Enrolments are now open for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Cyber Gap Program, which will provide funding and work experience for students studying a cyber qualification.

From July, a pilot program will operate in Sydney and Canberra for up to 35 students, prior to the main program rolling out nationwide later this year.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the ADF Cyber Gap Program, run in partnership with the Digital Transformation Agency, delivers on an election commitment by the Morrison Government to boost Australia’s cyber capability.

“Defence needs a strong, diverse cyber workforce to defend and protect its networks and mission systems against increasingly sophisticated threats,” Minister Reynolds said.

“To build that workforce, we need to attract talented people to critical roles.

“This Program will provide students enrolled in cyber-related courses with insight into the career pathways available across the Defence organisation, as well as advice and support to enter the national cyber workforce.”

The ADF Cyber Gap 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. 

The Program includes:

• generous financial support paid by Defence to cover course fees, text books and allowances for study related-expenses;
• two one-week work experience periods with Defence during the 12-month period of study;
• professional membership to a relevant organisation, such as the Australian Computer Society;
• regular personalised cyber security career mentoring sessions; and
• assistance preparing professional cyber job applications.

Applications for the pilot are open from 1 April to 8 May 2020.

Applications are available online via the Digital Transformation Agency website.

The ADF Cyber Gap Program is expected to support over 400 participants to kick-start their careers in the national cyber workforce over four years.