In their efforts to build a strong local workforce, the Northern Territory Government has partnered up with the federal government and Charles Darwin University (CDU) to provide hundreds of locals the opportunity to upskill in cyber security. 

The $3.2 million partnership is expected to deliver two new VET cyber security courses, scholarships and new cyber trainee opportunities that will help build a network of job-ready cyber defenders in the Territory. 

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“Recent major data breaches have highlighted just how critical cyber security is for the nation, for the Territory, for every business and every individual,” Minister for Corporate and Digital Development Ngaree Ah Kit said. 

“By providing these funded and fee-free opportunities and developing a Cyber Territory Skills Hub, we are bolstering the Territory’s local capacity to deal with any emerging cyber threats.” 

Minister Ah Kit also states that the investment will grow Territory’s cyber security workforce by equipping businesses and organisations the knowledge to better understand and manage their cyber risk. 

The initiative, which is partially funded by the Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund, funds 100 places in a new Certificate IV in Cyber Security.  

This will provide practical training in identifying security vulnerabilities, analysing and responding to cyber incidents, securing devices, network security and programming.  

“There is a national shortage of cyber security professionals, and the demand for this skillset will continue to grow.  This is why we are partnering with the Feds to produce a highly skilled local workforce,” Minister for Business, Jobs and Training Paul Kirby said. 

“Upskilling our workers in key industries is our priority and will help grow the Territory workforce.” 

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The NT Government also stated that the places under the initiative are available to eligible people such as women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and regional and remote Territorians. 

Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said that it was critical to provide cyber security studies in the Northern Territory as it is a growth sector with significant skills shortages across the nation. 

“CDU is really looking to further investment in training and development in the cyber security space in order to increase opportunities for young people to pursue careers in the digital industry,” he said. 

“This is a great initiative between CDU, the NT and Australian Governments to fund new training opportunities with a focus on people from diverse and non-IT backgrounds.” 

There is also a new Certificate in Cyber Management three-month course that will help businesses and organisations protect against cyber threats by developing skills in cyber risk management and staff awareness. 

The partnership funds 200 places in the short course, with 60 fee-free places available to those working in regionally-based organisations or Aboriginal enterprises across the Territory. 

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The NT Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Charles Darwin University to promote the Certificate in Cyber Management to enterprises across the Territory. 

“We will build sovereign capabilities to tackle cyber threats and manage emerging threats to the economy, including growing and sustaining a national cyber workforce,” Member for Solomon Luke Gosling said. 

“This is a great opportunity for young Territorians to skill up for the industries of the future, and I’m very pleased to have brought this funding to the Territory.” 

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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