The Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) are collaborating to give up to 300 students help to start careers in cyber security. CIISec’s Cyber Extended Project Qualification (CyberEPQ), supported by DCMS, will offer qualifications,and support of the infosec professional body. The scheme is open to students in years 12 and 13 (sixth formers) across ten English mayoral authorities. For more on the CyberEPQ, visit https://cyberepq.org.uk/.
Amanda Finch, CEO, CIISec said: “We want to build diversity in the industry, and attracting students considering their future careers is an excellent way to do it. Cyber is changing. There are more roles, demanding more varied skills than ever before: from technical knowledge to problem-solving to people skills. At the same time, the threats we all face are constantly changing and evolving. Against this backdrop we need people from different backgrounds, with different experiences and outlooks, to address every challenge the industry faces. With these places, we are looking forward to welcoming new applicants on their first steps to what has always been an interesting, challenging and above all rewarding career.”
DCMS funding covers the CyberEPQ qualification and City & Guilds registration fee, and places are open for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 academic years. Underpinned by CIISec’s own skills framework, the qualification offers training 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 careers at all stages, from apprenticeships to executive positions.
Nicky Bodily, Cyber EPQ Lead, CIISec said: “We’re delighted to welcome new entrants to the CyberEPQ, which we believe is one of the best starting points for young people to begin developing their careers. This qualification opens the door to young people of every background to bring their experiences and knowledge to the industry. By giving students the opportunity to get involved with real cyber security tasks, we are also helping build their practical skills, all measured against an industry-recognised framework. Whatever their ambition, we can help young people on their journey to find the role that’s right for them.”
More about CIISec, its skills framework and membership benefits at https://www.ciisec.org/. CIISec is accepting submissions for its annual survey of cyber security professionals. To take part visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CIISec2022.
Background
DCMS has funded 30 CyberEPQ places in each of these mayoral regions:
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Greater Manchester; Greater London Authority; Liverpool City Region; North of Tyne; South Yorkshire; Tees Valley; West Midlands; West of England; and West Yorkshire. For more on the DCMS funding, or to apply for a position, contact [email protected].
