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Gold Coast educator chosen for Australian team
Dr Elankayer Sithirasenan (Elan) works in a field that never stands still.
With more than 35 years in the Information Technology (IT) industry and a PhD in Network Security, he has watched the sector transform from simple local networks into today’s complex, AI-driven cloud environments.
It’s the fast-moving nature of the industry, and the continual learning that comes with it, that he enjoys most.
It’s a passion he’s shared for more than two decades with Australia’s future network engineers, cloud specialists and cyber security analysts at TAFE Queensland’s Coomera Creative campus.
“After years in high-level IT roles and academic research, I felt a strong pull toward vocational education. TAFE Queensland offered the perfect platform to bridge the gap between complex theoretical frameworks and the practical, ‘hands-on’ skills the Australian workforce desperately needs,” said Elan.
“In industry, I’ve specialised in cloud architecting, security risk assessment, auditing and incident management; in teaching, my focus is on ensuring students don't just pass a test but actually understand how to defend a network or architect a resilient cloud infrastructure.”
It’s that “lightbulb moment,” as he describes it, that’s the most rewarding aspect of his role.
“In IT, there is a specific look someone gets when they finally understand how a packet moves through a network or how to close a security vulnerability. Knowing I helped them gain that confidence is incredibly fulfilling,” he said.
Now, Elan is preparing to take his expertise to an international stage.
He’s been selected as the Cloud Computing Expert for the WorldSkills Australia team that will compete in China in September.
“Being chosen is a humbling experience,” said Elan.
“Going to Shanghai, China, for the International Competition is a significant milestone. It’s more than just a trip; it’s a validation of the standard of training we provide here in Australia.”
Often referred to as the “Olympics of Skills”, the WorldSkills competition will see Elan mentor and train Australia’s national competitor as they prepare to compete against some of the world’s best emerging talent.
He will also collaborate with experts from other countries to ensure the test projects - building complex infrastructures in the cloud - are “fair, rigorous, and reflect current global industry standards.”
“I’m looking forward to benchmarking our Australian training standards against the best in the world. Learning how other nations approach cloud architecture will allow me to bring world-class insights back to my students at TAFE,” he said.
“Witnessing young people perform at an elite level is inspiring, and I hope to return with a renewed perspective on how we can continue to push the boundaries of technical education.”