Established in 2020, Yirigaa Academy is dedicated to forging pathways into IT careers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. With a focus on high-demand IT fields such as cyber security, data science, and networking, the academy is more than a training ground—it’s a launchpad for promising careers, empowering students to become tech professionals and cultural ambassadors within the industry.

Yirigaa Academy aspires to empower the world’s oldest continuing cultures by promoting cultural inclusion and driving innovation. Our aim is to transform the understanding of the profound relationship that First Nations people have with their country, achieved by sharing knowledge through education and providing straightforward IT solutions. These efforts are designed to benefit all Australians, fostering positive impacts on life choices, innovation, education, and equity through knowledge transfer.

Why choose Yirigaa Academy? Because here, education goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. Our programs are designed to nurture your potential, respect your heritage, and prepare you for a fulfilling career in technology. Join us at Yirigaa Academy, where your future in IT begins with respect for your past and support for your ambitions.

Yirigaa Academy Programs

Explore our programs designed to empower you with the skills needed for a successful IT career, each carefully designed to respect and integrate First Nations cultural and heritage.

University & Community Partnerships

University Partnerships
Yirigaa Academy proudly collaborates with leading Australian universities to ensure the highest standard of education and accreditation for our programs. Our esteemed university partners include:

  • Macquarie University
  • Charles Sturt University
  • Newcastle University

 

These partnerships enable us to seamlessly integrate our specialised IT programs into university IT Bachelor’s and Master’s degree curricula, providing our students with recognised qualifications that support both academic and career advancement.

Community Outreach and Engagement
At the heart of Yirigaa Academy’s mission is a deep commitment to community engagement, which plays a critical role in enriching our educational programs. Through active outreach, we connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure that our curriculum not only meets the technical standards of the IT industry but also resonates with and respects the cultural values of our students.

Our community partnerships help to tailor our training programs to address specific community needs and challenges, thereby enhancing their relevance and impact. These collaborations ensure that our students receive a well-rounded education that equips them to serve as both skilled IT professionals and effective cultural ambassadors.

By fostering strong relationships with both educational institutions and community groups, Yirigaa Academy ensures that our students are uniquely positioned to succeed and lead in their chosen fields, empowered by a robust support system and a culturally rich educational environment.

Key Benefits of Our Certifications

  • Industry Recognition: Each certification you achieve through the Yirigaa Academy is highly regarded by employers and professionals in the IT sector, ensuring that your credentials are aligned with industry standards.
  • Career Advancement: Professional certifications open up more career opportunities, providing a clear pathway to advancement and higher salary prospects in specialised areas of IT.
  • Skill Validation: Certifications serve as an official endorsement of your technical skills and knowledge, giving you a competitive edge in job applications and performance evaluations.

 

These certifications are not just testaments to your ability; they are tools that empower you to navigate the challenges of the IT landscape confidently and competently. Whether you are starting your career or looking to advance to higher roles, our certifications prepare you to excel and lead in your chosen field.

Key Academy Contacts

At Yirigaa Academy, we ensure that our prospective students and partners have direct access to the necessary contacts for seamless communication regarding our programs, enrollment, and partnerships.

Community Engagement Contact
For inquiries related to student enrollment into the Yirigaa Academy programs and details on community initiatives:

Mindal Mundine – Director, Indigenous Strategy & Engagement

Academy University Contact
For information regarding university credentialisation of our programs and academic partnerships:

Stephen Elbourn – Director

Application Form

Are you interested in advancing your IT career with Yirigaa Academy? Fill out our application form to learn more about our specialised programs tailored to your interests and career goals. Our team is ready to assist you with detailed information about course offerings, enrollment processes, and how you can benefit from our culturally integrated educational approach. Your future in technology starts here!

Your privacy is of utmost importance to us. Rest assured that any data you provide is handled with the utmost confidentiality and will never be used for unsolicited communications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yirigaa Academy offers specialised programs in Data Science, Cyber Security, Data Networking and Automation, and IT Helpdesk. Each program includes industry-led training and an immersive work-integrated learning project.

Our courses typically run for 13 weeks. The first 4 weeks consist of intensive online training, followed by an 8-week immersive project that applies what you’ve learned in a real-world setting.

Yes, our programs are recognised and respected in the industry. We partner with well-known universities like Macquarie University, Charles Sturt University, and Newcastle University to ensure our curriculum is aligned with current industry standards.

While our mission focuses on empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, our programs are inclusive and open to all individuals who meet the program criteria.

We provide comprehensive support throughout your study, including access to tutors, career counselling, and assistance with job placement after graduation.