New findings in a survey conducted for Canon Oceania reveal that 49 per cent of Australians may have taken a different career path had there been better access to visual technology during their education. The figure is likely to be higher for those living in remote regions of Australia who are effectively excluded from certain career pathways because of a lack of access to technology, equipment and information.
The survey also revealed that close to 89 percent of Australians recognise the impact that access to visual technology can have on a student's future career prospects.
In response to these findings, the 2024 Canon Oceania Grants Program aims to bridge the gap in visual technology access by providing organisations with the tools and support they need to empower students to explore diverse career pathways in fields such as media, design, and the creative arts.
For the first time in the 18 years since Canon Oceania has run their grants program, a $5,000 First Nations Grant category has been introduced, made up of $2,500 cash and $2,500 worth of Canon equipment that could include cameras, lenses, printers and other accessories.
Applications are open to organisations and projects that can demonstrate a positive impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and/or community.
The overall grants program, valued at $40,000, will also support community organisations across Education, Community, and Environment categories.
The grants program was launched alongside research conducted in May 2024 that shows a lack of access to technology could be holding Australians back from major career and life opportunities.
The survey of 1,000 Australians showed nearly half of all respondents, including 65 per cent of Gen Z participants, state they may have chosen a different career path for themselves if they'd had greater access to technology in schools, including opportunities like media, design, creative arts, and photojournalism.
Canon Oceania managing director Kotaro Fukushima said that improving access to technology was a core goal of the 2024 Grants Program.
"The Canon Oceania Grants Program is guided by our Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good," he said.
"Putting these values into practice means helping more Australians have access to technology that allows them to tell their stories, connect with each other and develop valuable skills."
Submissions are open online and close on 28 July, with a public vote on finalists in August and winners announced in September.