Victoria is leading the push to implement a national training model to give Australians the skills they need to secure jobs as cyber security experts, filling critical shortages in the banking, telecommunications and defence industries.
Thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government, 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 Labor Government invested $4.7 million from the $50 million TAFE Back to Work Fund to support Box Hill to develop its cyber security qualifications.
Box Hill has worked with industry to develop Australia’s first dedicated vocational qualifications in cyber security, 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 nation-wide to provide on-the-job experience for students and address the national skills shortage in cyber security.
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 cyber security 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 cyber security – 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.
Cyber security 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.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“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.”
“Thanks to a government that is getting it done and supporting TAFE, it’s no surprise other states are looking to us on how to deliver high quality, industry aligned training that leads to well paid, rewarding jobs.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy Philip Dalidakis
“Victoria is leading Australia when it comes to cyber security – we’re attracting more investment so Victorians are protected from cybercrime and winning a larger share of the booming global cyber security sector.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020