Canberra ramps up cyber skills training with pilot program looking to meet industry demands

The Canberra Cyber Hub, ACT Government and Digital Skills Organisation (DSO) have partnered together to deliver a pilot program aimed at addressing the massive shortage of a skilled workforce in cyber security.

DSO CEO Patrick Kidd said the 12-month pilot will help identify which skills companies will be need on the cybersec front in the future.

“Working with employers, the DSO will help to define a standard to describe the skills required for an entry level professional in cyber security. This is a significant change which simplifies the skilling system,” he said.

“This is a great opportunity to co-design cyber skills training with employers, while opening up more accessible and diverse pathways in this profession.

“The consistent application of an employers’ standard will provide clear guidance to training providers on priorities and is something which learners can be assessed against. This will give confidence to employers about the people they employ.”

Dr Michael Frater, chair of the Canberra Cyber Hub (CCH) said that, as part of the pilot, they’re looking to establish a new National Skills Framework for cyber security.

CCH wants local industry to take part in designing the standard by participating in a survey and upcoming workshops to help identify the gaps and grow a pool of diverse cyber professionals as quickly as possible.

“Through this process we are dedicated to working with the Digital Skills Organisation, the ACT Government and Canberra’s world-class cyber security industry to drive business growth and to develop the skilled workforce which is critical to driving the industry’s success and capability for both Canberra and the nation,” Dr Frater said.

“To do this, we are asking Canberra cyber companies to engage in this process and identify not only the skills needed now, but the skills needed for life-long learning and further skills development throughout a career to ensure relevancy is maintained in this ever-changing industry.”

The move comes after the federal budget last week announced $9.9 billion over the next decade towards cyber security measures as part of the REDSPICE initiative, with intelligence and cyber defence agency the Australian Signals Directorate looking to double its workforce, adding 1900 staff.

More on the cyber skills pilot is available at canberracyberhub.com.au