Teens to be taught cybersecurity to prepare for the future

In a bid to help protect Britain from online attacks, thousands of teenagers are expected to be trained in cybersecurity in extracurricular clubs.

More than 5,000 teens will be taught in online security by 2021 as part of the government’s plan to ensure there is no shortage of this skill in the future.

The Cyber Schools Programme, which is led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), has been designed following concerns over hackers and terrorists and is part of the governments commitment to help Britain prepare for future challenges.

About £20 million is available for the extracurricular school programme, which will see expert instructors train selected teens.

It will be aimed at people between the ages of 14 and 18, with the aptitude and enthusiasm for the subject.

Pupils will be expected to commit to four hours a week which will include classroom and online-based teaching, with some flexibility around exams.

A “cyber curriculum” is expected to mix classroom and online teaching with real-world challenges and hands on experience.

Figures from the Tech Partnership shows that there is 58,000 cyber security specialists in the sector, which is worth about £22 billion a year.

Matt Hancock, minister of state for digital and culture, commented: “This forward-thinking programme will see thousands of the best and brightest young minds given the opportunity to learn cutting-edge cyber security skills alongside their secondary school studies.

“We are determined to prepare Britain for the challenges it faces now and in the future and these extracurricular clubs will help identify and inspire future talent.”