DCMS to launch cyber security training programme

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) is to launch a cyber security training programme for students aged between 14-18.

As part of the government’s National Cyber Security Programme, the Cyber Schools Programme will be supported by Cyber Security Challenge UK, BT and the SANS Institute. It will help young people develop skills they need to protect industries such as banking and public services from criminals.

Connections

The training will help students with career development by enabling them to gain connections in the cyber security sector. The programme will last for four years with the DCMS aiming to train at least 5,700 students by 2021.

The DCMS will offer hundreds of hours of extra courses through the programme, with students being able to learn at their own pace through games, challenges and projects.

Students will also have the opportunity to interact with other youngsters that participate in the programme, with local and regional learning clusters offered.

The DCMS is now calling for students, teachers and others in the cyber industry to get in touch online and register their interest in the programme, which is set to launch autumn 2017.

Cutting-edge

Minister of State for DCMS Matt Hancock commented: “Our Cyber Schools Programme aims to inspire the talent of tomorrow and give thousands of the brightest young minds the chance to learn cutting-edge cyber security skills alongside their secondary school studies. I encourage all those with the aptitude, enthusiasm and passion for a cyber security career to register for what will be a challenging and rewarding scheme.”