A Rose Bay local is proving that the HSC is not the only path to success, having turned to TAFE Digital to jumpstart his career in the high-growth cyber security industry. 

Jordan Turner, 23, left high school early and went on to complete a Certificate IV in Cyber Security online through TAFE Digital while working as a Junior Systems Administrator at software implementation company, Argo Logic.

According to AustCyber, Australia needs at least 17,600 additional cyber security professionals in the sector by 2026.

“I dropped out of high school as I didn’t like the study options available to me at the time and wanted to pursue my passion for construction,” Mr Turner said.  
 
“I began working as a labourer, but after discovering I had arthritis in my legs, I made the switch to my second passion, IT. I’ve always loved tinkering with tech, so it seemed like the perfect fit. 

“I think there is a lot of pressure placed on completing the HSC and a misconception that it’s the ‘be all and end all’. I’d highly recommend studying online through TAFE Digital. 
 
“The flexibility and practical skills the course provided really helped me set myself up for success. Not only have I landed a job in a field I love, I am currently studying a Bachelor of IT at university with plans to become a network engineer.”

TAFE Digital Head Teacher Jocelyn Sinha said the cyber security sector is booming, as more and more businesses look to protect themselves from cyber-crime.

“As businesses becoming increasingly reliant on data and new technologies in a digitalised world, the need for skilled cyber security professionals to detect and defend attacks is also increasing,” Ms Sinha said.

“The Certificate IV in Cyber Security provides students with the practical and theoretical knowledge they need to monitor the risk of cyberattacks, minimise network vulnerabilities, and defend against breaches.

“There are endless opportunities in the dynamic cyber security sector, including roles such as systems tester, ICT security consultant, cyber security engineer, and website penetration tester – and no two days in the field are the same.”

To find out more about studying Cyber Security at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601. 

Media contact: Emma Woodward, Communications Specialist, emma.woodward15@tafensw.edu.au, 0409 618 291