Yorkshire Coast schoolchildren boost cyber skills

Almost 300 schoolchildren on the Yorkshire Coast were given a taste of what a career in cyber security could look like at a two-day CyberFirst session in Scarborough.

Supported by Anglo American in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – a part of GCHQ, and NYBEP, children from six schools in the Scarborough and Whitby area were given an insight into the world of cyber security across two days at CU Scarborough.

The NCSC’s CyberFirst programme was launched to open up the world of cyber security to young people across the UK and to inspire the next generation of cyber security specialists in one of the fastest growing sectors in the world.

The sessions, which included digital forensic work, data games, code cracking against the clock and a deeper look at the varied roles in cyber security, aimed to give students an insight into how studying computer science could help improve the understanding of technology in the workplace ahead of selecting their GCSE subjects.

“Anglo American has a long-standing commitment to promote STEM-related careers in the local area and we are pleased to continue our support for the CyberFirst programme,” said Gareth Edmunds, Corporate Relations Director at Anglo American’s Crop Nutrients business.

“Cyber security is one of the world’s fasted growing sectors and we’re proud to be playing a central role in the creation of a cyber centre of excellence in the local area.”

Chris Ensor, NCSC Deputy Director for Cyber Growth, added: “I’m delighted to see so many students attending CyberFirst sessions at CU Scarborough. The NCSC is committed to equipping young people with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in cyber security, and working with partners helps us to offer young people vital opportunities and exposure to the industry.

“I'd like to thank Anglo American for supporting our CyberFirst courses and helping us to uncover cyber talent that will contribute to our aim of making the UK the safest place to live and work online.”

Mathew Butterworth, Head of Academic Studies at CU Scarborough (part of the Coventry University Group), added: “It’s amazing to see the excitement around cyber security in Scarborough and supporting these events is hugely important for the future local workforce.”

Find out more about Anglo American and its apprenticeship programmes via the Anglo American website.