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The Australian Federal Police is partnering with social enterprise Untapped Talent to give four trainees hands-on cyber security experience.
The Australian Federal Police has launched a new cyber security traineeship program called the AFP Genius Armory Program with recruitment and workforce development firm Untapped Talent.
The program – funded by AustCyber and the federal government – is aimed at attracting neurodiverse individuals into a career in law enforcement by offering hands-on training and mentoring through a six-month program.
Four trainees (pictured) between the ages of 19 and 41 were chosen from a pool of 16 applicants, with two moving to Canberra to take advantage of the opportunity.
The four began training with the AFP’s Dandelion Program Team, a neurodivergent-focused recruitment program, in June this year, and they have now begun working with the agency’s cyber security and risk branch on 2 September.
AFP Dandelion Program member Marcus Gellel said he was grateful to be able to work on the program.
“It is a good experience to be able to help guide others through the same process I went through and knowing it would be a smoother experience with someone to provide the level of familiarity and guidance that we can give to them,” Gellel said in a statement.
Maggie O’Connell, also in the Dandelion team, said she was looking forward to returning the favour of the support she received when she first joined the team.
“Having a mentor to help me settle into my position made such a huge impact on my life, and knowing that I’ve been given the opportunity to give someone else that helping hand is great,” O’Connell said.
AFP chief information security officer Jamie King said the AFP is committed to the program.
“The Genius Armory Program is another opportunity for neurodivergent individuals to explore careers with the AFP while being offered instrumental support and care to develop and succeed in the workplace,” King said.
“Cyber security is a rewarding career path for members of the neurodivergent community, with many possessing an excellent memory, great attention to detail, and an inquisitive nature – all attributes beneficial to the cyber security industry.
“We hope, over the course of the six months, the trainees will learn, develop and enhance their cyber skills and knowledge to kickstart a future career in cyber security.”
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
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