A and T level students from four Lancashire schools – Blackburn College, Cardinal Newman College (Preston), Runshaw College (Leyland) and Blackpool and Fylde College – gathered at Ewood Park this week for a day of activities and insights into future career opportunities.
The scheme supports and encourages the study of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), digital and cyber science courses, and promotes future careers in defence.
Individuals selected for the program are provided with the necessary tools to maximize their personal and professional growth.
Students from across the county attended the event at Ewood Park (Image: Lancashire County Council)
Through collaboration with the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub (LSEH) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Digital Skills for Defence programme, all successful students in this pilot programme will have access to a wide range of mentoring and development, opportunities including digital learning, as well as financial support and a high-performance laptop.
The event included everything from robot dogs to code-breaking and a time-sensitive virtual escape room.
Working more closely with industry is vital as we tackle digital and cyber threats, and many of the activities were provided by our industry partners.
Claire Fry from Defence Digital, who leads the Digital Skills for Defence programme, spoke about the importance of our partners and contributors.
She said: “I would like to extend my personal thanks to all the exhibitors and volunteers who made the STEM and Digital Skills Scholarship induction a huge success.
“It’s fantastic to see the dedication, hard work and passion of everyone who supports this excellent event.
“We have received excellent feedback from a diverse group of students, the four participating universities, Lancashire County Council and industry partners.
“We look forward to expanding the programme further across Lancashire and beyond.”
County Councillor Ash Sutcliffe was in attendance (Image: Lancashire County Council)
Students heard first-hand from those currently involved in Defence’s cyber and digital activities.
Both the fast-track and marketplace networking positions provided students with the opportunity to meet and network with experts from across the Defence space, including military and civilian personnel, working in organisations such as the National Cyber Force and Digital Defence.
County Councillor Ash Sutcliffe, Lancashire County Council’s lead member for cultural services and skills, also attended the inaugural event at Ewood Park.
He said: “It goes without saying that this is a really positive step, coming as we prepare to welcome the National Cyber Force to Samlesbury, and as our team at the Lancashire Skills and Employment Centre are developing new and exciting opportunities for people across our region to develop digital and technical skills.”
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