New partnership between CyberFirst, RTC North and The Hg Foundation will provide specialist support to sixth formers in the North East

19 March 2025 – The Hg Foundation, CyberFirst and RTC North have joined forces to pilot a new summer programme to build teenagers' knowledge and skills in the cybersecurity sector.

Through CyberFirst Horizons, 50 students from the North East of England will benefit from 4 weeks of intensive programming over summer 2025. The support will include:

• Employability workshops covering topics such as workplace etiquette, goal setting, and behaviour expectations

• 2-weeks of hands-on cyber experience, working with industry professionals on real world cyber projects, plus on-site company visits.

• 1 week in-person ‘CyberDefenders’ course delivered by CyberFirst instructors (covering topics such as common cyber security threats; applying cyber defences; constructing and securing a network; managing digital footprints)

• Post-placement mentorship throughout Year 13, including UCAS applications, CV writing, personal statements and interview technique.

The programme aims to build students’ cyber skills, excite them about career opportunities in the sector and provide advice on navigating the pathways into jobs. There remains a significant shortage of talent in cybersecurity, with many organisations struggling to recruit for roles and a predicted 33% growth in the cyber security job market to 2030.

Several employers in the region are already signed up to support the CyberHorizons programme, including Atombank, Cyberwhite, Aspire, Northumbria Water, Newcastle Ciy Council, Waterstons, The Adaptavist Group, NEROCU, DXC, Microsoft, Sunderland University and Sheffield Hallam University.

Those who complete the programme will be eligible to apply to the CyberFirst university bursary scheme, which provides students with financial support and work experience throughout their higher education course.

The Hg Foundation are providing a £90,000 grant to fund the pilot. The programme leverages CyberFirst's track record of promoting cybersecurity opportunities to young people, and RTC North's experience of delivering STEM programmes to schools in the region.   If successful, it is hoped the pilot could provide a blueprint for an expanded programme.

CyberFirst Horizons is targeted at those who are the first in their family to attend university; from low-income homes; or who experience other barriers which mean they might find it difficult to access cyber careers.

Applications for the programme are open until May 2025.  More information can be found at CyberFirst : CyberFirst Horizons

“In our day to day work we see first-hand the critical importance of cybersecurity and what a rewarding and fascinating career it is.  But lots of businesses struggle to fill vacancies and many young people do not understand the range of opportunities on offer in the sector.  So we are delighted to have helped develop this new initiative, working with expert partners and regional employers to build the next generation of cyber talent.”

Josh Haringman, Cybersecurity specialist at Hg

“CyberFirst provides opportunities for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to pursue their interests in technology and Cyber Security. Since 2015, the National Cyber Security Centre has funded 1,399 aspiring cyber security professionals through university, and this pilot initiative between CyberFirst, RTC North, and the Hg Foundation offers aspiring students from the North East a fantastic opportunity to take their first step in to cyber.”

Chris Ensor, Deputy Director for Cyber Growth, National Cyber Security Centre.

“As a young woman from a working-class background, I studied engineering in the 1990s, and experienced first-hand the barriers that can discourage talented young people from pursuing careers in engineering and tech. That’s why initiatives like CyberFirst Horizons are so important—they provide current Year 12 students with the opportunity, experience, and confidence to see a future for themselves in cyber security, regardless of their background. I’m proud to be part of this programme that helps open doors for the next generation of cyber professionals.”

Sally Wilkinson, STEM Project Manager , RTC North

About The Hg Foundation: The Hg Foundation’s vision is that the tech workforce of the future harnesses the talents of all, regardless of background. It supports education and employment-based programs across the UK, USA, and Europe where it can demonstrate measurable, long-term, and scalable impact and make a difference to those that need it most.  To date, it has committed over $30m to programs that will reach over 50,000 young people and adults from under-represented backgrounds.

The Foundation’s work is solely funded by Hg – a leading investor in European and transatlantic software and services businesses. The Hg Foundation is registered Charity no. 1189216.

Find out more at https://www.thehgfoundation.com/

About CyberFirst: CyberFirst is designed to identify and nurture a diverse range of talented young people into a cyber security career. Led and delivered by the National Cyber Security Centre (a part of GCHQ), CyberFirst activities are intended to inspire and encourage students from all backgrounds to consider a career in cyber security and apply for a CyberFirst bursary.

About RTC North: For over 35 years RTC North has been delivering economic impact by helping small businesses to innovate, compete and grow across the North of England. For two decades at the heart of our mission lies an unwavering dedication to fostering social values through the transformative power of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. By partnering with schools, universities, and initiatives like CyberFirst, it bridges the gap between industry and young talent. Through hands-on experiences and mentorship, RTC North helps equip the next generation with the skills needed for future careers, ensuring opportunities for all.