Cyber careers roadshow drives local ambition

Young local people were inspired to consider ‘cyber’ careers when a roadshow visited their college

The CyberHub Trust recently brought its national roadshow to the East London Institute of Technology, offering an exciting glimpse into careers in cyber, security, and safety.

Part of a larger tour spanning four cities—including Liverpool, Birmingham, and Milton Keynes—the event aimed to inspire young people to explore opportunities in the rapidly growing digital and cybersecurity sectors.

Students participated in a series of interactive activities designed to build their cyber skills and introduce them to cutting-edge digital technology. Professionals from prominent organisations such as IBM, BAE Systems, and the Civil Aviation Authority crafted engaging activities that allowed students to experience the world of cyber careers firsthand.

With additional support from the Metropolitan Police Service, the National Crime Agency, and the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, the event highlighted real-world applications of cybersecurity and public safety, giving students a taste of various career paths in the field.

Highlights of the roadshow included IBM’s Agile Project Management & Robotics sessions, where students programmed a robot named ‘Edison’ to navigate an obstacle course, showcasing their coding skills. Other featured activities included:

• Currys’ Laptop Build & Breakdown/Bomb Disposal Challenge: A hands-on exercise in technology assembly and problem-solving.
• The Police's Criminal Minds & Escape Room: A cybersecurity and forensic challenge that tested students’ analytical abilities in realistic scenarios.
• AXON’s VR Headset Taser Challenge: An immersive experience designed to build students' decision-making and risk assessment skills.

Technology experts further impressed students with demonstrations in drone and AI technology, and career chats with specialists from the National Crime Agency offered valuable insights into diverse career pathways within the digital and security industries.

This roadshow, part of CyberHub Trust’s national initiative, continues to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to thrive in this dynamic field.

Leading the event, CyberHub Trust CEO, Michael Klonowski, said: “With the demand for Cyber and DigiTech security professionals growing rapidly, events like the these are crucial in bridging the gap between education and industry.

“These events are part of our broader mission to promote careers in Cybersecurity and Safety. There are so many exciting opportunities on offer in these industries. We want to ensure that young people are aware of them, inspired by them and can access them.”

Student Kenney Jones, 17 from Upminster said: “It was great to find out about so many amazing career opportunities there are within the IT and Cyber industries. Hearing the speakers talk about career tips and potential career pathways really opened up my mind and was inspiring. Having the opportunity to learn interactively was fantastic.”

T-Level protective services student Maisie Adams,16, from Barking enthused: “The event was brilliant for team building, I enjoyed working together with my classmates. It was very inspiring hearing about careers and having opportunity to ask industry leaders questions about working in the industry.”

And Milly Bowers, 17, from Dagenham who is also doing a T-Level in protective services added: “It was a really interesting event, I learnt so much and was great to hear from and speak to industry professionals. The interactive activities were fun and informative.”