Now we are officially more than half way through the year, why not set yourself the goal of up-skilling with SaluteMyJob and as the year closes, land yourself your dream role? Not sure where to start? That’s where our free Pathway Training Programme comes in. Sit back, grab a seat and we’ll talk you through it!
What is our Pathway Programme?
Following a successful pilot project in 2023, Abertay University and SaluteMyJob have been awarded more than £800,000 in grants to scale up their pioneering ‘Click Start’ initiative to help members of the Armed Forces community bridge the gap between military life and a rewarding career in the burgeoning fields of cybersecurity, data analytics and AI - and fill key skills gaps facing UK employers.
But what does that mean for YOU? This is a unique programme that attracts, skills and provides the commercial and practical experience required from members of the Armed Forces community to compete for demanding roles in Civvy Street.
The collaborative programme (between Abertay, IBM and SaluteMyJob and supported by funding from the UK and Scottish Governments and Nominet’s Click Start initiative), is also supported by ‘Forces Friendly’ employers offering guidance, further training and work placement and employment opportunities as part of the pathway to rewarding careers in some of their most important and fastest growing roles. So not only will you gain essential training, you will gain commercial work experience - with hopes of future employment.
Why is cybersecurity, data analytics and AI suited to the Armed Forces Community?
Getting into cybersecurity, AI and data analytics may have been at the forefront of your mind when leaving the Armed Forces - or it may have been the last thing you would have considered. The world of cybersecurity and AI in particular can sound complicated (and possibly boring) and you may rule yourself out of these roles because of your perceived lack of experience - and knowledge. However your unique skills and experience are well-suited to roles throughout these industries and we know a number of people within the Armed Forces who are making their mark in this world. Roles can be challenging, exciting and fulfilling. And the opposite of boring!
Military personnel are trained leaders, proficient in communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills. Through training and experience, often under extreme pressure in unique environments, they become logistical planners, strong team members and agile thinkers, all suited to a wide range of well-paid digital roles from Data Analysts to Ethical Hackers.
To delve further into these industries and look at roles, responsibilities and salaries, read our blog posts below:
What can members of the Armed Forces Community expect working as an Ethical Hacker?
This is a great career if you are looking for a rewarding job that makes a positive impact - with the chance to earn a highly competitive salary. Ethical hackers are also in high-demand so this is a great time to begin this career path. Ex-military personnel are a great-fit as they can think outside the box and can keep calm under pressure. READ MORE
What can members of the Armed Forces Community expect working in AI?
Military personnel are trained to be well-rounded leaders, proficient in communication with intrinsic critical thinking skills. Through training and experience, often under extreme pressure in unique environments, they have an abundance of unique, cross-functional soft-skills suited to the well-paid job roles within the AI industry. READ MORE
What can members of the Armed Forces Community expect working in cybersecurity?
Many military people immediately rule themselves out of applying for cyber roles because they assume cybersecurity jobs require technical experience, but your military security training, knowledge and experience are ideal to transition into information security. Although many cyber security jobs advertised will have technical experience as an essential requirement, many organisation’s look at the ex-military talent pool because of the soft skills they can bring to the role and the fact they are adaptable, trainable and capable of learning new skills. READ MORE
What can members of the Armed Forces Community expect working in data analytics?
Data is everywhere and knowing how to use it correctly is a skill set that’s made data analysts needed across finance, consulting, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, government and education. This increasing need has led to increased job stability and an noticeable increase in great career opportunities for veterans who can demonstrate their prowess in this field. READ MORE
What pathway should I choose?
If you are still unsure about what pathway would be the right choice for you, here’s a brief run down of the courses.
PENETRATION TESTING
This 'pathway to employment' programme is designed to provide members of the Armed Forces Community with access to training AND certification as a Penetration Tester and, where appropriate, subsequent paid work experience or employment opportunities. If you're a competent IT user, willing to learn and have an interest in cybersecurity and gaining the skills to become a Penetration Tester, then this is for you. SIGN UP NOW
DATA ANALYTICS FUNDAMENTALS
Ideal for individuals who are looking to unlock their potential in data analytics. It is a beginner-level programme designed to provide foundational understanding in data-analysis, enabling learners to critically evaluate data and derive actionable insights. You will gain foundational knowledge, hands-on experience and earn a globally recognised digital credential and an IBM certificate. SIGN UP NOW
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PATHWAY
With security-focused mindsets and cross-functional soft skills, ex-military personnel are well-matched to fill roles in the rapidly growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry. By the end of the course, you'll possess the knowledge and skills to describe AI concepts, apply ML/AI techniques to real-world problems, and understand ethical considerations in AI development. SIGN UP NOW
CYBERSECURITY GOVERNANCE AND POLICY PATHWAY
Over the eight week course, students will explore topics such as cyber crime, cyber warfare, cyber weapons, defensive strategies, and the role of technology and people in cyber security. By the end of the course, students will not only have a solid grasp of cyber security fundamentals but also be capable of formulating informed policy solutions to address contemporary cyber security challenges. Our online learning platform offers a dynamic study environment, with tutor-led sessions for additional support. SIGN UP NOW
We have courses running throughout the rest of the year and we really look forward to welcoming you on whatever pathway you choose. It’s a free opportunity that could be crucial in your own successful career journey, what have you got to lose?
Image: UK MOD © Crown copyright 2021