Google Cloud and the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (Nemisa) have launched the Google Cybersecurity Upskilling Initiative.

Google Cloud will provide the opportunity for up to 12 000 students to achieve the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, aimed at building a strong cybersecurity workforce and equipping job seekers with affordable paths to careers in cybersecurity, cyber-defence, information security analysis, and in security operations centres.

Participation requires no prior experience and is aimed at preparing learners for in-demand, entry-level cybersecurity jobs, while also helping address cybersecurity workforce gaps.

Enrolment is open until March 15.

The programme is part of Google’s $1-billion commitment in Africa to help boost the continent’s digital transformation.

A key part of this investment is to help upskill the local workforce.

In partnership with the Department for Public Service and Administration, Google is also opening opportunities for 1 000 national and local public service employees, government officials, and civil servants to enhance their careers in cloud security with the Google Cloud Cybersecurity Skills Boost certificate.

The course teaches the fundamentals of cloud computing, including modules on risk management, threat and vulnerability management, incident mitigation and recovery and offers hands-on training with Google Cloud tools.

The course can take between three and six months to complete.

It is available to South African public service employees with a high school education and familiarity with basic concepts of IT, and enables professional development as Google Cloud security analysts.

Both initiatives are designed and taught by Google experts, aligning with Google Cloud's commitment to enhancing cybersecurity protection globally.

“Empowering young minds with cybersecurity knowledge is not just an investment in their future, but in the safety and security of our digital world. Through the collaborative initiative of Nemisa, Google Cloud, and Coursera, we are providing free certification training that opens doors to new opportunities while fostering an online environment for all,” says South Africa Communications and Digital Technologies Deputy Minister Mondli Gungubele.