Step inside Cairns’ state of the art cyber security training facility

Cairns TAFE has opened a $2.5m cyber security training centre, the first of its kind in Queensland outside of the southeast.

MP Lance McCallum and Cairns TAFE Lecturer Dave Watson in the newly opened cyber security training room. Picture: Nuno Avendano

A first of its kind training facility has opened in Cairns with the hopes of putting Far North Queensland at the forefront of cyber security innovation.

Skills and Training Minister Lance McCallum officially opened the $2.5m state of the art Cyber Security Training Operation Centre at Cairns TAFE on Thursday, as part of a $100m investment to enhance TAFE Queensland facilities.

Mr McCallum said the Cairns centre, which was the first to be delivered in Queensland outside of the southeast, would educate students on the realities of cyber attacks.

“With more high-tech hacks, digital phishing and malicious software reported year after year, cyber security training is a priority area for our government,” Mr McCallum said.

“You ask any Optus customer how important cyber security is and they will give you a very personal account.

“The digital revolution shows no sign of slowing down, so it’s important that Queenslanders have access to state of the art training facilities.”

Cairns TAFE cyber security lecturer Dave Watson said the training provided in the centre would have wide-reaching effects.

“You tend to think it’s for the cyber security specialist but it’s actually the cyber security skills that we want every single IT person to have,” Mr Watson said.

Mr Watson added, with the rise of remote work, IT and cyber security careers were becoming more realistic for those wanting to stay in the Far North.

TAFE Queensland north general manager Susan Kinobe, Skills and Training Minister Lance McCallum and TAFE Queensland board chair Jane Seawright. Picture: Nuno Avendano

“That idea that you had to be in Brisbane or Sydney and Canberra to have an IT career is not quite so true anymore,” he said.

“There are more opportunities up here and [this centre] gives people the ability to get a start, get a qualification without leaving the region.”

TAFE Queensland’s Certificate IV in Cyber Security is among 74 free TAFE qualifications on offer in 2024.

“It’s a growth industry, it’s absolutely critical and people can get skilled up and save 15,000 by enrolling in our free TAFE,” Mr McCallum said.

Shaun Gumbakuti, Skills and Training Minister Lance McCallum and Kyle Hess. Picture: Nuno Avendano

“We want every person to have access to in demand training without the barrier of cost.

“I encourage any student looking to consider TAFE in 2024.”

Cairns TAFE also recently opened their refurbished hair and beauty training salon as part of the state government investment.

TAFE Queensland north region general manager Susan Kinobe said the facility “simulated real world industry”.

“Hairdressing and beauty are definitely priority areas,” Ms Kinobe said.

“And the students are going to be trained with high class equipment in a high class space.”

Originally published as Step inside Cairns’ state of the art cyber security training facility