The Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) are collaborating to give 300 students across the UK the best possible opportunity to kick-start their careers in cybersecurity.
CIISec’s Cyber Extended Project Qualification (CyberEPQ), supported by DCMS, will open students’ access not only to skills and qualifications but to the full support of a professional body and an extensive community of students, academics and security professionals.
Open to students in years 12 and 13 across 10 English mayoral authorities, the CyberEPQ places will help individuals begin and progress their security careers, from apprenticeship to university to full employment, while bringing new and diverse talent into the industry.
“We want to build diversity in the industry and attracting students considering their future careers is an excellent way to do it,” said Amanda Finch, CEO, CIISec. “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.”
