Lancaster University recently hosted students on the National Cyber Security Centre's (NCSC) CyberFirst Advanced course, delivered by QinetiQ. Over the course of a week, students from across the region developed practical cyber security skills, explored career opportunities in the sector and took part in hands-on challenges alongside peers at sites across the country.

As one of only eight UK universities recognised by the NCSC as both an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research and an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education, Lancaster University equips aspiring cyber professionals with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Nationally, QinetiQ delivered the National Cyber Security Centre's (NCSC) CyberFirst Advanced course to over 200 students helping to upskill and inspire the next generation of cyber and technology professionals.

Designed for 16 and 17-year-olds with an interest in cyber security, the course provided participants with practical experience in areas including encryption technologies, digital forensics and cyber investigation techniques. Students also heard from industry specialists and tackled real-world challenges involving Open Source Intelligence gathering and penetration testing.

The final day of the course saw students take part in a national "Capture the Flag" competition, allowing them to work in teams and put their skills to the test through Hack The Box, the global leader in AI cybersecurity readiness.

Students took part in the hands-on training at 11 venues, including Lancaster University and QinetiQ's Malvern site – a specialist cyber and intelligence centre, and other universities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

James Willis, Chief Executive Officer, UK Intelligence, QinetiQ, said: "As demand for cyber security expertise continues to grow, initiatives such as CyberFirst play an important role in building a diverse pipeline of talent and strengthening the UK's future cyber resilience.

"Our cyber experts have firsthand experience of protecting a range of partners against complex threats across the globe and so understand just how important it is to inspire future generations into the industry."

Chris Ensor, NCSC Deputy Director for National Resilience Capabilities, said: "We are delighted to support QinetiQ, who are delivering the CyberFirst Advanced learning content in collaboration with 10 NCSC Academic Centres of Excellence for Education.

"This partnership with industry and academia marks another important step in expanding access to high-quality cyber security education, benefiting even more students across the UK.

"Inspiring the next generation of cyber talent is vital to the UK's digital future, and we look forward to the continued broadening of access to these resources through the TechFirst programme."

Lancaster University is committed to developing the next generation of cyber security professionals and strengthening the UK's digital resilience. Home to Security Lancaster, the Data Science and AI Institute and the Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats, the University is helping to shape the future of digital security through world-leading research, education and collaboration with industry and government.

To learn more about cyber security at Lancaster University, including undergraduate and postgraduate courses, research and industry partnerships, visit https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/cybersecurity/