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WorkPath Australia Academy

Canberra Inaugural Cohort

Program Overview

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The WorkPath Australia Academy is a free of charge career training program designed to support women seeking to begin their careers in cyber security, engineering, ICT and related technology fields.

WorkPath Australia (WPA) is a nationally recognised, Prime Minister’s Award-winning Training and Employment Program delivering sovereign capability by creating meaningful career pathways for Australians from diverse backgrounds, including veterans and their partners, First Nations Australians, women, mid-career transitioners and neurodiverse individuals.

The Canberra Inaugural Cohort will bring together small cohort of women for an eight-week program combining practical career-focused training, industry and government engagement and professional networking.

The Academy is not a technical training program. It focuses on helping participants better understand career opportunities across the sector, prepare for the transition into employment and develop the confidence, professional skills and connections that can support their career journey.

​Who the Program is For

  • Australian citizens

  • 18 years or older

  • currently studying IT, cyber security or a related field at university or TAFE, or have graduated within the previous 12 months

  • interested in pursuing a career in cyber security, ICT or a related technology field

  • able to participate in the Academy's training and industry and government engagement activities

Participation in the inaugural WPA Academy is completely free of charge. Participants are kindly asked to make their own transport arrangements and cover any associated travel costs to attend the program sessions and activities.

Photos and video may be taken during WPA Academy sessions, activities and the graduation event. Participant consent for the use of this material will be obtained through the registration process.

​Program Objectives

The WPA Academy aims to:

  • Support women to become better prepared to transition from study into cyber security, ICT and related careers

  • Develop practical career-readiness skills, including CV preparation, interview skills, professional communication and networking

  • Increase participants' understanding of career pathways and how opportunities across cyber security and ICT can interconnect

  • Build confidence in navigating the employment market and engaging with prospective employers

  • Provide participants with exposure to professionals and leaders from industry and government

  • Help participants establish and work towards individual SMART Career Goals

  • Build professional networks and connections that can support participants beyond the Academy

  • Encourage greater participation of women in Australia's cyber security, ICT and related STEM workforce

  • Establish an ongoing connection between participants and the WPA Academy Alumni community

​Participant Commitment

To successfully complete the WPA Academy and graduate from the program, participants are expected to:

  • Attend at least 4 of the 5 career-focused training sessions (sessions 1-5)

  • Attend at least 2 of the 3 industry and government engagement sessions (sessions 6-8)

  • To be eligible to attend the industry and government engagement sessions, participants must have attended at least 4 of the 5 career-focused training sessions (Sessions 1–5) in person.

  • Develop and revisit their SMART Career Goals throughout the program

  • Actively participate in Academy activities

Participants who meet the program requirements will receive a WPA Academy Certificate of Completion at the final graduation event.

​WPA Alumni

Graduation marks the beginning of an ongoing connection with the WorkPath Australia Alumni. Participants who successfully complete the program will become part of the WPA Alumni Network, creating an opportunity to stay connected with WPA, fellow graduates and the broader professional community.

WPA Alumni may be invited to:

  • Future WPA events, workshops and networking opportunities

  • Relevant industry and career events

  • Mentoring and professional development opportunities

  • Share their career journey and experiences with future participants

  • Participate in other relevant WPA initiatives and opportunities

  • Progression into relevant WPA employment pathway

​Apply here: WorkPath Australia application form – Fill out form

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