With the rise in cyber threats, vocational education providers are stepping up to help train the next generation of specialists.
This week, IT and cyber security student Jakk Devlin spoke at the Business Cybersecurity Breakfast in Shepparton, organised by the Committee for Greater Shepparton and NBN.
Jakk said vocational education providers played a crucial role in preparing the future workforce.
“I believe the IT and cyber security industry is one of the fastest growing industries of our time,” he said.
“Every day it is getting more advanced.
“I believe vocational training providers are more important now than ever before.”
The event, part of Cyber Security Awareness Month in October, had the theme ‘cyber security is everyone’s business’. The Australian Cyber Security Centre has highlighted the growing number of cybercrime reports, highlighting the risks that affect all Australians.
“With growth in the IT industry and cyber-attacks increasing, there are many opportunities,” Jakk said.
“There is such a diverse range of career paths in the field of cyber security, allowing for specialisation in areas such as ethical hacking, incident response, digital forensics or even security consulting.”
The demand for skilled workers in database administration, systems management and ICT security specialist jobs is expected to grow by 2249 roles in Victoria alone by 2026, according to the Victorian Skills Authority.
GOTAFE is tackling this need head-on, offering programs such as a Certificate IV in Cyber Security, which Jakk is currently pursuing after completing a Certificate III in Information Technology last year.
Jakk is now using these skills as a specialist technician at Echuca College.
GOTAFE offers hands-on training with industry-standard tools, giving students a real chance to turn their passion into a career.
“GOTAFE has amazing trainers and assessors who can help you get into industry,” Jakk said.
“There is always something to learn or a new challenge, which keeps work interesting — no two days are ever the same.”
Applications for semester one, 2025, are closing soon, with more details available at gotafe.vic.edu.au
For more information about Cyber Security Awareness Month, visit cyber.gov.au
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