Lockheed Martin UK has announced it is supporting the development of the UK’s next generation of cyber security experts through the government’s CyberFirst initiative.
CyberFirst , which was initially piloted and then launched by GCHQ in May 2016, is a partnership between government and industry to find and fast-track tomorrow’s online security experts who are about to start university or are in their first year.
CyberFirst builds on GCHQ’s Cyber Summer Schools programme and other existing national initiatives, such as the Cyber Security Challenge and the National Maths Challenge.
It is a key part of the UK government’s National Cyber Security Programme and now falls under the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which opened its doors on 1 October 2016 to bring together the key government agencies responsible for cyber security.
The scheme draws people who show potential for a top career in cyber security through school competitions such as the Cyber Security Challenge Schools Programme and maths competitions.
Under the initiative , up to 250 recruits will receive £4,000 student bursaries, paid work placements and employment on graduation.
Through its participation in the initiative, global security and aerospace company Lockheed Martin will sponsor a number of students across a three-year period and provide them with work placements during their studies.
The company will work with the NCSC to help fill the growing skills gap by identifying, supporting and nurturing emerging cyber talent to fulfil the range of roles needed to be the future technical experts in cyber domains.
Chris Ensor, deputy director for NCSC skills and growth, said: “This is the first time government and industry have come together to make a concerted attempt to inspire and support a whole generation of young people to take up a role in cyber security.
