Science and Technology minister Melissa Price has used the opening session of Australian Cyber Week to announce that government is now taking Round Two applications for grants under the Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund.
The program aims to support projects that will boost the nation’s cyber workforce by enhancing partnerships between industry, education providers and governments. Round two will provide grants of between $250,000 and $3 million.
The government is seeking to support projects that will improve diversity in the Australian cybersecurity workforce, in particular seeking projects that will boost participation of women, indigenous people, as well as people based out side of the cities, and people with neurodiverse backgrounds.
“Our digital economy relies on the skills of cyber security professionals to protect businesses and consumers online,” Ms Price said.
“A number of activities are eligible for support, from helping students into training and career pathways, to building the capability of job-ready professionals through industry traineeships and work experience programs,” she said.
“Australia’s cyber security workforce is expected to grow significantly in coming years, and we’re accelerating this growth by fostering stronger partnerships between industry and education providers.”
Round One recipients of grants from the fund included AustCyber for an AustCyber/Microsoft Traineeship Program ($320,000), CSIRO for the cyber component of its Innovate to Grow (I2G) program ($259,000), Grok Academy for its Cyber STEPs secondary and tertiary training partnerships ($1.8 million), and La Trobe University ($2.3 million).
Home Affairs minister Karen Andrews said round two of the fund would build on important work already underway as part of the government’s $1.67 billion Cyber Security Strategy.
“Government action is only half the story though, which is why the partnership innovation fund is so important. We need to ensure private enterprise has the skills, training, and expertise to deal with the full range of cyber threats Australians will face in years to come,” Minister Andrews said.
Eligible activities include developing and delivering specialist cyber security courses for professionals, retraining programs, professional development, apprenticeships, establishing new internships, cadetships, work experience and staff exchanges, and establishing cyber labs and training facilities.
Applicants must submit a joint application, with one lead organisation that is the main driver of the project and is eligible to apply, and at least one other project partner.
Round Two applications are open until December 6. You can get further information here.
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