Govt offers $8.2m for cybersecurity training projects

The Australian Government will provide $8.2 million to eight projects designed to improve the skills and availability of cybersecurity professionals.

The projects funded under round one of the $70 million Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund will introduce students to training and career pathways and also create job-ready professionals through industry traineeships and work experience programs.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said the cybersecurity workforce is expected to grow by about 7000 over the next three years, which is why it is so important to strengthen training and career pathways. 

Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said, “We need a strong cybersecurity workforce in Australia to meet the increasing scale and sophistication of cyber threats.” 

“Projects funded under the Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund will help grow our workforce to ensure a safe online environment for all Australians.”

The projects sharing in a total of $8.2 million are:

• $2.3m for La Trobe University to raise awareness among 80,000 high school students about cybersecurity skills and training opportunities. The program also partners with major industry players to help small businesses grow their skills.
• $320,000 for an Australian Cyber Security Growth Network-led project to develop a practical Cyber Security Traineeship program to support about 200 participants into a cybersecurity career.
• A Central Regional TAFE-led project received $258,167 to improve the number and quality of cybersecurity-trained professionals, including women in regional and remote locations in Western Australia.
• A CSIRO-led project to upskill SME leaders and early-career researchers in cybersecurity innovation and provide 100 university students with work experience was awarded $259,899.
• $1.07m for a RightCrowd-led project offering postgraduate training with Griffith University and commercial internships providing on-the-job exposure.
• $1.49m for a TasTAFE-led project to establish a Cyber Innovation Training Hub offering virtual and face-to-face training with a strong focus on industry experience and needs.
• A NSW Treasury-led project delivering a six-week cybersecurity work experience program with TAFE NSW and businesses for Year 10 students was awarded $650,000. 
• $1.81 million for Grok Academy, which is partnering school, vocational and university students with major industry players to develop their cybersecurity skills.

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