CyberFirst is a pivotal part of the UK government’s National Cyber Security Programme. It covers a broad range of activities; a comprehensive bursary scheme, a girls only competition and development courses at UK universities and colleges. Each activity is designed to give talented young people the support, skills, experience and exposure they need to become cyberists of the future.
Cyberists are intrigued by unexplored technology. Dedicated to fulfilling a bigger role in society. Keen to protect friends, families, communities and commerce. Determined to make an impact. Eager to learn and never let up. They are our new generation of cyber security experts. As technology enhances more and more of our daily life, cyberists will be the ones who’ll safeguard it from all manner of threats. Cyber security roles are constantly evolving, consistently challenging and crammed with potential. They could be anybody – and they could come from anywhere. To help find them, support them and train them, we’ve created CyberFirst.
CyberFirst is a Student scheme inspired and led by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) which aims to support and prepare undergraduates for a career in cyber security. NCSC partners with other government departments and selected industry to offer students a comprehensive package of financial assistance and cyber skills training to help you kick start a career in cyber security.
It covers three stages of your career:
1. University: during the years you study at university, you will receive an annual bursary of £4,000 per year, tax-free.
2. Each summer: we’ll find you paid employment during the holidays, or bespoke training within government or industry, for which you’ll be paid £250 per week.
3. After graduation: we aim to place you in a three-year graduate-level cyber security role within government or industry.
All we require is for you to be a UK national, have 3 A levels in any subject at Grade B or above (or equivalent) and have an offer to study an Undergraduate Degree or Integrated Masters in any subject at a UK university. Alternatively, you must have (or expect to have) attained a minimum 2:1 equivalent at the end of your first year of studying an Undergraduate Degree or Integrated Masters in any subject, at a UK university and have a place to study second year of an Undergraduate Degree or Integrated Masters, in any subject at a UK university from September 2019.
To find out more about the CyberFirst Bursary please click here.
The CyberFirst Degree Level Apprenticeship in Cyber Security is a three year apprenticeship where you’ll get exposure to some of the world’s most cutting-edge technologies along with practical insights into the innovative ways we use them to provide cyber security to our customers. Successful applicants will be offered the opportunity to earn while you learn, with a salary and all the benefits that you would expect from a Civil Service organisation. All whilst gaining a recognised degree. You will also be able to build your experience and confidence in the workplace. Over the three-year programme, you’ll get a mix of university-delivered classroom and lab education in state-of-the-art facilities along with technical training, mentoring and job shadowing, and hands-on, work-based placements and projects. Then, after successful completion of the three-year Degree Level Apprenticeship and subject to business needs and meeting the necessary criteria, you may be offered full-time employment.
All we require is for you to be a UK national, have (or be expecting to have by September 2018), 3 A Levels in any subject at grade C or above (or equivalent) and have IGCSE/GCSE Maths at grade B or 6 (or above).
To find out more about this CyberFirst Apprenticeship please click here.
