Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has partnered with Baidam Solutions, a 100% Australian owned and operated First Nations information technology business, to help foster the growth of Indigenous young Australians pursuing careers in cyber security.
To celebrate the official commencement of this partnership, representatives from FCTG’s Corporate Travel brands FCM Travel Solutions, Corporate Traveller, Stage and Screen and cievents hosted a morning tea at FCTG’s Global Headquarters in South Brisbane, complete with a red ochre signing ceremony.
James Kavanagh, FCTG’s Managing Director of Corporate Brands in Australia, said this was a proud moment for everyone involved. “Baidam is an incredible company that donates a significant amount of profits back onto the indigenous community, creating an employment pathway in IT through educational scholarships in cyber security training,” said James.
“We are excited about our partnership with Baidam and we’re thrilled at the opportunity to help foster the growth of some talented young professionals in a field that will future-proof their careers.”
To date, Baidam has helped six young Indigenous people finish their training; four of these are women, and all of them now have university degrees and work in the I.T sector.
The Baidam partnership is just one way FCTG is celebrating diversity and the main cultures that make up the FCTG family globally.
FCTG through its Brighter Futures Program, implements its corporate social responsibility commitments through the four pillars of Worldwise – delivering responsible travel; FCTG People – delivering positive diversity practices and egalitarianism; Flight Centre Foundation – delivering empowered giving; and Environmental Sustainability – delivering best practice in environmental protection.
FCTG is also contributing member of the United Nations Global Compact. The UNGC initiative was created to encourage businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies and practices.
“In Australia, specifically, we acknowledge the experiences of the Traditional Owners of Australian Lands and celebrate our rich traditions as we embrace The Reconciliation Action Plan. This partnership reaffirms in a very tangible way our commitment to Reconciliation and Acknowledgment of Country,” said James.
As part of FCTG’s Reconciliation Action Plan, FCTG recently launched an inaugural indigenous Creative Art Competition to showcase artwork and stories told by young Indigenous artists.
The winning artist stories will feature in FCTG’s Reconciliation Action Plan and showcased in FCTG’s head offices and shops throughout Australia. For the talented winning artists, they’ll spend a day with FCTG’s Creative Studio at FCTG’s Global HQ, including flights and accommodation for prize winners and their parents/guardians.
Photo: FCTG Group Chief Information Security Officer Daniella Pitts and Baidam CEO Phillip Jenkinson