Students from the South West of England attended a conference run by the South West Cyber Resilience Centre (SWCRC) and Leonardo. They heard from current cyber security professionals working in the public and business sector and academia about the fundamental need for organisations to protect against constantly changing cyber threats.
The students heard how skills they are developing now through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related topics, can pave the way for exciting job opportunities and lead them to helping organisations fulfil their business objectives with the confidence that their business processes and IT infrastructure are secure.
The event took place following a board meeting of the SWCRC at the home of Leonardo’s UK cyber security business in Bristol. The SWCRC is a not-for-profit partnership funded by the Home Office, regional policing and cyber security businesses focused on helping small businesses and charities who do not have the in-house resources or knowledge, to protect themselves from cybercrime.
Craig Sharp, Leonardo VP Cyber & Security UK Government, who also Chairs the South West Cyber Resilience Centre board, said: “I am delighted to be able to host my Board colleagues after many remote meetings and this student cyber security event here in our Bristol office. As a global defence and security organisation with leading apprentice and graduate schemes, Leonardo is very aware that inspiring the minds of today is crucial to developing the skills of tomorrow. We are committed to doing all we can to support students and give them all the advice and knowledge they need as they begin their career as part of the critical security and resilience of the UK.”
As part of the day, the students took part in some working groups alongside some of the graduates and cyber experts working for Leonardo’s cyber security business.
Some of those people involved in the day’s event joined Leonardo through one of the company’s entry-level professional positions.
Pictured left to right: Ross Brown, Head of Cyber & Innovation at SWCRC; Lorrin White, Bamboo Technology Group Ltd (on screen); Mark Cooper, Assistant Chief Constable Wiltshire Police; Mark Moore, Director Head of Cyber & Innovation at SWCRC; Gary Carr-Smith: Advisory Group Lead – SWCRC (on screen); Craig Sharp – Leonardo VP and Chair of the SWCRC; Mandy Haeburn-Little, Executive Chair BRIM. Also participating were Mark Shelford, Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, and Professor Phil Legg, Professor in Cyber Security, University of the West of England.
“It’s inspiring to see the positive attitude and personal development of those who join Leonardo through apprenticeships and other such schemes,” added Craig. “It was clear to see how excited they are to share their experiences of their careers so far and how passionate they are about helping the students understand the key role they could potentially play in securing our future public services and industry.”
Mark Moore, Director of the SWCRC, said: “I’m delighted that in Leonardo we have such credible and expert allies, helping introduce local students to the realities of work at the cutting-edge of cyber security. Developing the cyber experts of tomorrow is crucial not just to our region, but to the UK as a whole, and it’s only through the commitment of our commercial partnerships that we’re able to make it happen. I know that many of our team will have learned a great deal about the world of business as a result of this event and I anticipate that the connections they’ve made will serve them well into the future.”