Other participants have signaled they will be demonstrating leading edge technologies in security, space, medical robotics, artificial intelligence, animation, entertainment and fashion, in a bid to open young people's eyes to the wide range of career possibilities ICT can offer.

The career portal on the ACS Web site will also be re-branded with the Start Here Go Anywhere logo, and will serve as a resource for participants. TAFEs and universities are also being asked to complement their Web sites with information on the careers week.

Making young people realise that a career in ICT can be, but is not exclusively, mathematics and science based, is a key aim of the initiative.

I make the assertion that ICT is probably going to be the industry that solves it [Global Warming]

"Take something like fashion; ICT just in fashion goes from design work on computers, laser cutting and stitching on computers, right down to the catwalks that are all computer driven. The thing about ICT is it's in all walks of life, across everything," Hedley said.

"But we're interested in the bigger issues as well. There is a lot that ICT can offer to the global warming problem; new techniques coming out with energy management, emissions monitoring, the carbon trading system is basically run on computing. I make the assertion that ICT is probably going to be the industry that solves it," he said.

ICT's above average financial rewards are also expected to be a draw card for young school leavers.

"Working in ICT pays well: new ICT graduates can expect to earn up to $62,000 a year as a starting salary. ICT provides rewarding and dynamic career opportunities and advancement in many of Australia's economic, community and social aspirations into the future," said Penny Coulter, chair of the Careers Week steering committee.

In a statement released today, new AIIA CEO Ian Birks echoed Hedley's belief that a career in ICT can open many doors.

"National ICT Careers Week is about getting young people, their parents and their teachers excited about what ICT study and work has to offer. Many people would be surprised at where an ICT qualification can take them - it is like a passport to the world," Birks said.

As of 30 June 2005, there were 274,132 people employed in Australia's ICT industries. $50 million worth of ICT jobs are expected to be created over the next 12 to 18 months, translating into 10,000 new ICT jobs available each year.