27 April 2021
Three NMTAFE Cyber Security graduates' service to community were acknowledged by the Lions Club last week.
Ben Armstrong, Matt Dockrell and Jett Potter were awarded the Australian Lions Foundation Community Service Award by Lions District Chairman Gavin Thomson and Victoria Park Lions Vice President Diane Taylor.
The Lions Club's PC Recycling provides Certificate IV in Cyber Security students with donated PCs and laptops, which they repair and recycle before they are donated to schools in need.
The three students were in the first cohort of graduates in 2019 and went on to complete their Advanced Diploma in Cyber Security in 2020.
Cyber Security lecturer, Stephen Oakley said: "Students get invaluable hands-on experience installing operating systems, troubleshooting, repairing, and securing devices, as well as the added bonus of supporting a worthy cause".
Maree Tabb, Director of the Integrated Technologies and Automation Portfolio, and Victoria Park Lions PC Recycling signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2020 to ensure a constant supply of equipment and incorporated the recycling project into the Certificate IV in Cyber Security course.
Ben, Jett and Matt visited Lions PC Recycling in 2020 and saw an opportunity to practice and develop their computing skills and donate to a worthwhile cause at the same time.
Over the last 12 months the three have volunteered weekly and overseen the move of the Lions PC Recycling operation to larger premises. They have designed and constructed a modern and secure network that has streamlined the entire process.
Vic Park Lions Vice President, Diane Taylor, said that the trio thoroughly deserved their awards and looked forward to an ongoing relationship with NMTAFE.
Currently, all three are enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (Cyber Security) at ECU. NMTAFE and ECU have an agreement that enables Advance Diploma graduates to receive 18 months of credit towards their bachelor's degree.
Search here if you are interested in a career in Cyber Security.
Image: Students Jett Potter, Matt Dockrell and Ben Armstrong with Cyber Security lecturer Stephen Oakley and Lions Club representatives Gavin Thomson and Diane Taylor.