Cyber Skills Enrichment Program: Successfully Paving the Way for Aspiring Cyber Security Professionals to get their ‘Foot in the Door’.

Faced with the growing talent shortage in the cyber security industry, the Australian Government, through AusIndustry, allocated funding to select industry partners to help address this issue. One such initiative is ‘The Cyber Skills Enrichment Program,’ a joint initiative of Cyber Audit Team (CAT) and Griffith University (GU), aimed at bridging the talent gap and providing a unique entry point for aspiring cyber security professionals to enter this dynamic field.

Opening doors to the industry:
“A significant barrier to many who aspire to a career in cyber security, especially for new graduates, or those from under-represented backgrounds, even if they have the necessary knowledge, and certifications, they often lack real-world, hands-on experience, making it difficult to get their foot in the door.

To help address this issue the program offers a number of paid industry placements similar to a paid internship (20 positions in total). These placements provide participants with invaluable hands-on experience, and exposure to real-life scenarios while receiving mentorship and support from industry professionals. In addition to learning valuable hard skills, they also benefit from career guidance, job-hunting advice, resume assistance, and even tips on how to brand themselves professionally and personally.”

The program aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills and confidence they need to pursue a career in the cyber security industry, while positioning them for real employment opportunities”, states Prof. Ernest Foo, ICT, Griffith University.

In saying this, the Cyber Skills Enrichment Program supports individuals wherever they are in their cyber security journey. For those looking to learn the fundamentals or boost their expertise, the program also offers a range of learning pathways, catering to different proficiency levels. Starting out in cyber security can be overwhelming, however the pathways provide clear guidance on where to begin, which courses to take, and the essential skills to focus on.

“When it comes to addressing the talent needs of the industry, it’s not enough to think solely in terms of short-term solutions. By combining paid placements with comprehensive training pathways, the Cyber Skills Enrichment Program is striking the balance between filling short-term talent gaps in the local cyber security industry while strengthening the talent pool over the long term. It’s a win-win situation for all involved.” – Damian Seaton, Managing Director, Cyber Audit Team.

Participants credit the program with boosting their job prospects:
The first intake of the program has just wrapped up, with the next intake to commence in March. The graduating candidates from the first intake have all found the program incredibly valuable, crediting the program with arming them with the necessary skills and confidence they need to start their job search. Moreover, the invaluable real-world experience has enabled them to interview for advertised positions and gain immediate employment in the industry.

“Previously, the feedback I received from cyber security recruiters was that I didn\’t demonstrate the required industry experience. Now, through the program, I’ve gained invaluable real-world, hands-on experience, and I can confidently say, I now have the knowledge and experience that was originally holding me back. I\’ve thoroughly enjoyed the program, particularly the support, mentorship and access to live environments and projects that I wouldn\’t have been able to find in a static learning lab.”
– Didi Fletcher, Cyber Skills Enrichment Program Graduate

Unlock your cyber potential- applications now open for remaining intakes:
The second round for this intensive 12-week program in March has already been filled however, aspiring candidates, keen on entering the cyber security industry are encouraged to apply early for rounds three (10 June 2024) and four (16 September 2024) to secure their placement.

The application process and further details can be found at www.cyberskills.com.au