North East Programme Highlights 2023-2026
As we approach the final stages of this year’s CyberFirst delivery, we would like to take a moment to recognise the collective efforts and impact of partners across the North East region.
Over the past year, employers, educators and delivery partners have collaborated to create meaningful, real-world experiences for young people. These opportunities are helping to build technical capability, and also the confidence, problem-solving and teamwork skills that underpin the cyber workforce of tomorrow.
We would like to thank each and every individual and organisation that has supported in any way. Through targeted sessions such as Trailblazers, and the Girls Competition, to CyberFirst Ambassador bespoke work with CyberFirst Schools, and of course our flagship Horizons programme, and everything else in between – you have supported and made a real difference to the cyber ecosystem in the region.
In the past 3 years the programme has engaged over 35,000 students, and supported 39 schools and educators to gain CyberFirst status. This has made a huge difference to schools, departments, individual educators, and to the young people in the classroom. Your contribution to this has made a meaningful difference.
“CyberFirst has helped us bring real world concepts into the classroom, which has helped in my goal of transforming how Computer Science is viewed as a subject. We've seen an uptake in both GCSE and A-level uptake and I feel our Cyber First school accreditation may have a role to play in this." Lee Willis | Head of Computing | Newcastle High School For Girls
Since launch, nationally over 3,000 students have been supported through CyberFirst bursaries, with more than 90% progressing into cyber security or related careers. This year sees a number of North East students embarking on this journey and we wish them the very best in their career in cyber. Whist directly supporting the UK’s cyber talent pipeline, nationally CyberFirst has delivered an estimated £41 million in social value; demonstrating the scale of impact that sustained collaboration between industry and education can achieve.
Regionally, industry has given over 7000 hours to the project. By hosting events, contributing to the Steering Group, delivering workshops; your support has been incredible. In addition to helping to shape a pipeline of talent that is more diverse, better prepared, and more aligned to the needs of industry, organisations have found many other benefits of partnering with CyberFirst. Including professional development opportunities for their colleagues, and closely aligning with organisational values of skills, inclusion and responsible business.
“Our members have loved getting involved, whether mentoring or sharing their own career stories. Seeing that "lightbulb moment" when a student realises they can actually do this for a living is exactly why we do what we do. It’s a huge win for the North East ecosystem and for the young people themselves.” CyberNorth
We asked CyberFirst Ambassadors what impact volunteering has had on them.
“Since I became a Cyber Ambassador, I have had to put myself out of my comfort zone so many times. And I am thankful for that. It has made me a more confident person, especially in the things I know and that I actually know what I'm talking about.
I do the Ambassador work because I want to be able to inspire someone to go out and look at options they never thought they had. Or explore their passion deeper; that’s a win in my books.” Alex Scotney | Atom Bank
As delivery draws to a close, we look ahead to one final milestone; CyberFirst Horizons. This incredible programme will bring together 50 year 12 students and North East industry to develop their cyber skills, employability skills, and to start to build their own professional network.
One student from last year said:
“Before Horizons, I wasn’t sure which route to take or how to stand out in CVs and interviews. The programme helped me understand the different pathways. From then on, I was determined to pursue a degree apprenticeship. Horizons really helped me stand out from other applicants.”
You can follow Horizons ‘26 on our LinkedIn Page
We will be back in contact with further information on the exciting transition from CyberFirst to TechFirst.
