About the Scottish Cyber Pathways Partnership (SCPP)
The Scottish Cyber Pathways Partnership (SCPP) builds on the success of SaluteMyJob and Abertay University's Cyber Jumpstart programme, which has already supported over 3,000 veterans, including around 460 in Scotland, into cyber-aligned careers.
Developed to meet Scotland's growing cyber workforce needs, the programme:
- Focuses training on Scotland's most critical cyber skills gaps
- Strengthens collaboration with employers, especially SMEs and hybrid/remote recruiters
- Expands opportunities for spouses, families and cadets
- Provides free education, specialist upskilling, mentoring and employer-funded work placements to overcome the barrier of “lack of commercial experience”.
Training pathways include:
Ethical Hacking / Penetration Testing - 9th March
Delivered by Abertay University's highly respected Department of Cyber Security and Computing, this 8 week course develops the skills and techniques to find and report security vulnerabilities in a computer system, network, or application. Following submission of coursework, successful students will receive 20 academic credits and the option to gain a CompTIA PenTest+ certification.
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) - 24th Feb
OSINT is the process of collecting and analysing information from publicly available sources to produce actionable insights and turn raw, publicly accessible data into valuable, actionable intelligence for purposes like national security, law enforcement, business intelligence, and cybersecurity. The course is delivered by experienced professionals contracted by Abertay University and has proved a popular addition to the programme.
Smart Infrastructure / Operational Technology Security - Date To Be Confirmed
New for 2026, this is a pilot course, delivered by the SmartNetZero team to upskill learns for the fast developing world of smart infrastructure, which is transforming the way connected devices and data can deliver against challenging net zero, sustainability targets whilst embedding security and resilience within built environments and Critical National Infrastructure sectors.
Cyber Leadership - Date To Be Confirmed
Another new course designed to combine the security mindset and leadership skills of ex-military people with the knowledge and skills required to fill roles at junior and middle cyber security management levels.