A new 12-month pilot program has been launched in Canberra to solve the cyber skills shortage
The Canberra Cyber Hub, ACT Government and Digital Skills Organisation (DSO) have partnered together to deliver a pilot program aimed at increasing the skilled workforce in cyber security.
Cyber security is a key capability sector for the ACT economy however the growth of a skilled workforce is critical to the ongoing development of the sector.
This new program will help to increase Canberra’s skilled workforce in cyber security and meet the needs of business and industry over the coming years by trialling the development of a new National Skills Framework for cyber security.
“A new national skills standard for cyber security will inform the future development of the ACT’s cyber security workforce, supporting jobs growth and signalling the ACT’s leadership in developing cyber security skills and capability,” said Chief Minister Andrew Barr.
Patrick Kidd, CEO of the Digital Skills Organisation said the pilot program will help identify which skills will be needed 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.
“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,” said Mr Kidd.
The Canberra Cyber Hub is calling on 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 Michael Frater, Chair of the Canberra Cyber Hub 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 Canberra Cyber Hub also today launched a new website to encourage individuals, businesses, and education providers to upskill and promote cyber security careers.
