NSW Cyber Security Innovation Node launches talent accelerator

Upskilling and sourcing cybersecurity talent is set to be easier under the NSW Cyber Security Innovation Node’s (NSWCSIN) new talent development initiative.

Stemming from the NSWCSIN’s existing workforce development program, the Cyber Security Talent Accelerator will include a ‘cyber diagnostic’ that helps identify necessary skills and competencies for prospective, new and existing cybersecurity workers, according to the Node. It will also allow businesses and government organisations to identify “untapped cybersecurity talent within their organisation and find ways to upskill and reskill existing workers for cybersecurity roles”, the Node said.

The initiative comes in response to repeated advice that NSW and Australia’s “acute skills shortage” is the biggest barrier to businesses’ growth, NSWCSIN Director Todd Williams explained.

Following its launch, the Accelerator will offer cyber micro-credentials and short courses, which are designed to complement VET and other higher education qualifications, the Node said.

“The Accelerator has a strong relationship with TAFE NSW and the wider VET sector, which will help it achieve its mission to retrain existing cyber workers, improve workforce mobility and enable workers in other occupations to transition into cyber careers. It is a great platform to take advantage of the huge economic growth opportunity in cybersecurity within NSW, in Australia and internationally,” said TAFE NSW Head of SkillsPoint, Technology and Business Services Dr Geethani Nair.

NSW businesses, education and government organisations can access the Accelerator, NSWCSIN said.

Image courtesy: NSW Cyber Security Innovation Node