31 October 2023

Tameside College students at the forefront of technology after taking part in cybersecurity conference.

Higher technical qualification (HTQ) computing students at the college recently visited the Greater Manchester Digital Security Hub (DiSH) to take part in a ‘cybersecurity day’.

The students had the opportunity to hear talks from experts in cybersecurity including; a consultant from CISCO, director of security and technology at Unilever, chief technologist at Computacenter and a technical architect from Rolls Royce on diversity in the technology world and the career paths available to prospective employees.

DiSH, which was formed via a partnership between the government’s GCHQ, Barclays Eagle Labs and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, is aimed at providing training and support to the rapidly growing technology sector in Greater Manchester. The city has been named in the top 20 in Europe for technology growth.

During the event, the students also took part in a range of breakout sessions which looked at ‘women in cyber’ and what the role of cybersecurity experts entail.

Abigail Blythe, HTQ teacher at Tameside College, said: “This was a great opportunity for students to get out of the classroom and work with the companies that are at the forefront of cybersecurity. They can now see a clear career path ahead of them and have learnt so much from people who are experts in their field. It was a brilliant day.”

HTQs are a new qualification designed to give students advanced knowledge in digital skills and is the equivalent of a HND. Alongside the HTQ, the college is the host of the Greater Manchester Computing Hub, which focuses on training for schools and businesses in the local area. To find out more visit the college website or call 0161 908 6600.