Launch of Newman's Cyber Academy
Cardinal Newman College is thrilled to announce the launch of our groundbreaking Cyber Academy, positioning our students at the forefront of the burgeoning Technology and Cyber Defence sectors in Lancashire!
Led by our A-Level Computer Science department, Cardinal Newman College has long been a pioneer in advancing Cyber Awareness and igniting a passion for future tech careers among students. Now, with the establishment of our Cyber Academy, we are amplifying these efforts to unprecedented levels.
The National Cyber Force (NCF), a strategic collaboration involving the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, the Secret Intelligence Service, and the Government Communications Headquarters, is making significant investments in Lancashire, including a new operational base in Salmesbury. In partnership with the NCF and its key stakeholders, we are equipping our students with the essential skills and networking opportunities needed to thrive in the many thousands of upcoming roles within the cyber sector.
Cardinal Newman College is one of only four colleges in the UK selected by StratCom (Strategic Command UK) to lead the FE Bursary Scheme. This prestigious programme provides students with substantial financial support, a laptop, and the opportunity to develop both technical and personal skills, preparing them for careers in Tech Defence.
Our collaboration with IN4 Group, who are the recipients of significant government contracts to develop students to help them enter roles in the Tech industry, further bolsters our students' pathways into this industry. Several of our students are currently benefiting from the selective Mega Scholarships programme, which offers direct access to tech employers, interview training and visits to leading tech firms in the region.
As a Cyber First Gold Standard College, our students gain exclusive access to numerous events, showcasing local technology opportunities. Recently, our students had the honour of visiting the Houses of Parliament to discuss the critical role of Cyber Skills in Education and future opportunities. Additionally, we were invited to GCHQ to explore emerging roles in the Security Services.
We proudly offer the Cyber Security Extended Project Qualification (worth half an A-Level), with 95% of our students achieving high grades last year. Looking ahead, we are expanding our offerings. Starting in September 2024, our Robotics Enrichment programme will allow students to automate a full-sized Dalek and develop AI software for self-navigation, facial recognition and interaction around College.
So, what is the Cyber Academy at Newman? Well, put simply it is the culmination of all these initiatives, dedicated to honing our students' cyber and tech skills, ensuring they are ready to seize the many exciting and lucrative job opportunities coming to Lancashire.
For further inquiries, please contact Chris Carberry, Cyber Academy Lead, at ccarberry@cardinalnewman.ac.uk.
We hope you decide to join us at Cardinal Newman College, where the future of cyber excellence begins!
