A TAFE NSW graduate and The Ponds local has made an unlikely career switch, going from a successful career in real estate to fighting cybercrime - with the help of TAFE NSW.

It comes as COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns have caused many to re-think their priorities, including their profession, with about 6 million Australians considering a job or career shift during the past 12 months according to a recent Workforce Insights Report[1].

Satinder Pal Singh, 41, had a long-held passion for IT, something he studied as a youth in his native India, but on his arrival in Australia almost eight years ago was expected to support the family business.

Deciding life is too short for regrets, Satinder enrolled in the Certificate IV in Cyber Security at TAFE NSW Blacktown before landing a coveted Cyber Security internship with multinational beverage company, Lion.

Satinder said the attractive job prospects were one of the main drawcards to the field of IT. “The technology sphere is forever changing and growing. It’s great to know that IT professionals and cyber security in particular will always be in demand, something that’s front of mind when leaving an established career.”

“When I applied for the internship, I wasn’t sure if I’d be in with a chance against other applicants with a degree, but in the interview and practical tests I proved that I had built the practical skills and industry-specific knowledge to walk straight into my new position at Lion.”

In the 2020-21 financial year, over 67,500 cybercrimes were reported to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, an increase of nearly 13% from the previous year.

This is resulting in increased demand for cyber security professionals, as well as demand for enhanced cyber security capabilities within the existing workforce. It is estimated that nationally, 16,600 additional cyber security workers will be needed by 2026.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Information Technology Raj Valoth said TAFE NSW is a leading provider of training in Cyber Security with students learning the skills required to manage cyber security threats and protect organisations from harm.

“Rising rates of cybercrime, including more sophisticated cybercrimes, means we’re seeing a surge in demand from industry for specialist skills in cyber security. TAFE NSW is delivering a pipeline of workers to meet that demand.”

“Cyber Security is now evolving into its own specialist field with new roles and specialties developing every day. Many employers are looking for recruits with technical and non-technical skills so it’s a perfect career choice for someone wanting to upskill or change career path entirely.”

For more information about ICT related courses at TAFE NSW or via TAFE Digital, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Sarah Dibdin, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist: sarahdibdin5@tafensw.edu.au, 0404 291 238.