Session 7.04
Tracks
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Friday, June 20, 2025 |
1:55 PM - 2:55 PM |
Arbour level A1 |
Overview
Bridging the cybersecurity skills gap: Practical pathways for schools
Details
This session is suitable for: All
Bring a laptop to this session – no specific software required.
Speaker
Mr Adam Jacobs
Managing Director and Group CEO
EdTech Group
Bridging the Cybersecurity Skills Gap: Practical Pathways for Schools
Presentation description
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing career sectors in Australia, with more than 30,000 roles expected to remain unfilled by 2026. The Queensland Government has announced that cybersecurity will be embedded into the Digital Technologies curriculum from 2026 - an important step toward preparing students for future work.
However, many teachers - especially those in generalist or design and technologies roles - express concern about how to deliver this content without a technical background. This presentation addresses that gap by offering a clear, practical, and accessible approach to teaching cybersecurity in Years 5 - 10.
Participants will explore curriculum-aligned approaches that integrate cybersecurity into existing units using student-friendly platforms and real-world scenarios, without requiring coding or computer science expertise from teachers.
Key discussion points will include:
- How to embed core cybersecurity concepts using engaging, age-appropriate tools such as Minecraft Cyber and unplugged classroom challenges.
- Examples of how cybersecurity can be taught within the scope of current Digital Technologies content, aligned with Version 9.0 of the Australian Curriculum.
- Pathways that connect learning with national student challenges and industry-recognised VET qualifications, helping schools strengthen their careers education offerings.
- Options for teacher support and professional learning to build confidence in delivering emerging tech content.
This session is designed to support teachers, curriculum leaders, and school decision-makers looking for practical classroom strategies that align with QCAA goals while helping students explore high-demand career pathways in cybersecurity and digital technologies.
However, many teachers - especially those in generalist or design and technologies roles - express concern about how to deliver this content without a technical background. This presentation addresses that gap by offering a clear, practical, and accessible approach to teaching cybersecurity in Years 5 - 10.
Participants will explore curriculum-aligned approaches that integrate cybersecurity into existing units using student-friendly platforms and real-world scenarios, without requiring coding or computer science expertise from teachers.
Key discussion points will include:
- How to embed core cybersecurity concepts using engaging, age-appropriate tools such as Minecraft Cyber and unplugged classroom challenges.
- Examples of how cybersecurity can be taught within the scope of current Digital Technologies content, aligned with Version 9.0 of the Australian Curriculum.
- Pathways that connect learning with national student challenges and industry-recognised VET qualifications, helping schools strengthen their careers education offerings.
- Options for teacher support and professional learning to build confidence in delivering emerging tech content.
This session is designed to support teachers, curriculum leaders, and school decision-makers looking for practical classroom strategies that align with QCAA goals while helping students explore high-demand career pathways in cybersecurity and digital technologies.
Biography
Adam Jacobs has a background in corporate finance and investment banking and has spent the past 11 years leading educational institutions. He is currently the Managing Director and Group CEO of the EdTech Group, a national education and training organisation specialising in the delivery of both accredited and non-accredited digital technologies education. Before joining Junior Engineers, Adam served as CEO of The Australian Institute of Personal Trainers (AIPT), Australia’s leading Registered Training Organisation for health and wellness, nutrition, and fitness qualifications, delivered through a network of 110 campuses nationwide. Prior to his career in the education sector, Adam worked at a Sydney-based corporate advisory firm, specialising in mergers and acquisitions, strategic advisory, IPOs, capital raising, valuations, underwriting, financial structuring, corporate restructuring, governance, and risk management.
