Pathways
For over a decade, SaluteMyJob has helped the Armed Forces community transition into rewarding careers. Our cyber and digital training programmes, developed with Abertay University, IBM and industry partners, have already supported thousands of participants into new skills, qualifications and employment.
As employers across the UK and Scotland face critical shortages in cyber and operational technology skills, the Armed Forces community brings unmatched strengths: a security mindset, discipline, problem-solving ability and leadership. Our Pathways are designed to translate those strengths into industry-ready capability.
About SMJ's Pathways Programme
SMJ's Pathways Programme is tailored specifically for the Armed Forces community, helping you build on your military experience and gain the specialist cyber skills in highest demand. The programme provides:
- Training aligned with real employer needs
- Mentoring and employer engagement
- Support to build confidence and employability
- Work placements with Forces-Friendly employers
Participants leave with stronger skills, real-world insight and a foundation for the next stage in their civilian career.
The programme is fully funded (so it’s free!) and won’t use any of your Enhanced Learning Credits.
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”.
CHOOSE YOUR CAREER PATHWAY
Ethical Hacking / Penetration Testing
Starts: April 2026. Details on how to register to come soon!
Delivered by Abertay University’s world-renowned cyber department, this 8-week course teaches you how to legally break into systems to find security weaknesses before criminals do.
- 20 academic credits
- Option for CompTIA PenTest+ certification
- One of the most in-demand roles in cyber worldwide
OPENSOURCE INTELLIGENCE (OSINT) PATHWAY
Starts: April 2026: Details coming soon!
Learn how to turn publicly available data into powerful intelligence for:
- National security
- Law enforcement
- Cyber security
- Business intelligence
Smart Infrastructure / Operational Technology Security (NEW for 2026)
A brand-new pilot pathway delivered by the SmartNetZero team, preparing learners for the exploding world of:
- Smart cities
- Connected infrastructure
- Net Zero systems`
- Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) protection
Cyber Leadership (NEW for 2026)
Designed specifically for ex-military leaders moving into:
- Junior cyber management
- Operational cyber leadership
- Security team leadership
WHY EX-SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN CAN HELP FILL YOUR DIGITAL SKILLS GAP?
Find out from SaluteMyJob's Managing Director, Andrew Jackson, how ex-military personnel, with their sharp decision-making skills, security mindsets and risk and crisis management experience, are well-equipped to help you fill your digital skills gap.
LOOKING TO HIRE?
Are you an employer looking to hire qualified cyber security professionals with military experience? Get in touch today!
SaluteMyJob are proud to have partnered with IBM for nearly 10 years to help tackle the UK's digital skills gap. We use IBM's SkillsBuild platform to provide access to online training to help you improve or develop new skills. All of our training meets their very high standards and once you are certified, your 'Open Badge' qualifications will be recognised worldwide.
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