Could you inspire the next generation of cyber security experts?

Cyber security is looking beyond strong passwords, in the modern world we live in, our reliance on technology makes protecting it so important, that’s why we need a new generation to fill a critical skills gap in protecting the UK.

Working alongside RTC North, CyberNorth are supporting the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to deliver the CyberFirst programme in the North East.

This hugely successful scheme covers a broad range of activities including a comprehensive bursary scheme to financially support undergraduates through university and a degree apprenticeship scheme; a girls’ only competition, thousands of free places on CyberFirst courses at UK universities and colleges and our new initiative CyberFirst Schools and Colleges.

Did you know?

44% of UK businesses have skills gaps in basic technical areas

Only 17% of the cyber sector workforce are female

How can you help?

If you have experience within the cyber security sector, you can become a CyberFirst ambassador, working with young people at schools and colleges.

In this voluntary role, you bring your passion and enthusiasm for the sector to young people in your community. The level of involvement is entirely up to you, even giving a couple of hours of your own time can make a huge impact on a young person.

Initially, you would need to become a STEM ambassador (science, technology, engineering and maths), as long as you’re over 17 years old and can volunteer at least once a year, you’re in!

You can find out more about the role in the dedicated CyberFirst North East page HERE.

Did you know?

Since 2016, the programme has reached over 260,000 students in the UK

Your level of involvement is entirely up to you.

What does the role involve?

Primarily, you’ll be sharing your knowledge of the cyber security sector and bringing real-world experiences to the classroom.

From giving career talks, mentoring students, judging competitions to advising on CV writing and attending events, you will make a positive impact on young people.

And remember, we know that people and businesses are busy so how much time you give is entirely up to you.

What are the benefits to you?

Firstly, it’s great fun!

Not only will you be supporting the next generation of cyber security professionals but on a personal level you will increase your presentation skills, boost your confidence, gain access thousands of resources, increase your CPD activities and have a fantastic sense of achievement and career satisfaction.

Want to get involved? Schedule a meeting with the CyberNorth team and we’ll have a chat about how you can get involved, simply email us at hello@cybernorth.biz and let’s inspire the next generation of cyber security professionals.

CyberFirst Schools

The NCSC aims to recognise those schools and colleges whose approach to cyber and cyber security education is excellent. Schools and colleges that achieve this recognition can expect to be:

formally recognised and promoted by the National Cyber Security Centre
provided with opportunities to engage with local and national companies seeking to invest time, expertise and resources in schools and colleges
provided with opportunities to engage with Universities seeking to invest time, expertise and resources in local schools and colleges
a focal point for other CyberFirst activities
provided with an opportunity to be a part of CISSE UK

Joining CyberFirst

Eligible secondary schools or colleges in the north east can apply to be a part of our CyberFirst Schools and Colleges scheme.

Successful applicants receive NCSC recognition via their CyberFirst Award status as either Bronze, Silver or Gold. Becoming a CyberFirst School means becoming a part of the growing national CyberFirst education eco-system.

CyberFirst Schools and Colleges are promoted as leaders who are committed to providing a structured approach to excellence in cyber security education.

Schools and Colleges wishing to be considered for CyberFirst recognition should complete the form below: https://forms.microsoft.com/e/k5P9LiPeaU

Schedule a meeting with the CyberFirst team