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��ҹ������վ’s School of IT is tackling one of the technology sectors’ biggest challenges, increasing the number of women in the workforce.

Women currently make up just 30% of the Australian technology workforce, compared with 44% across the broader professional workforce.

Building on the success of last year’s event, the School of IT hosted their second iteration of CodeCrush, an inspiring initiative designed to ignite passion for technology and empower young women to become future leaders in the digital world.

Last week, 30 female students in Years 8 and 9 from across WA, alongside their teachers took part in CodeCrush 2026, a three-day immersive program held from 3-6 June.

Students participated in a series of hands-on workshops, expert talks, panel discussions and industry site visits, gaining insight into real-world applications of STEM, including coding, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, mining technology, and software development.

Young tech enthusiasts connected with inspiring female role models, such as WA Young Australian of the Year 2024 and founder of She Codes Australia, Kate Kirwin, who delivered her beginner friendly coding workshop, Coding is a Piece of Cake, where students explored coding principles through the creative lens of following a cupcake recipe.

Participants also engaged directly with major employers, visiting Immersive Technologies, where they experienced mining simulation technology, and Bankwest headquarters, where they were introduced to corporate technology career pathways.

Another highlight was a hands-on workshop led by Squadrone, which gave insight into how drones are used in real-world industries. Students practised flying drones in a simulator before using block coding to program their own flight missions.

The session culminated in a live drone light show on campus at the Kim Beazley Lecture Theatre, where multiple drones performed a coordinated, automated display, bringing coding to life in a dynamic visual demonstration.

CodeCrush Program Coordinator, Associate Professor Polychronis Koutsakis said the event was an outstanding success.

“Through hands-on workshops, real-world industry experiences and meaningful conversations with leading academics and professionals, students were able to see how technology connects to real careers and global challenges,” Associate Professor Koutsakis said.

Initiatives like CodeCrush are critical in inspiring the next generation of young women to pursue studies and careers in technology, and to build the confidence and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.