From education to employment

SERC Awarded Silver Cyber Security Status

holding the award
@S_ERC – South Eastern Regional College has been recognised for showing excellence in cyber security education with a Silver Cyber Security Status Award from CyberFirst Schools Initiative run by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) ā€“ a part of GCHQ.

Trevor Breadon, Head of School for Engineering & Computing at SERC said, ā€œWe are delighted to be the first College of Further Education in NI to have achieved Silver Cyber Security Status. 

ā€œThe programme recognises SERCā€™s dedication to inspiring the next generation of cyber security experts and allows us to demonstrate the range of work we do to engage students in this area. This includes participation in competitions, specialist training sessions, organising guest speakers and project-based learning which is integral to all programmes.   In addition, enterprises such as SERCā€™s FixIT, allows our students to gain valuable hands-on experience of cyber security by configuring encryption and security systems for computers on loan to their peers so they can continue their studies online.

Trevor concluded, ā€œThe past year has proven how much we have all depended on IT and digital communications both for learning and working in all sectors and with that comes greater need for cyber security experts.  At SERC we are addressing the cyber skills gap by offering a range of IT qualifications, delivered by our highly trained lecturing team, which equip students with the skills and knowledge for further study and employment opportunities.”

Chris Ensor, NCSC Deputy Director for Cyber Growth, said, ā€œIt is inspiring to see the wide range of opportunities being offered to pupils and Iā€™m delighted to welcome the schools and colleges to our growing community from around the UK.ā€

Visit www.serc.ac.uk to find out how you could be part of the next generation of professionals. Virtual Open Day 9 ā€“ 10 March 2021  #BetterOffAtSERC #OnlineAndOpenForBusiness Find us on Facebook, search SERC.

Caption: Silver Cyber Security Status for SERC: South Eastern Regional College is the first College of Further Education in NI to achieve Silver Cyber Security Status which recognises the Collegeā€™s work in inspiring the next generation of cyber security experts. SERCā€™s Trevor Breadon, Head of School for Engineering & Computing with Richard Sittlington, Curriculum Manager.


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