. 

The IT Code Fair, founded in 2014 by CDU’s College of Engineering, IT and Environment, showcases the work of students to the University and the industry through a series of challenges and competitions.

CDU students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training (VET), Bachelor or Master degrees in IT or related courses from any state are eligible to participate in the four-day event, which began on Monday.

Tertiary students can test their knowledge in the Cyber Security, Business Innovation, Digital Territory or Data Science challenges, or flex their skills in the Coding, Poster or Research competitions.

Primary and secondary school students can also participate in events, including in the Junior Minecraft Innovation Challenge and the Braccio robotic arm workshop.  

CDU Master of Information System and Data Science student and IT Code Fair 2022 Ambassador Kenny Nguyen said the event is an invaluable opportunity not to be missed by students.

“The booming event this year promises to bring more opportunities for me and other students to contribute our skillsets, talents and innovation to help local businesses and the NT Government address as many outstanding problems and real requirements as possible,” Mr Nguyen said.

“It’s particularly an excellent place for all undergraduates and postgraduates inside and outside the NT to engage in lots of competitions, challenges and networking.”

Code Fair Ambassador Sonal Pereira, who recently graduated from CDU with a Master’s in Software Engineering, said the event had a significant impact on her life after her studies.

“The CDU IT Code Fair has provided me, and a lot of other students like me with a solid platform for a smooth transition from academic life to building a career in IT, by introducing us to a lot of reputed IT companies in and around Darwin,” Ms Pereira said.

“The events organised by the CDU IT Code Fair such as coding competition, cyber security challenge, speed dating and various others have helped me to be successful in my job-hunting process.”

The event at the DoubleTree by Hilton on the Esplanade in Darwin City features informative workshops on preparing for a career in the IT industry, keynote speeches and a panel discussion with past Code Fair entrants. 

More than 75 prizes and awards can be won, with the IT Code Fair Awards to be presented by Department of Corporate and Digital Development acting Chief Executive Chris Hosking.

Code Fair winners across different categories will have the opportunity to compete for the NT Digital Excellence Award, hosted every two years by the NT Government.

The Code Fair will end with the highly anticipated employee speed dating, where final year IT students can connect with prospective employers from local and interstate companies.

CDU College of Engineering, IT and Environment Dean Professor David Young said the event is a chance for industry representatives to explore cutting-edge projects, and for students to network.

“The CDU IT Code Fair empowers students to showcase their skills, find meaningful employment and make connections in the industry locally and interstate,” Professor Young said.

“The Northern Territory is abundant with bright minds with the skills to address real-world problems and create technology of the future. It’s through events such as the CDU IT Code Fair where we can discover and grow these talents.”

Minister for Corporate and Digital Development Ngaree Ah Kit said the Code Fair plays an integral role in the Northern Territory’s IT space.

“The IT Code Fair is a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their ability to solve real world business problems that affect our community and everyday lives,” Minister Ah Kit said.

“Having prospective employers in attendance is a great way to ensure our talented Territory students are retained here and become part of our workforce.

“Innovative digital solutions, like those on display, are an integral component of our ability to grow the Northern Territory’s economy to $40 billion by 2030.”

For more information on the CDU IT Code Fair visit here.