Enrolments open for ADF Cyber Gap Program
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Cyber Gap Program is 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. The program, run in partnership with the Digital Transformation Agency, represents a step towards diversifying the Defence cyber workforce.
The Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, said the program, 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.
“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. 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,” Reynolds said.
The government will invest more than $41 million in the program over the next four years, supporting up to 800 students. Current students are participating in work experience with Defence; 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 and regular personalised cybersecurity mentoring sessions. Students also receive assistance preparing professional cyber job applications.
The program is open to Australian citizens who are enrolled in or about to commence cyber-related studies that run for a minimum of 12 months. Enrolments for the 2021 intake opened in September.
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