Hack the future: Bendigo locals gear up for cyber careers

Connor Cushen built an app to tackle fraud, proving what’s possible when regional students get access to cutting-edge tech training.

Connor teamed up with three other regional students to create a tool that simplifies fraud response, as part of La Trobe University’s Appathon.

This is just one of many things Connor can now build to solve real-world problems, thanks to Bendigo TAFE’s new Certificate IV in Cybersecurity – offered locally for the first time.

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries in Australia and globally, with demand for skilled professionals far outpacing supply. Projections by the Australian Computer Society indicate an additional 54,000 specialists will be required by 2030 to mitigate cyber threats effectively.

With 35 students now in training, the launch of this course in Bendigo this year is a strategic move to close that gap and empower local students to pursue careers in a field that’s critical to national and global security.

(Bendigo TAFE's cybersecurity class.)

For Connor, the course has been life changing.

“Before last year, I had no idea what the future held for me,” the 23-year-old said.

“I saw TAFE was offering a free course for a Certificate III in Information Technology, and since I’ve always had a passion for technology and computers – I thought why not throw myself out there.”

That leap of faith led him to enrolling in Bendigo TAFE’s new cybersecurity offering.

“I have a newfound passion for everything cybersecurity related!” he said.

“Completing this course will give me the tools necessary to achieve my goals – that I never knew I’d figure out so early.

“I am 100% invested in following a career path that would lead me to cybersecurity.”

(Connor Cushen)

The fraud response app stood out for one key reason: it worked.

“Most teams didn’t focus on building a working prototype, which is what I thought made our presentation unique – we had a proof of concept!” said Connor.

The team’s fully functional app and polished pitch earned them first place, landing in the 96th percentile – a result that speaks to the team’s innovation and Connor’s growing expertise in the field.

The Appathon was supported by ServiceNow and Deloitte Australia, giving students a taste of what it’s like to solve real cybersecurity challenges through building scalable, low-code business applications.

Ben Devanny, Director of Deloitte’s Bendigo Digital Operations Centre, emphasised Deloitte’s focus on ensuring professionals had the right qualifications and experience to meet the needs of clients, underscoring the importance of initiatives like this in preparing students for the workforce.

“The cybersecurity field is changing rapidly,” said Ben.

“The Appathon was a great opportunity for students to gain some hands-on experience in a real-life cybersecurity scenario, which will help prepare them for their careers.”

Connor’s success at the Appathon mirrors the hands-on achievements he has made throughout his studies, including building entire networks from scratch, identifying and patching vulnerabilities, and mastering cloud-based security systems.

He credits much of this progress to the guidance of passionate educators like Rob Softley and the exposure to industry-backed events such as the Appathon, which have helped him develop skills in technologies that are both relevant and rapidly evolving.

“The greatest asset from learning cybersecurity is the range of education and areas it can be applied,” he said.

Building regional Victoria’s next gen of cyber experts

Bendigo TAFE is not just teaching cybersecurity – it’s building a pipeline of regional talent ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world.

And for someone who’s lived in Bendigo his whole life, having access to this kind of training close to home has made all the difference.

“I’ve been in Bendigo my entire life, so having an opportunity open up for something I’m this passionate in, this close to where I live, has been nothing short of a blessing for me,” Connor said.

“My life has been changed in ways I couldn’t imagine.”

Launched in early 2025, Bendigo TAFE’s Certificate IV in Cybersecurity (22603VIC) is delivered at Bendigo City Campus and is part of the Victorian Government’s FREE TAFE for Priority Courses initiative. Graduates of the program may access pathways to bachelor studies at La Trobe University.