In the field of cyber security, we need a continual pipeline of talent to feed the ever growing demand for security expertise. Not only do we need a continual talent pipeline, it needs to be diverse. I’m not just talking about gender, age or ethnicity, I’m talking about diversity of thought. In order for us to stay one step ahead, we need diverse teams that will all look at the same security problem and approach the task of solving it differently.
We need to get into schools.
But I know the struggle, with cyber crime on the rise it’s hard to break away from the mounting to-do list of BAU work that greets us every working day. However, who better to engage with education and inspire the next generation than the people living it every day? Taking a step back from that MI pack that’s due, or that email you need to respond too, the resilience of our businesses, our public services and national infrastructure depends on there being the right amount of security skills to meet the demand.
Here’s a helping hand.
In order to save you time developing presentations or designing workshops, here are a bunch of FREE resources developed by Skills Development Scotland to make it as easy as possible for you to engage with the next gen. The great thing about these, they have been prepared with industry partners and tie in with the Scottish curriculum. #Winning 🙌
- Run a prepared workshop 💻
If the preparation is putting you off going into a school, then procrastinate no more, here is a bunch of prepared lessons you can run! From how to steal a pizza to solving a murder.
- Market yourself on marketplace 🛒🛍️
Marketplace is the hub where schools can engage with industry. All security employers should sign up and start posting opportunities you have which schools can get involved in. Are you running an event? Do you want to do a careers talk outside of your normal network? Advertise it here. There are schools who have no industry contact and don’t know who to reach out to in order to get an expert to inspire their learners.
https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/what-we-do/supporting-scotlands-employers/marketplace/
- Become a trained STEM Ambassador ✅
Join the STEM ambassador programme for free and learn how to run a fun session for learners, how to engage with different age groups and get the PVG disclosure certificate as part of it.
https://www.stem.org.uk/stem-ambassadors/join-stem-ambassador-programme
- School – Employer Framework 👩💼
Want to engage with learners but not sure on what type of activity to run for the age group? Fear not, here is a framework which details the type of activity which is the most appropriate for each age group!
https://education.gov.scot/improvement/Documents/SchoolEmployerPartnershipFramework.pdf
- My Digital World – Cyber Security 📱
Check out this amazing resource which details all the different cyber security roles learners can aim for, including typical duties and salary. No more awkward salary questions..
- A Cyber Security Career Development Map 💼
Here is a guide to the typical qualifications and experience needed to climb the cyber security career ladder. No only useful for students, professionals can use this as a guide when looking for that promotion.
https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/media/46489/cs-professional-quals.pdf
- Develop your Digital Workforce 🧑🏫
Want to up skill existing staff or learn more about how to encourage more women into tech? Check out the free resources available at Our Skills Force.
https://www.ourskillsforce.co.uk/be-inspired/initiatives/develop-your-digital-workforce/
So there you have it, a list of free resources you can use now to inspire the next generation of cyber security experts! If you want to hear more, check out the Cyber Resilience Podcast where we discuss how industry can engage with education – https://soundcloud.com/user-43302237/education-and-industry/s-T25An.
Please share far and wide 👍👍
Thanks!
