Deloitte launches academy to boost cyber security workforce

Consulting giant Deloitte is teaming up with two Australian universities to launch Cyber Academy - the country's first-ever programme initiative to boost the cyber security workforce.

Deloitte is partnering with the University of Wollongong (UOW), Deloitte, TAFE NSW, and Swinburne University of Technology.

Under the initiative, trainees will be employed by Deloitte, a New South Wales government department, or an industry partner while they undertake online training with face-to-face learning for three years.

The academy's three-year degree combines employment with blended study - where they will emerge with a Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) from TAFE NSW and a Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) from UOW.

According to Steve Jansz, Deloitte Australia Risk Advisory managing partner, the initiative comes out of the need to protect Australians and businesses from the growing threat of cyberattacks.

"The risks of more complex and sophisticated cyberattacks are clear and we need the best and the brightest working in cyber to help protect Australians and Australian businesses," said Jansz in a statement.

The project is expected to fast track 1,200 careers in the cyber security sector, according to Skills and Training Minister Alister Henskens, as demand for professionals is projected to increase to 17,600 by 2026.

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Henskens then lauded the project as the "fantastic example" of businesses and education providers to resolve an issue in the country.

"This collaboration harnesses world-leading expertise to ensure a pipeline of highly skilled graduates can hit the ground running and provide vital protection for our economy in the cyber sector," said the minister. "This innovative, Australian-first programme is a fantastic example of education providers and industry leaders coming together to solve a pressing issue for our communities."

Both universities in the project expressed delight in participating in the initiative.

"We're proud to partner with Deloitte and TAFE NSW to roll out this programme that will help address this critical cyber skills shortage and contribute to this vital area of Australian resilience and security," said UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student life) Professor Theo Farrell.

And for Swinburne Vice-Chancellor Professor Pascale Quester, she said the project will help their students to be job makers and job takers in the future.

"As a dual-sector institution that is committed to helping our learners succeed in a tech-rich future, we're delighted to be providing students with this innovative education and employment opportunity."