Welcome to Inspire Surrey

Our Inspire Surrey programme inspires Surrey residents of all ages, genders and backgrounds towards a career in digital and cyber occupations by connecting them with industry professionals and bringing life to these industries.

At Inspire Surrey, we’re passionate about unlocking the potential of digital occupations as a career path for everyone.

Our initiative is dedicated to connecting residents of Surrey with seasoned professionals in digital and cyber occupations. We aim to breathe life into the industry and spark a flame of inspiration in people from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, or background.

Working in collaboration with Surrey County Council, industry representatives and educational organisations, our mission at Inspire Surrey is not just about bringing awareness; it’s about igniting a passion for the ever-evolving world of digital and cyber occupations. With a special focus on cutting-edge fields like AI, Data Science, and Cyber Security, we’re here to guide you through the myriad of opportunities these sectors offer.

We’re proud to work alongside the Surrey Cyber Security Cluster, the first Nationally Recognised UKC3 Cluster in the South East of the UK.

This collaboration ensures that we’re at the forefront of the latest developments and trends in the industry, providing the most current and comprehensive guidance to our aspiring cyber professionals.

Join us in exploring the dynamic and rewarding world of cyber security. Whether you’re taking your first steps or looking to switch gears professionally, Inspire Surrey: Cyber is your gateway to a future rich with possibilities in the digital realm. Let’s embark on this journey together, shaping the future of cyber security one inspired mind at a time.

Our Projects

Our 2024 Inspire Surrey projects are now closed for engagements.

Interested in volunteering or sponsoring an Inspire Surrey project? Get in touch with us at info@surreycyber.com, or join our mailing list to receive updates on future Inspire Surrey opportunities.

Digital Detective Challenge

Designed in collaboration with SATRO, the Digital Detective Challenge is an interactive workshop for secondary students in Years 8, offering an engaging exploration of the dynamic roles within the cyber industry.

 

Find out more here.

Women Returners Event

In-person workshop delivered by Succesful Mums Career Academy to inspire mums returning to work or seeking a career change to pursue a career in digital.

 

Digital Careers Event at Brooklands Museum

A half-day event at Brooklands Museums of hand-on practical workshops delivered by industry professionals for secondary students in Years 8 and 9 to ignite their interest in cyber careers.

Online Teacher Webinars

Hosted by Activate Learning, these informative webinars connect teachers and career leads with industry professionals and academics. The webinar raises awareness of the different roles alongside the skills valued in digital occupations.

Watch the Cybersecuirty webinar here.

Teacher Encounters

Teacher Encounters, led by the Surrey Careers Hub, provides an opportunity for teachers to engage directly with employers to learn about the different careers and pathways to the cyber industry. Teachers will engage with employers face-to-face to help improve their understanding of linkages between their subject and local cyber and digital careers.

Interested in getting involved with our Inspire Surrey: Cyber programme? Want to find out more about our projects?

Get in touch with us to get updates and explore how you can participate.

info@surreycyber.com

Student & Educator Resources

There are a range of initiatives and resources available for students and educators to explore careers and pathways into cyber.

Cyber Access Hub

The UK Cyber Security Council’s Cyber Access Hub gathers up-to-date content from across the UK to share how you can get started with cyber security.
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National Cyber Security Centre

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), provides students with knowledge and insights into the ever-evolving world of cyber security
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Cyber Security Body of Knowledge (CyBOK)

A comprehensive Body of Knowledge to inform and underpin education and professional training for the cyber security sector.
Learn More

CyberFirst Bursary

Unlock your potential with CyberFirst university bursaries, designed to make higher education accessible and affordable for students aiming to achieve their academic goals.
Learn More

CyberFirst Girls Competition

Welcome to the future of cybersecurity, where young women take centre stage. The CyberFirst Girls Competition is a an initiative that empowers the next generation of female cybersecurity experts. Let’s dive into this journey into the world of digital defence.

Registrations for the CyberFirst Girls’ Competition 2023/24 opens on the 25th November 2023.

Learn More

Join Our Mailing List

Subscribe and stay up to date with the cluster’s upcoming events, developments and news.

    How do I start my career in cyber security?

    Getting into the field of cyber security can be a rewarding and challenging journey. Here are the steps you can follow to get started.

    Educational Foundation

    Start with a solid educational background. Many cyber security professionals have degrees in computer science, information technology, or related fields. While a degree is not always necessary, it can be advantageous.

    Learn the Basics

    Gain a good understanding of basic computer and network fundamentals. You need to know how computers and networks work before you can secure them.

    Online Courses and Certifications

    Take online courses and earn relevant certifications. Certifications like CompTIA Security+, are widely recognised in the industry.

    Hands-On Experience

    Build hands-on experience by setting up a lab environment, experimenting with different operating systems, and learning about common security tools and techniques. You can also participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges to practice your skills.

    Networking

    Join local or online cybersecurity communities, attend conferences, and network with professionals in the field. Networking can help you learn about job opportunities and stay updated on industry trends.

    Specialise

    Cybersecurity is a vast field. Consider specialising in a specific area such as network security, penetration testing, incident response, or threat intelligence.

    Stay Informed

    Stay up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats and trends. Follow security blogs, news, and subscribe to YouTube, podcasts or newsletters.

    Tools and Technologies

    Familiarise yourself with various security tools and technologies, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, antivirus software, and encryption techniques.

    Practice Ethical Hacking

    Consider becoming an ethical hacker. Ethical hackers, also known as white-hat hackers, are hired to test the security of systems and applications. Earning certifications like CEH can be a pathway to this role.

    Internships & Entry-Level Positions

    Look for internships or entry-level positions in IT or cybersecurity. These opportunities can provide valuable real-world experience.

    Continuous Learning

    Cyber Security is a rapidly evolving field. Continuously improve your skills, stay updated on emerging threats, and pursue advanced certifications as you progress in your career.

    Soft Skills

    Develop strong communication and problem-solving skills. The ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders is crucial in cyber security.

    Cybersecurity is a dynamic field, and the learning process never truly ends. The more you practice and gain experience, the more valuable you become in the industry. Building a portfolio and demonstrating your skills through personal projects or contributions to open-source security tools can also help you stand out to potential employers.

    News & Information

    Cyber Security News from Surrey and across the UK
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