Australia faces an accelerating skills shortage in AI and cyber management.
The new eductaion offerings are advanced workshops. They are:
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Policy sprints
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Highly interactive
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Short intensive online workshops
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Seven hours over two sessions, each of 3.5 hours
Topics include:
With one day to go before ANZAC day, the Social Cyber and Tech Academy has announced an expansion of its professional education scholarship program to include former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
“ANZAC Day is a time to recognise service, sacrifice, and ongoing contribution,” said Lisa Materano, Director of the Academy. “Many former ADF members bring exceptional leadership, operational experience, and a deep understanding of national security challenges. This initiative is about ensuring those capabilities are not lost but redirected into critical areas such as cyber security and AI governance, where Australia urgently needs skilled professionals.”
Australia continues to face a growing demand for cyber and technology policy expertise across government and industry. At the same time, many veterans encounter barriers when transitioning into civilian roles, particularly in translating their experience into new sectors. The Social Cyber and Tech Academy’s scholarship program aims to bridge that gap by providing targeted, policy-focused education that builds on existing strengths.
Well known veterans' support agency Soldier On has agreed to promote the opportunity with its stakeholders. It supports initiatives that support Australian veterans, current serving members, and their families to transition into meaningful civilian careers across many industries including emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, and technology policy.
“Veterans are already accustomed to complex problem-solving, risk management, and working in high-stakes environments,” Professor Glenn Withers AO said. “Our programs are designed to translate those capabilities into the civilian cyber and technology policy landscape, extending pathways into meaningful and impactful second careers.”
Withers is a member of the Board and a co-founder of the Academy. Withers and Materano are also Board members of Blended Learning International, an Australian Registered Training Organisation that supports the Academy in delivery of these workshops.
The Academy’s workshops are distinct in their design and delivery. Unlike traditional technical training programs, they focus on strategic, management, and governance dimensions of cyber security and artificial intelligence. Participants engage in interactive, discussion-based sessions that draw on real-world case studies, international comparisons, and emerging policy challenges across AUKUS and Indo-Pacific contexts.
This approach is particularly well-suited to career changers, including former defence personnel, as it recognises and builds upon their prior experience rather than requiring them to start from scratch in purely technical roles. The workshops equip participants with the language, frameworks, and policy insights needed to operate effectively in senior advisory, regulatory, and leadership positions.
Scholarships will be available for up to 15 veterans in the period July to December. Each workshop cohort comprises 30 participants, of which up to ten maybe be scholarship holders. Participants from First Nations communities and developing countries are also eligible for the scholarships (up to 150 in the six months). Priority given to those demonstrating a commitment to or passion for public service, national security, or technology governance. The Academy will work with relevant organisations and networks to promote the opportunity within the veteran community.
The announcement also reflects the broader mission of the Social Cyber and Tech Academy to expand access to high-quality professional education and to support workforce development in areas critical to Australia’s future security and prosperity.
Further details on eligibility criteria, application processes, and upcoming workshop dates are available through the Academy’s website.
About us:
The Social Cyber & Tech Academy (SCTA) delivers unique professional learning programs focused on cyber strategy, policy, and practice. These programs draw on expertise from leading scholars and industry practitioners, providing practical insights for professional development, cyber preparedness, and strategic understanding. We offer scheduled learning events for individual subscription and bespoke arrangements for corporations and agencies.
Contact details:
Social Cyber: Lisa Materano: 0438134558
Social Cyber: Glenn Withers: 0416249350
Soldier On: Krystal Whitfield [email protected]