Australia’s brightest young minds now have a unique opportunity to hone their craft at a landmark Cyber Academy, which aims to bolster the nation’s cyber security workforce and help combat the growing threat of online attacks.
People can now register their interest in the new Cyber Academy, which is a partnership between the University of Wollongong (UOW), a British multinational professional services company, TAFE NSW and Swinburne University of Technology.
The Minister for Skills and Training stated that the new academy would fast track 1,200 careers in the rapidly growing cyber security sector through a blended three-year ‘earn as you learn’ program. He noted that the collaboration harnesses world-leading expertise to ensure a pipeline of highly skilled graduates can hit the ground running and provide vital protection for the economy in the cyber sector, “This innovative, Australian-first program is a fantastic example of education providers and industry leaders coming together to solve a pressing issue for our communities.”
This program, with seed funding provided by the NSW Government under its NSW Higher Education Strategy, will see trainees employed by the professional services company, an NSW Government department or an industry partner while undertaking online training coupled with face-to-face learning for three years.
Graduates will emerge with a Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) from TAFE NSW and a Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) from UOW. Swinburne University will deliver places in Victoria.
According to a report by The Data Institute, Australia can expect demand for at least 17,600 additional professionals in the sector by 2026. UOW’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student life) noted that the Academy will pave the way for a new generation of cyber security professionals. The University is proudly rolling out this program that will help address this critical cyber skills shortage and contribute to this vital area of Australian resilience and security.
Meanwhile, the Risk Advisory Managing Partner at the professional services company’s Australia branch said the first-of-its-kind program would combine nationally recognised qualifications with on-the-job training and mentorship. He noted that the risks of more complex and sophisticated cyberattacks are clear and the best and the brightest are needed working in cyber to help protect Australians and Australian businesses.
The Swinburne Vice-Chancellor noted that this program embodies Swinburne’s commitment to being the prototype of a new and different university for the 21st century. As a dual-sector institution that is committed to helping its learners succeed in a tech-rich future, Swinburne is delighted to be providing students with this innovative education and employment opportunity, she said.
The Cybersecurity Market was valued at US$217.87 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow from US$240.27 billion in 2022 to US$345.38 billion by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.5% during the years 2022-2026. The major factors that are fuelling the cybersecurity market include the rising frequency and sophistication of target-based cyber-attacks, increasing demand for the cybersecurity mesh, and growing demand for cyber-savvy boards.
The growth of the market can be attributed to the growing sophistication of cyber-attacks. The frequency and intensity of cyber scams and crimes have increased over the last decade, resulting in huge losses for businesses. As cybercrimes have increased significantly, businesses across the globe are channelling their spending on advanced information security technologies to strengthen their in-house security infrastructures.
