Port Vila
Vanuatu
Intermediate
Does this course have any restrictions?
Event organizer(s)
Description
This training course aims to develop and enhance the cybersecurity skills and capabilities of professionals in the early stages of their careers within the Pacific Island Member States, who are seeking cybersecurity-related career opportunities as well as fostering pathways for internships and professional development opportunities. This course aims to equip participants with a structured 5-month learning experience that combines self-paced modules, in-person and interactive online instructor-led sessions and hands-on workshops to foster a strong cybersecurity community and promote practical, industry-relevant learning outcomes.
Additionally, ITU will identify potential post-certification internships and professional work experience placement for certified participants. Internships/work experience are not guaranteed for certified participants.
The target beneficiaries for this training course are professionals in the early stages of their careers from the beneficiary countries listed below who are seeking professional cybersecurity opportunities and who have completed secondary education at a minimum. Interested individuals from eligible member states in the Pacific Islands can apply to join the training: Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Interested applicants must be nationals of and residing in the above countries. They must commit to the following program, if they are selected for this pilot project.
Qualifications or experience needed to participate in this training course:
- Applicants must be aged between 18 – 29 at the time of the deadline closing.
- Less than two years of experience in the ICT or cybersecurity sector. Applications with limited experience in ICT or cybersecurity are encouraged.
- Undergraduate degree in ICT field.
- Previous certificate in cybersecurity or network engineering would be preferred.
- Previous work or intern experience in the Pacific with government agencies, industry, civil society, academic institutions, or community organizations is encouraged.
Selection criteria:
- 1 from each eligible member state, excluding Vanuatu.
Number of available places for the cohort: 20
Interested participants from Vanuatu may apply (9 spots are available), noting that they will need to self-fund their own travel to Port Vila for the Phase 2 physical training.
The program aims to provide participants with a comprehensive foundation in both technical and strategic cybersecurity practices, enabling them to effectively address the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Participants will acquire critical skills, build professional networks, and contribute to strengthening cybersecurity capacity across the Pacific region.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe foundational cybersecurity principles and techniques.
- Develop hands-on skills in vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, incident response, and digital forensics.
- Managing and mitigate cybersecurity threats through training and peer learning
- Participate in a work experience placement to foster a strong cybersecurity community and promote practical, industry-relevant learning outcomes in the Pacific region.
The Pathways to Cybersecurity in Pacific training offers a structured learning approach designed to equip participants with foundational knowledge, practical skills, and real-world experience in cybersecurity. The methodology is delivered through three distinct phases, utilizing diverse methods tailored to maximize engagement and learning outcomes.
Phase 1: Foundational Knowledge
Objective: Build a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices.
Delivery Methods:
- Self-Paced Online Learning: Participants access foundational cybersecurity modules via ITU’s Academy Platform and APNIC’s training courses. These self-paced courses allow flexibility, enabling participants to learn at their own convenience
- Instructor-led online sessions
- Participation in discussion forums following instructor-led online sessions
- Hands-On Virtual Labs: Participants use interactive labs to simulate real-world cybersecurity tasks in a self-paced setting
Resources: Participants are provided with access to learning materials, including videos, readings, and quizzes, and useful links.
- Hands-On Virtual Labs: Participants use interactive labs to simulate real-world cybersecurity tasks in a self-paced setting
There will be biweekly standing office hours (not mandatory) with the participants.
Phase 2: F2F component
Objective: Enhance technical proficiency and practical application skills.
Delivery Methods:
- Hands-On Virtual Labs: Participants use interactive labs to simulate real-world cybersecurity tasks in a physical setting,
- Expert-Led Training Workshops: In-person workshops are conducted by experienced trainers, focusing on problem-solving and the application of skills in practical scenarios. These workshops emphasize collaborative learning and peer interaction
- Case Studies and Simulations: Real-world cybersecurity case studies are integrated to help participants analyze threats, develop strategies, and execute responses effectively.
- Assessments and Feedback: Participants complete regular assessments, including quizzes, lab evaluations, and assignments, to track their progress. Trainers provide detailed feedback to enhance learning outcomes.
Phase 3: Work Experience Placement and Community Building
Objective: Apply knowledge in real-world settings and contribute to regional cybersecurity initiatives.
Delivery Methods:
- Internships and Placements: Certified participants are matched with regional organizations, including PITA, PACNOG, and PaCSON, to gain real-world experience. Internships may involve cybersecurity operations, risk assessment, or incident response roles.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Participants are paired with industry professionals who guide them through practical challenges and provide career advice.
- Community Engagement: Participants contribute to local cybersecurity initiatives, raising awareness and applying their skills to regional challenges.
Note - Phase 3 is not guaranteed. Therefore, while the above is the indicative planned for learning objectives under Phase 3, it will not be required as part of the final certificate issuance and is a post-certificate learning activity.
The assessment methods are designed to measure the achievement of learning objectives through a combination of knowledge-based assessments and practical evaluations.
Quizzes: Upon completing each self-paced online course, participants will complete quizzes designed to assess their comprehension of the fundamental frameworks and concepts covered. A passing score of 80% is required to obtain a digital badge.
Discussion Forums: Active participation in designated discussion forums is required after each online instructor-led session. These contributions provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on the session's content, engage with peers, and deepen their understanding through collaborative discussions.
In-Person Practical Exercises and Collaborative Activities: Participants will engage in hands-on simulations and group activities to apply the concepts learned. A structured framework will be used to evaluate participants during practical exercises, focusing on predefined criteria such as problem-solving expertise, decision-making, and collaboration skills. The assessments will be weighted to emphasize their importance in demonstrating key competencies and proficiency in essential skills.
The grading structure for this course is outlined below:
The assessment methods are designed to measure the achievement of learning objectives through a combination of knowledge-based assessments and practical evaluations.
Quizzes: Upon completing each self-paced online course, participants will complete quizzes designed to assess their comprehension of the fundamental frameworks and concepts covered. A passing score of 80% is required to obtain a digital badge.
Discussion Forums: Active participation in designated discussion forums is required after each online instructor-led session. These contributions provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on the session's content, engage with peers, and deepen their understanding through collaborative discussions.
In-Person Practical Exercises and Collaborative Activities: Participants will engage in hands-on simulations and group activities to apply the concepts learned. A structured framework will be used to evaluate participants during practical exercises, focusing on predefined criteria such as problem-solving expertise, decision-making, and collaboration skills. The assessments will be weighted to emphasize their importance in demonstrating key competencies and proficiency in essential skills.
The grading structure for this course is outlined below:
Self-Paced Course Completion 25%
Discussion forum contributions 25%
Participation in live instructor-led sessions 10%
Participation in in-person practical exercises and group work 40%
A total score of 70% or higher is required to obtain the ITU certificate
15 June
Training Kick-Off
Financial support available
The training is offered free of charge.
Travel and DSA to attend the F2F phase of the training in Port Vila, Vanuatu 1-5 December 2025 will be covered for selected participants from the following beneficiaries’ countries:
Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon, Tonga, Tuvalu.
You will be able to apply for the fellowship when you submit your training course application. Deadline to submit the fellowship application is May 15th (23:59 CEST)
Registration information
Unless specified otherwise, all ITU Academy training courses are open to all interested professionals, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, economic status and other diverse backgrounds. We strongly encourage registrations from female participants, and participants from developing countries. This includes least developed countries, small island developing states and landlocked developing countries.