From April 2021, South West College will be delivering a new Digital Futures Cyber Security Academy, funded through the Department for the Economy’s Skills Intervention Programme and aimed at graduates who have been impacted by COVID-19.
This 12 week programme will match applicants with a NI employer and allow them to inject new ideas and thinking into business. Participants will be paid a £150 per week training allowance and complete qualifications in MTA Network fundamentals; CompTIA Linux; CompTIA Security Plus; and CompTIA Pen testing.
The course is perfect for anyone with a passion for a future in cyber security. Previous course graduate, Ryan McGourty, said: “The certifications and work experience I gained from South West College has definitely opened up a lot of doors in terms of potential job opportunities. I would highly recommend the programme to anyone thinking about applying.”
Fellow Academy graduate, Damien McCabe, added: “I worked in the financial services industry for a long time before being made redundant last year. I decided to look for opportunities to reskill and identified the IT sector and particularly cyber security as an area of significant growth. I was fortunate to secure a place on the programme and I gained a number of industry relevant qualifications, as well as invaluable work placement experience with Cygilant Belfast. The Cyber Security Academy is both challenging and rewarding and the support and mentoring from the college is second to none. I plan to build on this wonderful opportunity and am hopeful of gaining employment in the field of cyber security in the very near future.”
The programme is open to graduates from any background and is perfect for highly motivated individuals with career aspirations. Applicants who have graduated with a HND, Foundation Degree or Degree will all be considered.
The 12-week programme includes 15 hrs per week of virtual learning and a 4-week work placement with an employer, providing invaluable real-life industry experience. There is a training allowance of £150 per week. Applicants must have a degree, hold an appropriate Visa and have the right to work in the EU. Applicants will be asked to complete an application form and send your CV to Shirley.patterson@swc.ac.uk. Closing date for applications is Monday 22nd March.