Yes, State governments are offering students free cyber security courses.
Australia is facing a shortage of skilled IT professionals, particularly in software engineering, which has raised concerns about the country’s vulnerability to cybersecurity threats. Recent cyber attacks on prominent institutions like Medibank, MyDeal, Optus, and the University of Western Australia have further emphasized the urgent need to address this issue.
To tackle the skill shortage and enhance Australia’s cybersecurity resilience, fee-free TAFE courses have been introduced. These courses aim to incentivize individuals to pursue careers in cybersecurity and related fields. By offering free training, the government hopes to attract more students and professionals to these areas, increasing the pool of skilled IT workers equipped to combat cyber threats.
The new courses will directly align with areas where thousands more workers are needed. Some of the IT and cyber courses on offer include:
- Certificate IV in cyber security;
- Certificate III in information technology;
- Certificate IV in information technology; and
- Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security).
If you are interested in taking up one of these courses, you’ll first need to consider which course you want to enroll in.
Visit your states to check the list of free TAFE courses available:
- ACT – https://www.act.gov.au/skills/fee-free-tafe-at-cit
- NSW – https://www.tafensw.edu.au/fee-free-short-courses
- NT – https://nt.gov.au/learning/adult-education-and-training/free-training-courses
- QLD – https://tafeqld.edu.au/courses/apply-and-enrol/subsidised-training/fee-free
- SA – https://www.tafesa.edu.au/courses/fee-free-tafe-courses
- VIC – https://www.vic.gov.au/free-tafe
- WA – https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/skillsready
Next, you’ll need to find one of the government-owned education provider centers offering these courses. You need to meet certain criteria before you are eligible for the fee-free TAFE project.
First of all, you need to be an Australian citizen. Note that fee-free courses are also available to New Zealand residents. You also need to have completed school, and you should not currently have other training programs that you are enrolled in.
The government is strongly encouraging young people between the age of 17 and 24 to apply for these courses. They also encourage people currently only doing volunteer work and those who are unemployed. The funding provided through these courses can help these individuals obtain the skills they need to pursue a lucrative career while also doing good at the same time.