Cybersecurity student breaking through

BENDIGO TAFE student Connor Cushen has gained a head start in his chosen career after co-building a ready-to-go app designed to simplify fraud response.

He teamed up with three other regional students to create the tool as part of La Trobe University’s recent Appathon.

Mr Cushen is currently enrolled in the new Certificate IV in Cybersecurity course at the Bendigo campus, which is being offered locally for the first time.

With 35 students now in training, the launch of the course in Bendigo this year was a strategic move by the TAFE to empower local students to pursue careers in a field that’s critical to national and global security.

For Connor, it’s been life changing.

“Before last year, I had no idea what the future held for me,” he said.

“I saw TAFE was offering a free course for a Certificate III in Information Technology, and since I’ve always had a passion for technology and computers – I thought why not throw myself out there.”

This led him to enrolling in the new cybersecurity offering.

“Completing this course will give me the tools necessary to achieve my goals, that I never knew I’d figure out so early,” he said.

“I’m (now) 100 per cent invested in following a career path that would lead me to cybersecurity.

“I’ve been in Bendigo my entire life, so having an opportunity open up for something I’m this passionate (about), this close to where I live, has been nothing short of a blessing for me.”

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries in Australia and globally, with demand for skilled professionals far outpacing supply.

Projections indicate an additional 54,000 specialists will be required by 2030 to mitigate cyber threats effectively.

Find out more about the Certificate IV in Cybersecurity course on the Bendigo TAFE website.