b'28 Partner News Spring 2022Enterprise This follows the success of its cyberImproving access to careers in technology bootcamps. Forty-two students haveEmma Bateson, 30, from Salford, has multiple graduated so far, all saying they now feelsclerosis and graduated from the cyber confident enough to apply for new digitalEmployers will benefitbootcamp at Skills City in December 2021. roles.immensely from this newShes about to start an apprenticeship at IN4 Group as a cyber technician. Investment in skills approach as we will have More than 50 learners began a course indone the initial groundworkOn the first day I was nervous and as a January, and upon completion will receiveof nurturing and developingdisabled woman going into cyber and tech, a CompTIA Network+ qualification and beyou sometimes dont know how it will be ready for a level 4 cybersecurity technologisttalent, so learners are fullytaken. However, when I walked into the apprenticeship. prepared for technology careerclassroom I was greeted with kindness and support, something that carried on Mo Isap, CEO of IN4 Group, operator ofstarts, creating the mostthroughout my time on the cyber skills HOST, says:capable, industry-ready talentbootcamp, she says.Having noticed a huge disconnect betweenin the UK. The lessons covered multiple technical skills bootcamps and apprenticeships,topics such as networking, physical security where a learner might spend up to 16 weekslike lockpicking and card cloning, offensive on a bootcamp and then have to startsecurity and gaining access to virtual all over again in an apprenticeship, wevemachines and encryption techniques. designed this innovative model to bring them altogether alongside our partner RaytheonI also learned soft skills such as Professional Services.communications, networking via events and social media, working in groups and even This is the future of the governmentsdid a presentation to the Skills Minister Alex investment in skills in the regions, whereBurghart. bootcamps and apprenticeships can come together in this brilliant talent provision.The bootcamp also supported my confidence levels, encouraging me to get Were excited to offer this seamlessthrough the mental barriers I had put up in transition, a key pathway from skillsmy head before the course. This helped me bootcamps to apprenticeships. Employers willsee my potential and to strive for success. benefit immensely from this new approach as we will have done the initial groundwork ofThese skills plus the immense support from nurturing and developing talent, so learnersRaytheon and IN4 have helped me get into a are fully prepared for technology careercareer I never thought I could have ended up starts, creating the most capable, industry- in. Its taken me beyond my wildest dreams.ready talent in the UK. The skills bootcamps plus apprenticeship progression model weve designed provides a robust education system where every person no matter their background will get the chance to achieve the highest levels of skills, qualifications and employment without the need of financial support, loans or tuition fees. Employers gain pre-skilled candidates who will make an impact on their business from day one of employment, adds David Marriott, UK Business Operations manager at Raytheon Professional Services. Were a best-in-class provider of apprenticeships and always more than 20% above the national average achievement rates. We look forward to continuing this success for the benefit of residents and employers in Greater Manchester, Lancashire and beyond.'