.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
What is the Cyber Security Academy
The Absa Cybersecurity Academy is an initiative established by Absa Group, a leading financial service provider in Africa, in partnership with the Maharishi Invincibility Institute. It is a comprehensive three-year academic programme designed to provide formal technical education, practical hands-on experience, and intensive personal mastery and soft skills development to young talent in the field of cybersecurity. This ground-breaking initiative offers an immersive educational experience of the highest calibre.
What makes the programme unique?
The secret to the success of this programme is that we do not only focus on developing technical skills, but on creating a whole being through consciousness-based education. For the programme to be successful, we develop each student holistically by balancing the technical, social, and emotional skills required to ensure that they are not simply technically competent, but also adequately prepared to succeed in the world of work.
The Maharishi Institute was created in 2007 with the ambition of making tertiary education accessible to South Africa’s youth by providing non-educational support to students who want to access education through accredited educational partners. In so doing, it showcases South Africa as the leading innovator in education provision. The institute supports student learning that focuses on the student, rather than just books or information.
The students will not only get accredited cybersecurity training but will also benefit from bridging courses and personal development, including transcendental meditation. It also includes financial support, including bursaries and work experience.
With Maharishi and Absa’s partnership, Absa is able to impact and shape the curriculum from institution level which plays a huge role in bridging the gap between the qualifications received and the skills requirement in a workplace.
We endeavour to provide learners with a 12-month internship programme after completing the 3-year programme with the Maharishi Invincibility Institute.
When was the Academy established and why?
The Academy was established in 2019 with the primary goal of addressing the global skills shortage in cybersecurity. As our world becomes increasingly digital, the need for cybersecurity experts has never been greater. Absa's commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves, which led to the creation of this innovative education initiative.
What is the impact of the academy
The Academy's impact is twofold. Firstly, it is to provide career opportunities for our youth and therefore positively impacting unemployment in South Africa.
Secondly, the Academy addresses the critical cybersecurity skills gap in South Africa and globally. The Academy actively bridges this gap and empowers young talent to enter this high-demand field.
What is the vision of the academy
The Academy represents a vision of empowerment and opportunity for the youth of South Africa. In a country with high unemployment rates, initiatives like the Absa Cybersecurity Academy equip young talent with valuable skills and promising career prospects. It aligns with Absa's strategy to be an active force for good in the communities it serves, cultivating a robust cybersecurity resource pool within South Africa and the rest of the African continent.
Successes
The success of the Absa Cybersecurity Academy has resulted in 19 young individuals obtaining permanent employment at ABSA in 2023. It is noteworthy that 85% of these individuals are female.
Additionally, in 2023 a second group of 19 learners enrolled in an internship program with Absa after completing their 3-year program at the Cybersecurity Academy. Due to the success of the Cybersecurity Academy, we are in the process to expand the Academy to reach a further cohort of young people in Johannesburg South Africa which will commence in June 2024 to start their 3-year journey with Maharishi Institute.
We are immensely grateful for the chance to collaborate with such a forward-thinking industry leader who consistently invests in our young people. This ensures they possess world-class, in-demand skills and knowledge that will further advance our country.
Contact us
For more information, please email us at: CyberSecurityAcademy@absa.africa