Thousands of teenagers in the U.K. will be given lesson in cyber security. The government is hoping that with this new "cyber curriculum," it will boost the country's defense against hackers and terrorists in the future to come.
A New Curriculum To Protect Britain From Cyber Attacks And Terrorists
According to reports, the Cyber School Programme aims to train around 5,700 teenagers aged between 14 and 18 years old over the next five years. This is to ensure that the students will develop some of the key skills that are needed to work in cyber security. The cyber curriculum will be drawn up to mix classroom and online teaching in real-world challenges and hands-on work experience as well.
The government is really concerned over the damage hackers and terrorists could inflict on the economy and infrastructure that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has provided this new curriculum around £20m for extracurricular lesson that the participants are expected to commit for four hours a week.
Matt Hancock, the Minister of State for Digital and Culture, believes that this forward-thinking program will see thousands of the best and brightest young mind given the opportunity to learn cutting-edge cyber security skills alongside their secondary school studies. Not only that, with this program it will not only prepare Britain for the challenges it faces now and in the future, but will also help identify and inspire future talent as well.
Seeking For More Providers To Deliver The Program
Currently, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is seeking more providers to deliver the program. The bidding will be closed next month, and the pilot scheme is reportedly set to be launched later in September this year.
In regards to older teenagers who are interested in the cyber school program, they will be able to join at any point as well. But that is if they meet the right criteria for the program, which is currently being opened up for private bids.
