Lochlan Bertolotti has a drive to learn.
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The Coodanup College student has never been one to fit the mould, preferring to think outside the box to create and discover new ideas.
While he was recovering from leg injuries and a broken hip, he discovered a new hobby - coding.
Lochlan's mum Heather Wallace explained that his hobby had opened up entirely new avenues for him.
"While he was sitting and mending, he got more into coding, cyber, graphics and video - he started livestreaming his games," Ms Wallace said.
When Ms Wallace saw an article in the Mail about Cyber Saturdays, a program hosted by Innovations Institute and sponsored by the City of Mandurah, she knew it would be perfect for Lochlan's newly-found interest in all things cyber.
The program focused on teaching kids about cyber security both as a field of study/work and providing an informative lesson on staying safe online.
Lochlan signed up to take part in the nine-week-course, and his mum said the skills he learned were invaluable.
"Lochy has a passion for everything technology - he put in nine weeks of his time every Saturday from 9.30-12.30 learning all about cyber security, risk management, hacking and protection."
The final project of the course was to create a two minute video promoting jobs in cyber security, and at just 12-years-old, being the second youngest participant in the program, Lochlan's video won the first place prize.
"Lochlan was so excited," Ms Wallace said.
"He won a JB HiFi voucher and was asked to do a live podcast after the presentations on brighter minds."
What made the experience even more special was the response Lochlan received from the team at the Innovations Institute - who said they saw great promise in him.
"Lochlan has been personally invited back next year to participate in Cyber 2.0, the computing dojo, and was told they were so impressed with him that they could honestly see him joining their team in the future.
"His video could become part of the national TV campaign promoting cyber security."
Ms Wallace added that she was so proud of Lochlan, and glad he was able to take part in such an important learning experience.
"A lot of work and personal time was given up to give our kids this opportunity. Innovations Institute, Paul Litkin and team did an amazing job with this talented group of kids."
For more information on Cyber Saturdays, email info@innovationinstitute.com.au
Samantha Ferguson
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
