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Cyber talent pipeline boost thanks to intensive training program
The Queensland Government is addressing cyber skills shortage at a local level through this unique program delivering cyber security training to public sector staff.
Overview
- Since 2019, TAFE Queensland has delivered cyber security training face-to-face and virtually to Queensland Government staff, under the leadership of the Queensland Government Cyber Security Unit (QGCSU).
- The program’s graduates receive a Certificate IV in Cyber Security (22603VIC) qualification, with the addition of the IT Essentials Bridging Program for career change participants.
- More than 100 staff from across Queensland Government, including Queensland Police Service, Department of Transport and Main Roads, Department of Education, Queensland Corrective Services and other entities have graduated with a Certificate IV in Cyber Security, with a further 50 people expected to graduate late in 2024.
- TAFE Queensland works closely with the Cyber Capability team within the QGCSU to provide a bespoke, supportive, and flexible program for the participants, who are full time workers, completing this hands-on program in a compressed format.
Queensland Government Cyber Security Unit
The Queensland Government Cyber Security Unit (QGCSU) is responsible for providing leadership, best practice, policy and support to Queensland Government departments and agencies for cyber security issues.
The QGCSU focuses on enhancing the cyber resilience of government operations, ensuring that sensitive data remains secure, and services are reliable and trustworthy for the public.
Opportunity
Prior to the Certificate IV in Cyber Security, government and the community did not have access to a cost effective, practical cyber security operations qualification.
Many available products on the market were vendor specific, or lengthy higher education programs.
The QGCSU became aware of the program and identified the potential to utilise the training with public sector participants seeking to move into cyber careers and leveraging and maximising their existing professional skillsets for retraining.
Solution
The QGCSU had a vision to provide a career pathway for entry-level cyber operations for both existing professionals and staff seeking a career change.
The QGCSU and TAFE Queensland have been in partnership since 2019, successfully delivering cyber security training and continuing to scale the cyber security program offerings into online deliveries.
Results
This initiative has been operating successfully for six years, supporting over 100 people to graduate with the Certificate IV in Cyber Security qualification, while contributing to the growth of the talent pipeline and protection of Queensland Government information and data.
The program also connects participants with fellow cyber industry professionals to expand their network and improve resilience of the sector’s cyber capability.
Graduates of this program attend an annual recognition event held in December to bring cohorts together and celebrate their success and welcome new participants to next year’s program.
Future Plans
TAFE Queensland and the QGCSU continue to explore the range of cyber training opportunities to support cyber professionals at all levels.