ADF offers financial kickback to new course participants

Australians interested in a career will get up to $15k of their course fees paid under a new ADF initiative. See how it works.

A shortage of staff in the “booming” cyber security industry has prompted our defence force to offer $15,000 to people willing to retrain.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is throwing the cash at anyone who completes its ADF Cyber Gap program — with no obligation to work for them at the end.

The ADF said the current skills shortage was so dire, there were more jobs available in the online intelligence sector than qualified candidates.

“Defence is currently undergoing its largest workforce transformation since the Defence Reform Program of the late 1990s, with a focus on growing and skilling the intelligence, space and cyber security workforce segments,” an ADF spokesman said.

“Investing in the skilling of Australia’s cyber security workforce ensures Defence can continue to build more potent, capable and agile capabilities to better meet and respond to future challenges.”

The Australian Defence Force is offering up to $15,000 to participants in its Cyber Gap Program. Picture: Supplied.

To encourage participation in the 12-month course, the ADF is offering a reimbursement of fees of up to $15,000, plus an academic allowance of $2500 and $600 for text books and stationary.

The Cyber Gap Program is designed to attract participants who want a career in cyber and have not explored a career in the ADF or wider Defence workforce.

“It provides participants with exposure to the ADF and gives them the knowledge to consider whether it is a career they would like to pursue when they finish their studies,” the spokesman said.

The course, targeting anyone aged 18 and 60, can be studied part time or full time, and can be used to work towards any eligible qualification, ranging from Certificate III to a Master’s Degree.

“The program is open to Australian citizens who are already studying a cyber-related qualification, or for anyone who is looking to enrol in a cyber-related qualification,” the spokesman said.

“Over 240 qualifications are eligible for study under the Program, reflecting the range of cyber security expertise required in the workforce.”

There are currently more cyber security jobs that qualified candidates. Picture: Supplied.

Jim Morris, Director, Synchro Partners said this type of course was the perfect segue for candidates throughout Australia to enter the world of cybersecurity.

“We absolutely need more people in cyber security. As an industry, we need to work together to make a career in this essential field as attractive as possible,” Mr Morris said.

“People should most definitely take up this offer. It could be the perfect platform to steer a meaningful, successful career in cyber security.”

Course graduates have no obligation to serve in the Defence Force. Similarly, the ADF has no obligation to employ course participants, though they’re “encouraged to apply”.

Participants will also have access to specialist ADF mentors, automatic membership the Australian Computer Society, and the chance to attend the week long Defence Cyber Conference held in Canberra.