The Victorian Government has made it possible for students in Ballarat to have access to state-of-the-art technology and training in order to acquire the skills that they will need for the jobs they want in the booming IT sector.
According to a recent press release, more than AU$ 940,000 funding to support cutting edge cybersecurity training and equipment under the State Government’s Regional and Specialist Training Fund was announced.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney and the Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison announced this during their visit to the Federation University (FedUni) TAFE’s Mount Helen campus.
Funding for Cyber Security
The funding will assist FedUni TAFE to build a dedicated IT laboratory, complete with industry-leading equipment, to create a simulated network environment.
This, in turn, will assist FedUni TAFE to deliver the Certificate IV in Cyber Security.
The Minister explained that they are making sure Ballarat students have access to the equipment and training they need, so they can get jobs in in cyber security and IT.
He added that Free TAFE has changed people’s lives. It gives people confidence and new skills. It supports career changes and ensures that local businesses have the workers they need.
FedUni TAFE is working with IT companies in order to guarantee that this course is fit-for-purpose and that the graduates have access to cyber security job opportunities with these employers.
The Certificate IV in Cyber Security course has been made tuition-free from 2019 under the Free TAFE program.
This program has seen more than 19,000 students enrolled in Free TAFE courses, driving a doubling of commencements compared to the same TAFE courses at the same time last year.
Acquiring the necessary IT skills
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison shared that access to cutting edge training and equipment means that FedUni TAFE students will gain the skills and knowledge needed to get jobs in the ever expanding cyber security field.
The Regional and Specialist Training Fund enables training to be delivered that meet industry-led demand for specific skills in regions, and specialist areas that are not being adequately met in the current training market.
The Victorian Government is continuing to prioritise TAFE and training in this year’s budget with an investment of AU$ 231.1 million in order to maintain and grow Victoria’s skills base.
This includes AU$ 41.2 million to continue the support for the delivery of Free TAFE courses.
Since 2015, the Victorian Government has committed more than AU$ 1.3 billion in order to rebuild the TAFE and training system, as well as ensure that students can get the skills they need for the jobs they want.
FedUni TAFE provides a range of quality education and training programs, reflecting state and national priorities that address the training needs of individuals and industry.