The Cybersecurity Workforce Alliance helps develop the next generation of workforce ready Cyber Security Employees
Three renowned Australian IT security veterans made up of Mark Winter CEO at inTechnology Distribution, Jason Burn, COO at Cloud Distribution and Adam P. Henry, Adjunct Lecturer at UNSW Canberra Cyber, have joined forces to attack the growing cyber security skills shortage crisis in Australia.
According to a recent Gartner survey, only 65% of organisations have a cybersecurity expert, despite the fact that 95% expect cyber threats to increase over the next three years. “Cybersecurity is faced with a well-documented skills shortage, which is considered a top inhibitor to innovation. Finding talented, driven people to handle the organisation’s cybersecurity responsibilities is an endless function,” according to Rob McMillan, Research Director at Gartner.
In addressing this major issue, the trio have formed the local chapter of the global Cybersecurity Workforce Alliance, called the Cybersecurity Workforce Alliance Australia (CWA-AU).
The CWA-AU is a partnership program between the cybersecurity community, industry, government and educational institutions across Australia. The aim is to bridge the skills gap between the educational institution and the workplace. These programs are innovative and scalable, that specifically address the skills shortage crisis.
The program introduces students (regardless of their major discipline), to real world cyber challenges facing organisations today while working closely with cybersecurity industry mentors. These extra-curricular programs, known as virtual internships, ensure that graduate students are cyber aware and workforce ready, delivering immediate value to any employer.
This is accomplished by providing real-time knowledge transfer from industry expert mentors directly to students in a manner, where performance, progression and potential can be measured, fostered and scaled.
The initiative has also been welcomed by Glen Gooding, Cyber Security Risk Management Partner at EY who said, “the program is a new way of developing soft skills for students, as well as cyber awareness and work readiness”.
“Cyber skill-sets ultimately make the students more attractive to employers. It’s all about getting these students job ready.” “We’re pleased to be able help with mentoring support as we need the next generation of cyber experts coming through the pipeline,” said Glen.
“This is also an opportunity to give back and to foster leadership skills in students. There is also the chance to gain Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits for the mentor,” Glen concluded.
In addressing this issue head on, the CWA-AU has partnered with Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) to deliver the first Australian pilot project.
In addressing this issue head on, the CWA-AU has partnered with Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) to deliver the first Australian pilot project.
Dr Abu Barkat, current CIT Head of the Centre for Cyber Security and Games said that “CIT partners with industry across all programs in this new growth sector.” “We work closely with cyber security professionals to develop work ready graduates”.
“CIT’s interest is to build graduates with industry first skills” said Dr Barkat. CIT recognise that cybersecurity is fast moving and working hand in hand with the cyber security industry will help CIT grow this sector and the ACT continue as the leaders across the country. “This program complements other initiatives being undertaken in the cyber education sector such as the TAFE National Curriculum for Cyber Security and current University based initiatives, the program is free for the students and relies on industry/government sponsorship for the ongoing costs of program.” said Adam P. Henry, Co-Founder of the CWA-AU.
Matthew Wilson, CEO of Penten, (recent winners of the Telstra Business Awards, ACT Business of the Year) said, “I’m looking forward to participating in the CWA-AU Pilot Program.” “This program provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain confidence and exposure to businesses and preview opportunities available in the cyber industry.” “It’s also a wonderful way for businesses like ours to stay connected to the next generation to understand how to meet their workplace and career aspirations”.
This program is an Australian first, establishes Canberra as a leader in addressing the cyber skills crisis and developing the next generation for the digital economy. The program is expanding through a partnership with Deakin University later this year and nationally into other TAFEs and Universities in the near future.
