Abertay Uni running cyber course for forces veterans to cut major skills gap
There's currently 13,000 job vacancies in Scotland - with experts saying it leaves the country at risk of attacks
Last updated 17th Feb 2020
Armed forces veterans are teaming up with Abertay University to help solve a major skills gap in cyber security.
There's around 13,000 vacancies in Scotland at the moment - with introductory courses being offered as part of a new partnership project.
It's supporting people like Sam Wheeler who left the army in 2016.
"I personally come from a reasonable cyber background in the MOD as I was an electronic warfare systems operator," he said.
"I have a bit of cyber experience but not in a civilian capacity.
"When it comes to intelligence, working in tight teams, dealing with a threat and analysing a situation and responding accordingly, these are all skill that are inbred into us."
Cyber security experts say a high skills shortage means Scotland is more at risk of attacks.
Natalie Coull teaches digital modules at Abertay University.
"Obviously a lot of criminals nowadays are recognising they can make money a lot easier through cyber crime than selling drugs," she said.
"A lot of organised gangs are now targeting cyber crime as a way of funding their activities."
Over the next eight weeks Abertay University will host a pilot course following an introductory class which attracted 30 former military personnel.
It's teamed up with social enterprise SaluteMyJob, IBM and tech start up Skillzminer.
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