Computing students to compete in WorldSkills qualifiers

A group of six Cyber Security students at Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) have secured places in the WorldSkills National Qualifier competition in the Networking and Cyber Security category.

To reach the qualifier stage, students had to pass an online test in their chosen area. They will now battle it out with students from across the region in the national qualifier competition to be held at Stockport College on 17^th June. Top performing students across the regional competitions will then be selected to compete in the national finals which will take place in November.

The WorldSkills competitions, crafted by industry experts, give students the opportunity to hone the practical skills and knowledge they have developed on their course in a competitive, timed environment. It enables students to take their skills to the next level by meeting the rigorous standards demanded by the industry they are set to enter.

The College’s new state-of-the-art Cyber Security Lab give students access to cutting-edge technology and hands-on training in a professional environment. Designed to simulate real-world scenarios, the lab enables learners to develop essential skills in ethical hacking, penetration testing and network security. These outstanding facilities support the College’s strong track record of success, including multiple WorldSkills Computing medals in recent years.

Speaking about the forthcoming National Qualifier competition, Solomon Hackett, Level 3 T-Level Cyber Security student said: “I’m proud to be competing in the national qualifier competition, and I hope I make it to the finals. Taking part in competitions is a great way to get recognition for your skills, especially from employers. I’ve always loved IT, and in the future, I want to be an ethical hacker: testing company systems, identifying vulnerabilities and helping them improve their security.”

Jacqui Maw, Curriculum Team Leader for Computing at BSDC said; “We’re delighted to see our learners once again progressing to the National Qualifier stage of the WorldSkills competition, marking the fourth consecutive year our students have reached this level. Our state-of-the-art Cyber Security Lab has provided a cutting-edge environment for our students to hone their skills, and their success in this competition reflects the industry-aligned training we offer. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and achievements, and look forward to supporting them as they compete for a place in the national final. We wish all our competitors the very best as they prepare to showcase their talents and represent BSDC on a national stage.”