- The CSI Centre has been awarded the money by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
- It’s part of a wider programme at Aston Business school addressing cyber security and sustainability workforce gaps
- The programme will be delivered by academics alongside employers, recruiters, and high-level cyber officials.
Aston University’s Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) Centre has secured funding for a digital upskilling programme.
The CSI Centre has received it from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to implement a series of cyber upskilling boot camps.
The programme is set to be a collaboration with employers, recruiters and UK Cyber Security Council to help minimise an existing skills gap in the field of cyber security across the West Midlands.
The project will help participants gain access to careers in cyber by combining business and cyber risk management education and preparing the business leaders of tomorrow with appreciation for security principles.
The recruitment process for the upskilling programme is now underway and the eight week course will be delivered through a mix of online and face-to-face sessions.
Topics include the fundamentals of the cyber threat landscape: technology, people and processes, team building, organisational cyber culture and awareness and regulations and compliance, such as Data Protection among others.
Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy, associate director at the CSI Centre at Aston Business School, says:
“We aim to specifically focus on the learners from challenging and diverse backgrounds.
“Opening opportunities to better social mobility and career prospects, while bridging the gaps in the cybersecurity workforce is important for the region”.
Professor Vladlena Benson, an industry-recognised expert in cybersecurity risk management and director of CSI Centre at Aston Business School, said:
“This programme is a significant step forward towards realising the National Cyber Security 2022 strategy and building a highly skilled workforce for the West Midlands.
“It is something that is much needed for the region’s prosperity and future investment.”
To find out more about the cybersecurity programme click here. Alternatively, you can contact the CSI Centre via email or fill in this form.
- Notes to Editors
About the Skills Bootcamp in Cyber Security Fundamentals
The Bootcamp is an 8-week training course which will be delivered by cybersecurity academics, employers and recruiters, to help minimise an existing skills-gap in the field of cybersecurity across the West Midlands. The bootcamp is a pathway for those seeking to begin a career in cybersecurity, or for practicing professionals who are interested in ongoing career development.
Eligibility Criteria: Must be aged 19 years or older by 31 August 2022, Must be based in the West Midlands or moving into a role in the West Midlands
How to apply:
Applications are now open for our September cohort: https://bit.ly/3bqqnhy
Further information:
If you have any questions, please contact the team at csi@aston.ac.uk
About Aston University
Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966, Aston is a long established university led by its three main beneficiaries – students, business and the professions, and our region and society. Aston University is located in Birmingham and at the heart of a vibrant city and the campus houses all the university’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Saskia Loer Hansen is the interim Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.
Aston University was named University of the Year 2020 by The Guardian and the University’s full time MBA programme has been ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking. The Aston MBA has been ranked 12th in the UK and 85th in the world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44)74469 10063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk
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