The UK Cyber Security Forum Community Interest Company (UKCSF CIC), partnered with IASME, is running a series of cyber security training courses for unemployed adults in Hereford and Worcestershire. There will be an induction afternoon on the 11th of July for the next Level one training course which will commence later in July at the Co-Lab in Kidderminster Hospital.
If you have the following criteria, you may be suitable for this training:
- Have a barrier to employment, such as neurodivergence, physical or hidden disability or any other barrier that may have hindered you in the past or currently.
- Have an active interest in IT
- Able to attend in-person training in Kidderminster
Find out more about our previous courses on our Training page.
INDUCTION
The induction afternoon will be an informal meeting where everyone can speak to both a technical and a welfare expert who will be able to answer your questions and concerns and together, we can work out whether you have the interest and ability to complete the course. This is not an interview and is set out with several purposes in mind:
- To provide more information to you about the training and answer any questions
- To review your expectations and concerns, and the interest you have in IT
- To find out whether there are any barriers at this point to attending the training that we can help you with (e.g., travelling, anxiety)
- To ascertain whether you will be suited to the training and highlight any needs for support at this early stage
LEVEL 1 TRAINING
The first course, Level 1, will be applicable to anyone with an interest in IT or cyber security. This will cover the basics of cyber security and working in a commercial environment.
At the completion of Level 1, a training achievement certificate will be awarded, and this can be a valuable addition to your CV.
Although the training is focused on cyber security skills, many of the skills are also applicable to jobs in a range of digital sectors such as IT and software development. Completing the level 1 training will help the individual gain jobs in these associated industries.
If you can attend the majority of the level 1 training sessions and keep up with the topics, there may be an option to attend a level two course. This will explore the technical aspects of cyber security in far greater depth.
FAQ’s
What are the criteria for the training and how do I know I am suitable?
You need to be unemployed and have some kind of barrier that has hindered you in getting employment – in the past we have specifically run these courses with neurodivergent people in mind – however we are now extending this to anyone who may have a barrier. You do need to have an active interest in IT, and you must be able to attend in-person training.
Why cyber security?
There is a well publicised shortage of employees with cyber security skills in the UK and this is set against an increasing demand for cyber security skills in all organisations.
There is a pool of really talented people, some of which may have the necessary skillset to carry out cyber security roles but because they may have a barrier that has previously hindered them getting into this industry. We feel as though many people who already have those technical skills can fill in those gaps with a bit of guidance and support from us.
Is the course right for me?
If you are not sure, then please come to the induction afternoon and find out more information. You will be able to talk to both technical and welfare staff about your worries or concerns. We can work with you to overcome barriers
Is this course free?
Yes – UKCSF and IASME are currently funding this course as they realise the importance of this work – they are also working in partnership with the Co-Lab in Kidderminster who are providing the accommodation for the course.
Will this affect my benefits?
No
If I can’t attend the face-to-face sessions, is it suitable for me?
At this stage probably not, but in the future, we may be able to run this training online. However, if there is support, we can give you to help you attend the courses in person, then please contact us through your job coach.
What happens if a job centre appointment coincides with a training day?
Make sure you attend the job centre (in person or online) appointment and fit the training day around this – we can work with you on this.
Where does it take place? How do I get there?
The Co-Lab at Kidderminster Hospital – if you are planning to attend, we will send you more information nearer the time.
Is there somewhere I can go if I feel anxious?
Yes – we always make sure there is a private, quiet space for anyone to go at any time during the training if they feel the need.
What equipment will I need?
Equipment will be provided at the course – you may want to bring a pen and paper to take notes.
Who will be there?
Other trainees on the course – of which there will be a maximum of 15. There will be two training staff from IASME, one technical trainer and someone to help with welfare. There may be other members of staff from IASME dropping in to assist and we will have guest speakers. Everyone will introduce themselves at the sessions.
How technical is the course and how technical do I have to be?
To begin with, we just ask for an active interest in IT. Some people who have been on former courses have had no previous technical background and have found the process easy to learn. Other people have been very technical, but this is not essential.
What experience do I need? Will everyone be better than me?
No experience – just an active interest in IT and be willing to learn. The training is taken at a pace to suit everyone and there is no emphasis on who is better than anyone else.
How much support will I get?
The aim is to help you complete and finish the training, so support will be provided by the welfare trainer to overcome any barriers that may stop that from happening. We will work with your job coaches in supporting you too.
How much effort/hours do I have to put in?
There are no set hours that you are mandated to put into the training. However, the more hours you put into the training, outside the face-to-face training days, the more likely you are to be able to complete the course. The number of hours will depend on you and your skill level. You may find that after a training session, you need to spend time making sure you are clear on what you have been taught that day. You will also be expected to carry out the online training via Immersive labs that coincide with the training session, however, this will vary in the amount of time you may need to spend on it.
What happens if I don’t finish it? Can I fail the training?
We will take this on a case-by-case basis. If you aren’t able to finish the course, then you won’t receive a certificate, however, there may be reasons for this, so no one will be made to feel bad about it. There is no exam and no pass or fail. If you attend the training and keep up with the work, you will receive a certificate of completion.
What if I can’t attend all the sessions?
We will take this on a case-by-case basis – if you are keeping up with the work and have attended the majority of the face-to-face sessions this should be fine, however, if you miss too many, and are not able to keep up with the work, then you won’t be able to complete the course.
What are my job prospects at the end?
By carrying out the training, it does not mean you will automatically get a job. However, you will get a certificate that you can add to your CV. This will show potential employers that you have put effort into attending the course, you carried out supplementary work outside of the face-to- face course and were able to complete the course.
If you have any further questions, please email us or email us with your expressions of interest on [email protected] and we will contact you with further details.
Quotes from past trainees
“I have the support to climb a mountain and learn a new industry”
“The training provides me with…. a learning environment with no hidden agenda or politics…run by people who are passionate to improve the trainees”
“It’s rebuilt my confidence so that I can now see a bright future for myself in cyber security”
“I have gained a lot of knowledge and have definitely without a doubt benefitted from the training – a great experience”
