BLOCKPHISH chosen as NCSC CyberFirst member to help close the UK cyber security skills gap
BLOCKPHISH is delighted to have joined as a member of the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) CyberFirst programme – an initiative to nurture a diverse pool of talented young people into the cyber security industry. BLOCKPHISH prides itself on offering young graduates the opportunity to work in the cyber security sector, and are looking forward to collaborating with CyberFirst on summer placements and internships for the younger generation.
“We are delighted to join the NCSC’s CyberFirst programme to develop and nurture young cyber security talent, and increase diversity and inclusivity across the industry,” says Andy Green, CEO at BLOCKPHISH. “We strongly believe that encouraging graduates and young people from all backgrounds is key to ensuring the UK stays ahead of global cyber threats, and we are looking forward to partnering with CyberFirst and engaging with their talented pool of students.”
What is CyberFirst?
Launched in 2016, CyberFirst is an initiative led by the NCSC that is designed to encourage more young people into cyber security careers. It also recognises the lack of diversity in the industry, and aims to encourage more girls and people from ethnic minorities to take up a cyber security career to increase representation and broaden the UK’s talent pool.
BLOCKPHISH joins over 220 CyberFirst members from industry, academia, charity, and local and central government. These members help with activities and initiatives such as the Girls’ Competition and summer placements, or assist with the facilitation of courses and events for young people.
What does CyberFirst do?
CyberFirst holds many events in conjunction with its members, such as supporting schools’ clubs and societies or offering work placements for young people to experience the cyber security industry.
CyberFirst bursary scheme
Summer placements: CyberFirst members host undergraduate bursary students for an 8-week summer work experience placement.
Year in Industry placements: Members host undergraduate bursary students for a year-long work experience placement.
Member-funded bursaries: Members sponsor an undergraduate student they have hosted, which allows the member organisation to develop the student with work experience placements and lead to employment upon graduation.
Graduate roles: Members offer graduate roles to CyberFirst students, either that they have hosted for work experience before or through the CyberFirst Cbay procurement tool.
CyberFirst courses
Running and facilitating courses: Members provide experienced industry professionals to run or facilitate CyberFirst courses.
Providing speakers: Members provide speakers to talk at CyberFirst courses, giving an insight into the cyber security industry.
CyberFirst schools
Supporting school societies/clubs: Members speak at school clubs or workshops to share experience of the cyber security industry.
Work experience placements: Members provide work experience to GCSE and A-level students, showcasing the cyber security industry.
Delivering multi-school cyber security events: Members support multi-school events by giving talks or running workshops.
Developing cyber security teaching content: Members develop and deliver activities to support the computer science curriculum.
Mentoring school students: Members provide industry professionals to mentor students, virtually or face-to-face.
CyberFirst Girls’ competition
The CyberFirst Girls’ competition is a series of challenges that are completed by teams of four girls each. Members write challenges for the competition or host the semi-finals that take place around the UK. The competition aims to encourage more girls into cyber security careers to increase female representation in the industry. The 2023 competition has seen 589 schools entering with 2444 teams.
BLOCKPHISH is excited to start working with CyberFirst to offer opportunities to talented and diverse young people. Keep an eye on our LinkedIn and Twitter pages for more information about future internships and placements.