The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) and new not-for-profit TechVets have joined forces to help more veterans become cyber warriors. TechVets, which specializes in helping veterans get jobs in the cybersecurity and technology sector, will work with the MoD’s flagship training program for service leavers under a new agreement.
The technology and cybersecurity sector is rapidly growing, and while people leaving the armed forces have unique skills and experience that they can contribute in this area, the government said that currently only four percent of veterans are working in tech and cyber, compared to 24 percent of non-veterans.
The agreement will look to increase the numbers of cyber veterans by having TechVets work with the MoD’s Career Transition Partnership, which provides service leavers with training and education opportunities while transitioning out of the armed forces.
TechVets joins the ranks of over 2,000 organizations across the UK that have committed to supporting current and ex-Forces personnel, ensuring that they and their families have equal opportunities.
The UK government has also given young cyber experts of the future a glimpse inside the world of digital security during a four-day program designed to encourage young people to explore careers in the industry.
About 45 students ages 13 to 17 have taken part in the CyberFirst scheme, a government-recognized program, developed by GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre and run by Energus.
The group worked alongside industry specialists to gain an insight into the critical role they could play in securing the nation’s digital infrastructure and services.
Training took place in a cyber lab environment aimed at giving the students a realistic experience of working in the cyber industry.
The STEM-related course underpins the skills and knowledge needed to prepare young people for the complex field of cybersecurity.
It included sessions on security devices, understanding networks, dealing with insecure devices, and securing yourself.
Cybersecurity and resilience has become a priority for industry, and in January the British government’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) funded the launch of the Cyber Lab classroom with the aim of closing the skills gap in cybersecurity.
It forms part of an NDA cyber program that is designed to grow capability and capacity for the NDA and its businesses, bolstered by an £80 million investment over the next five years in cyber safety.
