The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) and The Australian National University (ANU) have joined in a public–private partnership with two IT companies to address the growing demands of Canberra’s and Australia’s cybersecurity workforce.
Chief Executive of Canberra-based cybersecurity company Penten and Co-Chair of AustCyber’s Canberra Node Advisory Board, Matthew Wilson said a virtual classroom would include a cloud-based security operations centre, allowing students to work through real scenarios to gain nationally accredited qualifications.
He said the simulated environment will be complemented by a training facility at CIT Reid, which will have capacity for a 40-student classroom to give students real-world skills development.
Mr Wilson said the shortage of a skilled workforce was hindering the growth of the Australian cybersecurity industry, with an estimated 20,000 job shortages in the next 10 years.
“This project is a great example of how strong collaboration and understanding can implement a smart solution to the ever-changing demands of a fast-paced growth sector,” Mr Wilson said.
“The system will have the ability to act as a test bed for companies wanting to trial technologies on a workforce [the student cohort] in a standalone safe environment.”
He said the project would help to future-proof Government and business through the upskilling of employees in entry-level cybersecurity training.
The project is valued at $1.1 million, with $547,000 funded under AustCyber’s Project Fund.
CIT has been delivering a Certificate IV in Cyber Security since March and already has more than 130 students enrolled.
