Macquarie University Receives Significant Boost for Diversity in Cybersecurity Workforce

The scholarships are part of a $2.35 million Federal Government grant, awarded to Macquarie University, alongside its NSW Institute of Applied Technology-Digital (IAT-D) partners TAFE NSW, Microsoft and University of Technology Sydney (UTS), for the project ‘Develop a Cross-disciplinary Cyber Security Workforce Training Program’.

Applications are now open for the cyber security skills scholarships, which will target cohorts traditionally underrepresented in STEM, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the neurodivergent, and people in regional areas.

The scholarships will provide access to training linked to micro-credentials, which are co-designed and co-delivered by industry and education experts for specific job outcomes, ranging from the technical skills of cyber security to cyber governance, leadership and policy.

The program introduces multiple entry points to cyber skills pathways, making it accessible for those new to the cyber security industry as well as those interested in upskilling.

The $2.35 million grant has already funded state-of-the-art cyber security training facilities, including a purpose-built cyber range training centre (CRTC) and ‘AnyTown’, a 64-square-metre, four-tonne ‘mini city’ that stands as a physical representation of cyber attacks and defences for the curriculum’s simulation exercises.

These world-class facilities, located at the IAT-D Meadowbank campus, offer a hands-on experience with learning materials and tools blended into a modern cyber security range and associated online/hybrid training platforms.

Professor Dali Kaafar, executive director of Macquarie University’s Cyber Security Hub, which led the development of the CRTC, says expanding accessibility to modern cyber security training is essential.

“We are committed to increasing diversity in STEM and we are confident these scholarships will help to create a positive and lasting change within the cyber security workforce in Australia,” says Professor Kaafar.

“Since launching last year, IATD has had more than 2200 instructor-led micro-credential enrolments, as well as over 78,000 self-directed online micro-skill enrolments.

“Our research shows that more than 85 per cent of those who have experienced this world-unique learning model agree it was an outstanding, enriching learning experience that equipped them with skills to navigate the complex and wide spectrum of technical roles.

“This is a wonderful result, but we must actively seek to ensure our program is accessible to everyone.”

Micro-credentials can be completed with a combination of online and place-based learning.

TAFE NSW Director of Operations Institutes of Applied Technology, Helen Fremlin, said the IATD is proud to be supporting underrepresented groups to upskill for careers in cyber security.

“As part of these scholarships, we are delivering innovative micro-credentials in foundational and intermediate-level courses. These run for eight weeks and deliver the skills for jobs in a variety of cyber roles, from highly technical to those focused more on risk and governance,” Ms Fremlin said.

“These scholarships are available Australia-wide, but I also encourage Sydney-based students to come to the campus and see the impressive facilities first-hand.”