AFP mentoring the next generation of cyber security experts

Editor's note:Images of mentors and trainees available via Hightail

The AFP has launched a new cyber traineeship program designed to identify and attract fresh neurodivergent talent to join the cyber security industry and consider a future career in law enforcement.

The AFP Genius Armory Program, in partnership with Untapped Talent, will offer four neurodivergent individuals hands-on experience and mentorship in the cyber security space over the next six months.

From a competitive pool of 16 highly-capable applicants, four trainees were found successful to join the AFP program, with two applicants relocating from interstate to Canberra to take part in the opportunity to upskill their technical cyber skillset and learn from some of the AFP's cyber experts.

The trainees are between the ages 19-41 and ranging in education studies from completing Year 12 to undertaking tertiary education.

The participants began their pre-training in June, 2024, and have been mentored by members of the AFP's Dandelion Program Team. The Dandelion Program is a specialised recruitment program offered to neurodivergent individuals to help participants find fulfilling and suitable careers within the AFP.

The trainees are now set to embark on their six-month work experience embedded within the AFP's Cyber Security and Risk Branch on Monday 2 September, 2024.

Participants will be exposed to helping the AFP to protect critical cyber systems through monitoring, incident response, threat intelligence, and risk assessment of new and existing systems.

AFP Dandelion Program member Marcus Gellel acted as mentor to the trainees and said he was grateful for the opportunity to support and connect with other neurodivergent individuals.

"It is a good experience to be able to help guide others through the same process I went through andknowing it would be a smoother experience with someone to provide the level of familiarity and guidance that we can give to them," Marcus Gellel said.

Dandelion Program member Maggie O'Connell said she hoped to provide as much support as she received when she first started at the AFP as a Dandelion member.

"Having a mentor to help me settle into my position made such a huge impact on my life, and knowing that I've been given the opportunity to give someone else that helping hand is great," Maggie O'Connell said.

Dandelion Program member Ryan Gasnier said it was important as a mentor to support trainees and help them feel comfortable when they transition into their own teams.

"The trainees seem very capable and are eager to get into their formal training. As their mentor, I will help them understand the culture within the workplace so that they have an understanding of the AFP workforce," Ryan Gasnier said.

AFP Chief Information Security Officer Jamie King said the AFP was committed to diversifying our cyber talent and supporting the next generation of cyber security professionals.

"The Genius Armory program is another opportunity for neurodivergent individuals to explore careers with the AFP while being offered instrumental support and care to develop and succeed in the workplace," CISO King said.

"Cybersecurity is a rewarding career path for members of the neurodivergent community with many possessing an excellent memory, great attention to detail, and an inquisitive nature - all attributes beneficial to the cyber security industry.

"We hope over the course of the six months, the trainees will learn, develop and enhance their cyber skills and knowledge to kickstart a future career in cybersecurity."

The Genius Armoury Training Platform is a consortium project initiative run by Untapped Talent with funding from AustCyber and the Department of Industry.

The program is supported by funding from the Australian Government's Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund Round 2.

Interested in joining the Dandelion Program next year? For more information about the Dandelion Program 2025 program.

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