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Deloitte is launching a new Cyber Academy program commencing in early 2023 alongside TAFE NSW, the University of Wollongong and Swinburne University of Technology to pave the way for a new generation of cyber security professionals.
Aiming on closing Australia's cyber security skills gap, Deloitte and their education partners have set up the new Cyber Academy program that is set for the "country's smartest, sharpest, job-ready cyber talent". The government co-designed the program and will involve a unique industry and education curriculum.
According to Alister Henskens, Minister for Skills and Training, 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.
"This collaboration harnesses world-leading expertise to ensure a pipeline of highly skilled graduates can hit the ground running and provide vital protection for our 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," Minister Henskens said.
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.
The program combines blended study with employment at either a government department, an industry partner or Deloitte (committed to taking 10 per cent of all program students).
The Cyber Academy's three-year degree includes an "earn as you learn" apprenticeship program designed to fast track students' cyber security careers ensuring graduates can hit the ground running and add value almost immediately.
According to UOW deputy vice-chancellor (academic and student life) Professor Theo Farrell, the program will pave the way for a new generation of cyber security professionals.
"We're proud to partner with Deloitte and TAFE NSW to roll out this program that will help address this critical cyber skills shortage and contribute to this vital area of Australian resilience and security," Professor Farrell said.
The first-of-its-kind program is set to combine nationally recognised qualifications, Steve Jansz, Deloitte Australia risk advisory managing partner added, noting that on-the-job training and mentorship are key.
"The risks of more complex and sophisticated cyber attacks are clear and we need the best and the brightest working in cyber to help protect Australians and Australian businesses," Jansz said.
According to a report by The Data Institute, Australia can expect demand for at least 17,600 additional professionals in the sector by 2026.
This program, with seed funding provided by the NSW government under its NSW Higher Education Strategy, will see trainees employed by Deloitte, a NSW government department or an industry partner while undertaking online training coupled with face-to-face learning.
Swinburne vice-chancellor Professor Pascale Quester further explained that this program embodies Swinburne's commitment to be the prototype of a new and different university for the 21st century.
"As a dual-sector institution that is committed to helping our learners succeed in a tech-rich future, we're delighted to be providing students with this innovative education and employment opportunity.
"The Cyber Academy reflects Swinburne's commitment to genuine industry-integrated learning and will help our students to be job makers and job takers in the future world of work," Professor Quester said.
The new Cyber Academy is now taking expressions of interest. All successful graduates will receive nationally recognised qualifications from the University of Wollongong (UOW), TAFE NSW and Swinburne University of Technology.
[Related: WA supercomputing centre has first room-temperature, quantum computer installed onsite]
Nastasha is a Journalist at Momentum Media, she reports extensively across veterans affairs, cyber security and geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific. She is a co-author of a book titled The Stories Women Journalists Tell, published by Penguin Random House. Previously, she was a Content Producer at Verizon Media, a Digital Producer for Yahoo! and Channel 7, a Digital Journalist at Sky News Australia, as well as a Website Manager and Digital Producer at SBS Australia. Nastasha started her career in media as a Video Producer and Digital News Presenter at News Corp Australia.
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