Cybersecurity skills shortage to be rectified

A shortage in national cybersecurity skills has led the Victorian Government to push for a national training model.

This would equip Australians with the skills they need to secure jobs as cybersecurity experts, filling critical shortages within industries such as banking, telecommunications and defence.

With state government support, Box Hill Institute has spearheaded the development of the Cyber Security National Program as it prepares to roll out its new Advanced Diploma in Cyber Security.

The government invested $4.7 million from the $50 million TAFE Back to Work Fund to support Box Hill to develop its cybersecurity qualifications.

“As more and more Victorians use the internet to do their banking and shopping, it’s vital we have job-ready graduates to fight the increasing threat of cybercrime,” said Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney.

Box Hill has worked with industry to develop Australia’s first dedicated vocational qualifications in cybersecurity, a Certificate IV in Cyber Security, as well as the Advanced Diploma in Cyber Security.

Led by Victorian TAFEs in partnership with TAFEs from every state and the Australian Capital Territory, the program will deliver common qualifications across the country based on courses developed at Box Hill.

Commencing in Term 1 2018, the Cyber Security National Program will partner with industry nationwide to provide on-the-job experience for students and address the national skills shortage in cybersecurity.

The program will give students access to accredited training provided by qualified teachers and trainers so they can get a job and help protect Australians online.

The state TAFEs will also lobby the federal government to fund a national cybersecurity internship program and participating TAFEs will form local industry reference groups to ensure delivery is meeting industry needs.

Victoria is the Asia–Pacific’s centre for cybersecurity — the Data61 Cyber Security and Innovation Hub opened in Docklands in 2016 and is on track to create 140 specialist jobs, including positions for PhD students.

Cybersecurity graduates are vital in the growing fight against cybercrime, which affected almost half of small and medium Australian businesses in 2015 and costs the nation’s economy about $17 billion a year.

Image credit: ©duncanandison/Dollar Photo Club

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook