NSW Government funding new Cyber Academy

The NSW Government is providing funding for a project to help train the next generation of Australia’s cybersecurity workforce at a new Cyber Academy.

The University of Wollongong will work with Deloitte, TAFE NSW and Swinburne University of Technology to develop and launch the Cyber Academy, which will seek to fast-track 1200 careers in the rapidly growing cybersecurity sector through a blended three-year ‘earn as you learn’ program.

Using seed funding provided by the state government under the NSW Higher Education Strategy, trainees will be employed by Deloitte, a NSW Government department or an industry partner while undertaking online training coupled with face-to-face learning for the three-year period.

Participants will graduate with a Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) from TAFE NSW and a Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) from UOW. Meanwhile, Swinburne University will deliver places in Victoria.

NSW Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the project is aimed at helping meet the expected demand for cybersecurity professionals. The Data Institute projects that Australia can expect to need at least 17,600 more such professionals by 2026 alone.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

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