Digital Tracks
Digital Tracks enhanced digital skills among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses through workshops, online resources, and mentorship, empowering participants to navigate technology and expand their market presence effectively.
About the project
Digital Tracks was a comprehensive technology training program developed and delivered on behalf of TAFE Queensland during 2018-19. The project's scope was specifically designed to enhance the digital skills and technology expertise of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. The initiative provided a robust framework for professional development through workshop intensives and face-to-face sessions, supported by an online knowledge bank of handouts and video training materials. The program aimed to bridge the digital divide and upskill business owners with digital literacy for the contemporary business landscape.
The challenge
The initiative addressed a critical need for improved digital literacy and readiness among Indigenous business owners, many of whom run micro-businesses that face significant barriers to accessing the digital tools needed to reach broader markets. This issue extended beyond basic connectivity to include gaps in understanding cybersecurity, managing Intellectual Property in a digital context, and navigating complex online management and marketing systems. This program sought to address the underrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in the digital economy.
The solution
The program was designed in sprints, via intensive face-to-face sessions that combined theoretical foundations with practical application. The team developed a specialised toolkit to allow participants to interact with modern hardware physically, while the curriculum backed up those experiences with topics spanning from digital security and search engine optimisation to phone photography, Canva design, and the use of artificial intelligence. Utilising a "mob by mob" training approach led by experienced Indigenous mentors and technologists, the program ensured cultural safety while demystifying these digital systems. A Digital Health Check served as a precursor to training, enabling individualised plans that addressed the specific business operations needs and digital confidence of each participant.
The results
The program successfully delivered over 18 workshops across five regions in South East Queensland, reaching more than 50 participants. Through this targeted engagement, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses improved their technology experience and gained the proficiency to manage their own digital brands and the online marketplace. Outcomes included the creation of pathways and the empowerment of micro-business owners to utilise innovative technologies to expand their current businesses and develop new markets. The program fostered long-term awareness of cybersecurity and Intellectual Property rights, enabling Indigenous enterprises to scale their operations while protecting their businesses and navigating the technology landscape more confidently.
Project services: learning, communication, creative
