USW hosts Admiral Challenge Day for cyber experts of the future

The University of South Wales (USW) has hosted the Admiral Challenge Day, which has given students interested in cyber security a chance to test their skills.

Organised by Cyber College Cymru and involving industry partners Admiral, Thales, Dwr Cymru, Fujitsu, Bridewell, and Performanta, the event at USW’s Newport Campus gave students from Coleg Gwent, Coleg y Cymoedd, Bridgend College, and the College Merthyr Tydfil, a look at the opportunities that are available in the cyber security sector.

The students were also set a cyber security challenge to test their tech skills, with the winners being honoured in an awards ceremony at the end of the day.

Sharan Johnstone, who is Director of the Academic Centre of Excellence at USW, which has been named Cyber University of the Year for four years running, and the University’s Head of Subject for Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, told the students taking part on the Challenge: “I’d like to applaud you on the fantastic choices you have made in your courses. The digital world, be that cyber, IT, operational technology, or back-office IT systems, is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world right now, the job market is huge, the breadth of jobs that are available, and the opportunities to develop yourself, are unreal.

“Around 99% of USW graduates leave us knowing they already have a job, and we would love to see you coming to us to continue your education, with a number of fantastic opportunities available for learning, including degrees and degree apprenticeships, many of which involve working with our industry partners.

“The world really is your oyster. The best advice I can give to you is to grab every opportunity you can with both hands.”

Cyber College Cymru offers students access to fundamental skills, knowledge, and understanding of the industry so they are able to progress to university or to secure an apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship.

Mike Halliday, of Cyber College Cymru, said: “Cyber College Cymru is a world-class programme that is helping young people aged 16 to 18 to develop the cyber security skills that industry needs.

“Considered as the leading programme for students of this age in the UK, Cyber College Cymru now supports more than 140 students across four colleges, with students supported by partners in developing and accelerating their cyber security skills in order for them to be ready for the world of work.”