The Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) has gained funding from Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to support students for the 2023-24 CyberEPQ. That a UK Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in cyber security. Places for the academic year are now open.
This follows a pilot with a 2022-23 cohort, which targeted sixth form students across ten mayoral authorities in England. All the students involved achieved grades that qualified them for CIISec membership, and most, 68 per cent achieved A-star to B grades.
This year, CIISec plans to enrol at least 400 students, three times the number in 2022-23, and to keep increasing the number year on year. The aim: a more diverse pool of talent for the cyber security industry, including by enrolling students from state schools in areas of social deprivation. CIISec adds it’s already increasing the number of state schools involved in the CyberEPQ by 56pc in 2022-23. This sits alongside Government initiatives such as the Cyber Explorers and the Upskill in Cyber programme.
Amanda Finch, CEO of CIISec, said: “We’re excited to embark on this next phase of the CyberEPQ program, which promises to play a pivotal role in attracting and nurturing diverse talent in the cyber security industry. The continued support from DSIT and the dedication of our partners and members will be instrumental in achieving these goals.”
Andy Pape, Head of Computer Science at Thomas Tallis School in London, said: “In our first year of running the CyberEPQ, we have already seen how beneficial the course has been to our students. Students chose a wide variety of essay topics that truly engaged their inquisitiveness. Some of their presentations felt like we were sat in training sessions with cyber security experts. Many are now planning a future in cyber security. I can’t wait to see how our next cohort develop over the course.”
CIISec has recruited a School Liaison Coordinator to support teachers and students through the programme. CIISec adds that it has reviewed its programme, and plans to upgrade the curriculum to reflect advances in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing and Blockchain.
About CyperEPQ
Underpinned by CIISec’s own skills framework, the CyperEPQ qualification offers training in topics across the cyber spectrum, from the history of computing and cryptography to digital forensics and the human factor in cyber. Students will also gain access to CIISec’s development programme, designed to support those at all stages of careers, from apprenticeships to executive positions.
Cyber Minister Viscount Camrose said: “We’re committed to breaking down barriers and helping young people pursue exciting careers in the UK’s cyber industry. The sector is growing at pace, and so is the demand for skills – which is why we’re investing in a new and diverse generation of cyber security experts, and we’re pleased to be supporting CIISec to engage even more talented students this year.”
For more information on the CyberEPQ, visit https://cyberepq.org.uk/. For more on the DSIT funding, or to apply for a position, contact [email protected]
Visit https://www.ciisec.org/.
