Helping Australians enter the cybersecurity industry, Microsoft has teamed up with AustCyber and other prominent education and training companies.

The Cyber Security Microsoft Traineeship Program (Cyber Security MTP) enables individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and experience to build a rewarding career in cybersecurity. Over the next two years, 200 people will take part in the program.

The Australian Government’s Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund helps to improve the quality and quantity of cybersecurity professionals throughout the country.

The program will allow participants to gain on-the-job experience as well as formal education. On weekdays, trainees will spend time working for one of Microsoft and AustCyber’s partner companies. They will also spend one day a week studying for a Certificate IV in Cyber Security through TAFE NSW or the Canberra Institute of Technology, as well as earning Microsoft micro-credentials through Prodigy Learning.

Those who already hold a Certificate III in Information Technology may obtain credit for the Certificate IV in Cyber Security by applying. MEGT, one of the world’s largest group training providers, will employ, support, and recruit participants for the program.

MEGT will recruit, employ and support trainees for the duration of the program.

Michael Bromley, CEO at AustCyber, says in 2022, a diverse workplace doesn’t just make sense – it’s good business practice. Including women, Indigenous people, neurodivergent people, veterans, and individuals from other minority groups, builds a workforce with a range of different perspectives and ultimately leads to greater innovation, higher levels of engagement and better decision-making

“This program provides a new pathway to cybersecurity jobs and helps address Australia’s cyber skills shortfall.” says Bromley

By 2024, 7,000 more cybersecurity professionals will be needed across all industries in Australia, according to AustCyber. An undergraduate degree in cybersecurity will provide students with the knowledge and practical skills they need to enter high-demand fields such as cybersecurity analyst or engineer.

After graduating, participants will be able to get a job with their host company, accelerating their entry into the cybersecurity industry.

In addition to discovering the next generation of cybersecurity talent, the Cyber Security MTP aims to increase the diversity and inclusivity of Australia’s cybersecurity workforce. Everyone is welcome, regardless of gender, background, or ability.

Microsoft and AustCyber are providing a free virtual bootcamp that gives participants an understanding of the skills and tools required to recognise and manage cyberthreats to infrastructure, networks, and machines.

Tim Allen, Skills for Employability Lead at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, says we’re very excited to expand our MTP offering with AustCyber. The Cyber Security MTP and virtual bootcamp will help more people kickstart their cybersecurity career and provide organisations access to the talent they need.

“This alternative pathway model has been tried and tested with great success. Microsoft’s foundation IT traineeship has produced more than 300 graduates since 2020 who have gone on to thrive in tech roles.

“Microsoft is committed to growing the size, quality and diversity of Australia’s IT and cybersecurity workforce. We look forward to welcoming the program’s first cohort of trainees later this year.” said Allen

Adam McCarthy, CEO of ParaFlare – Microsoft’s active cyber defence partner – says as cyberthreats continue to increase, so does the demand on our cyber workforce. Cybersecurity professionals are on the frontline protecting businesses, governments and organisations from increasing threats.

“This commitment by Microsoft and AustCyber will help ParaFlare and the Microsoft Traineeship Program ecosystem build the cyber workforce Australia needs to protect our way of life.” says McCarthy

The Microsoft-AustCyber partnership plans to roll out the Cyber Security MTP across Australia by 2022. The programme starts in Sydney and Canberra on Monday, 28 August 2022.