The rapid wave of digitalisation has ushered in unparalleled opportunities and efficiencies for businesses worldwide. However, this technological transformation has also left organisations exposed to escalating cyber security threats, with the average cost of a data breach for local organisations reaching close to R50 million this year – an 8% increase over the past three years.
As cyberattacks evolve into highly sophisticated operations orchestrated by organised crime groups and nation-states, it has become increasingly imperative for organisations to build and enhance their cyber security defences.
The need for robust cyber security measures is undeniable, but the shortage of qualified professionals in the field has left businesses further at risk. In response to this growing concern, Mindworx Academy is actively addressing the critical shortage by training work-ready skilled cyber security professionals.
“At Mindworx Academy, we have taken an innovative approach to bridge the severe cyber skills gap by training and preparing graduates as cyber security specialists, ready to be deployed into work-based experiences,” says Lwazi Sithole, head of Mindworx Academy. He says the organisation’s comprehensive training programme not only provides students with the latest industry knowledge but also equips them with the practical skills necessary to excel in the field of cyber security.
The cyber security specialists have undergone specialised training in areas such as penetration testing and grey hat hacking, ensuring they possess the skills required to address contemporary cyber threats. Furthermore, they have a deep understanding of the fundamentals of cyber defence, which sets them apart from their peers. Their training includes hands-on experience with real-world case studies, allowing them to hit the ground running upon deployment.
In addition to their technical expertise, students participate in a personal mastery programme that hones their personal and professional skills, ensuring they are workplace-ready from day one and primed for continuous learning.
With graduate unemployment in South Africa currently hovering at 10% Sithole says this programme addresses two of South Africa’s most pressing challenges: closing the digital skills gap and providing unemployed high-potential graduates with a pathway to the labour market. “Graduates often can’t secure their first job because they have no experience. Our approach provides the much-needed real-world experience necessary for future success,” he explains.
In addition to fortifying their cyber security, companies who deploy graduates from the Mindworx Academy, which is a level 1 B-BBEE MICT SETA-certified training organisation, also benefit from company tax incentives, skills levy claims and an enhanced B-BBEE scorecard.
Please contact Ashveer Maharaj to set up a discussion. Ashveer is contactable at ashveerm@mindworx.co.za
Benefits of employing our graduates:
Access to a pool of talented future permanent employees
- Company tax incentives
- Skills levy claims
- B-BBEE scorecard points on the skills development and employment equity categories
- Absorption points for B-BBEE