The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Cyber Gap Program is now underway, offering financial support, mentoring and Defence work experience opportunities for cyber students across Australia. There are 48 students enrolled in this year’s pilot Program, prior to a larger intake of 250 students in 2021.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the program, which is run in partnership with the Digital Transformation Agency, represents an important step in diversifying the Defence cyber workforce. “In a digital world, where connectivity extends to the battlefield, we want the best and brightest cyber operators defending our Defence networks and missions systems,” Reynolds said. “This program, which was inspired by the ADF Gap Year program, allows students to better understand the roles and responsibilities of a Defence cyber operator, and the important mission they undertake. While I hope some of the students will be inspired to apply their cyber skills and knowledge with the Navy, Army or Air Force when they complete their studies, I know the nation will benefit from their expertise no matter which path they choose.”
The government is investing more than A$41 million in the program over the next four years which will support up to 800 students. The current intake of students are participating in work experience with Defence this month. This includes a 40-hour self-paced online cyber skills challenge, run by Canberra-based cyber training company Fifth Domain.
The program includes:
• Financial support paid by Defence to cover course fees, textbooks and allowances for study related-expenses;
• Two one-week work experience periods with Defence during the 12-month study period;
• Professional membership to the Australian Computer Society;
• Regular personalised cyber security career mentoring sessions; and
• Assistance preparing professional cyber job applications.
The program is open to Australian citizens who are already enrolled in or about to commence cyber-related studies that run for a minimum of 12 months. Enrolments for the 2021 intake will be open in September.
For more information, visit the Digital Transformation Agency website.
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