Developed with the UK Government as part of its National Cyber Security Programme, new careers hub aims to encourage people into the Cyber Security industry and keep them there
Launched this week by Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey, at Reform’s ‘Cyber security: assurance, resilience, response’ conference, the Inspired Careers website (www.inspiredcareers.org) has been designed to help address the cyber security skills shortage by attracting new people into the industry and providing professional career paths and opportunities. The site has been developed with funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as part of the UK Government’s National Cyber Security Programme, with the support of CREST, the not for profit body that represents the technical information assurance industry.
Inspired Careers offers ‘day in the life’ filmed interviews; internship, apprenticeship, work experience and more senior level vacancies; academic and professional courses and certifications; social media resources, whitepapers and suggestions on next careers choices. All of the information and expert advice is presented in a clear and manageable way to help people make informed decisions.
Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey said: “I am pleased to announce the launch of the Inspired Careers hub. This is an important development which supports the Government’s commitment to encouraging more young people to develop cyber security skills, along with those looking for an exciting and challenging career change. Increasing the cyber skills talent pool is essential for both the public and private sectors as we face the reality of increasing cyber threats. The UK has a proud heritage in cryptography and computer science and is at the forefront of today’s battle against the cyber criminals, but there is still more to do if we are to stay ahead.”
The UK cyber security industry employs an estimated 40,000 people and this is expected to grow significantly in coming years. Employers are being encouraged to publicise internship and other work based training on the site to give students the opportunity to experience real-world cyber security work. This will also help to address demand for high calibre future recruits by giving them the knowledge and practical experience they need.
Inspired Careers is also pleased to announce that PwC is sponsoring the Cyber Security building
“The primary aim of Inspired Careers is to encourage talented people into the industry, either straight from education or from other industries, as well as to help nurture and harness the skills we already have,” explains Ian Glover, president of CREST. “CREST is proud to be involved with the initiative because it will help to addresses the problem of attracting and retaining the brightest young people into careers that have traditionally had an image problem and demonstrates that there is a strong career path once in the industry.”