Applications for the Women in Security Pilot Program are now open, backed by $100,000 from the Victorian government’s Cyber Strategy to improve the representation of women in the industry and address workforce shortages.
“Cyber security is a rapidly growing industry and we’re thrilled to support more women to take up new jobs and new careers in cyber,” minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said.
“We’re investing in Victoria’s cyber security industry so that businesses and other organisations can stay ahead of existing and emerging cyber-attack tactics.”
The pilot is a training course to be delivered with the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) giving 26 women currently working in the tech sector industry internships to increase their knowledge and begin a new career or move into security leadership positions.
“I think it’s great to be able to give back and provide these types of opportunities for more talented women with pathways into this industry,” AWSN executive director and founder Jacqui Loustau said.
The program is available for women who have been in the technology sector for at least one year and for women with more than three years’ experience in a cyber role.
Participants will receive specialist training, coaching and mentoring services, as well as attend workshops and networking events with training to commence mid-year.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, women currently make up only 31 per cent of Victoria’s digital technology workforce, and less than 17 per cent of the cyber security workforce nationally, according to the Australian Information Security Association.
Victoria’s Cyber Strategy is a four-year plan and investment of over $50 million to bolster the state’s cyber security resilience, support local cyber businesses and develop a more dynamic and competitive cyber sector.
For more information on how to apply, visit awsn.org.au.