Cyber Apprentice Day Manchester 2023 – How to Inspire the Next Generation of Professionals
Author: Leia Patel, first year apprentice at Cisco in the UK.
Cybersecurity is crucial in a world that is becoming increasingly digital, and with October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, now is the time to draw focus to this area. The field of digital security is dynamic, difficult, and always changing, therefore it is essential to develop the next generation of industry experts.
The Cyber Apprentice Day Manchester 2023, an event in partnership with Barclays, was designed to motivate, inform, and unite early in career talent in the cybersecurity industry. When I was told about the event back in March, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to step up and share with others my interest for Cyber. As a new Cisco apprentice, it was definitely a challenge, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The event which was held at the Greater Manchester Digital Security Hub (DiSH), enabled apprentices from well-known organisations including, BT, Barclays, Cisco, IBM, Lloyds Banking Group, PwC and more with an opportunity to meet one another and network. As well as to showcase their shared interest in the Cybersecurity field and willingness to learn about the industry’s great potential.
The schedule was packed with thought-provoking sessions, delivered by accomplished speakers who imparted their expertise, knowledge, and wisdom. Participants got the chance to learn about a range of cybersecurity-related topics, from potential career paths in the industry to the value of teamwork and leadership. In the area of digital security, they looked at frameworks, controls, and the exciting world of diverse technology roles.
Without a doubt, the event’s outstanding speakers were crucial to its success:
- Asha Cullen, CISO, Barclays
- Rebecca Fox, CIO, NCC Group
- Dan Whittington, Chief Security Architect, Rolls Royce
- Tim Wadhwa – Brown, Security Consulting Engineer Lead /CX CoE Security, Cisco
- Colin Williams, CTO, Computacentre
- Derek Panton, Director of Cyber Architecture & Innovation, Unilever
By sharing their unique perspectives, professional paths, and wisdom accumulated through years of experience, these pioneering individuals illuminated the path for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
The primary objective of Cyber Apprentice Day Manchester 2023 was to cultivate an inspiring community of people who share a passion for cybersecurity. It enabled people an opportunity to meet, network, and exchanging ideas, which is likely to continue following the event itself. As the event concluded participants left the session with an elevated sense of energy and inspiration. The day’s sessions had inspired them and given them valuable knowledge about the variety of career opportunities obtainable in the cybersecurity industry.
We would like to express a sincere thank you to all the attendees, speakers, and event sponsors who supported to make today an incredible success. Together, we are making tremendous progress towards shaping the future direction of cybersecurity and technology.
The world of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and the event was a tribute to the dedication and enthusiasm of individuals who will steer us into a promising future. Cyber Apprentice Day Manchester 2023 was just the beginning. We look forward to future events and continuing to work together to make a positive impact on the world of cybersecurity. I would say if you’re given an opportunity as an apprentice to do something that you are passionate about or given a challenge that is out of your comfort zone – just go for it! The apprenticeship has opened my eyes to the world of technology and I’m excited to be a part of it.
