CyberFirst Wales and Reaching Wider have launched a new partnership to help more young people explore opportunities in technology, cybersecurity and digital careers. The initiative will connect learners with employers, role models and real-world experiences while creating new opportunities for Welsh technology businesses to support future talent.
CyberFirst Wales and Reaching Wider have launched a new partnership to expand access to technology opportunities for learners across Wales.
The partnership will give eligible Reaching Wider schools free access to the CyberFirst Engagement Framework, without requiring them to hold a CyberFirst School or College Award.
Reaching Wider is a Wales-wide partnership of universities, colleges and schools working to improve social mobility and widen access to higher education and higher-level skills. It supports learners from a range of backgrounds, including groups that are currently under-represented in higher education, helping them explore and achieve their future ambitions.
Inspiring Learners from Year 7 to Year 13
Schools will be able to choose from a flexible range of CyberFirst opportunities spanning Years 7 to 13. These include interactive challenges, employer-led curriculum enrichment, girls’ technology activities, careers events, university experiences, and information about apprenticeships, bursaries and paid internships.
The activities are designed to:
- Broaden learners’ aspirations and awareness of future opportunities
- Connect young people with employers, role models and real-world experiences
- Increase awareness of technology, cybersecurity and digital career pathways
- Encourage greater participation and diversity within the technology sector
- Bring computing and technology learning to life
Schools can participate in as much or as little as they wish, with additional support available where required, including transport funding, supply cover and senior leadership briefings.
“At Reaching Wider, we’re committed to ensuring that every learner can access opportunities that expand their horizons and unlock their potential. Our partnership with CyberFirst helps remove barriers and opens the door to exciting futures in technology, cybersecurity and digital innovation for learners across Wales.”
Reaching Wider Senior Representitives
Building on Success
The partnership has been developed following the success CyberFirst is already achieving in schools that are part of the Reaching Wider community.
Abertillery Learning Community has been involved with CyberFirst since its introduction in Wales and is now working towards its second CyberFirst Gold Award. Gold recognition demonstrates a sustained commitment to excellence in technology education.
The school has used CyberFirst to broaden learner aspirations and encourage more young people to view computing as a pathway to exciting opportunities across a wide range of rewarding careers. Through its engagement with the programme, the school has consistently increased both the number and diversity of learners choosing to study Computing year-on-year.
“The CyberFirst programme has played a significant role in raising aspirations and broadening opportunities for our learners. Through engagement with industry, higher education and real-world cyber experiences, our pupils can see clear pathways into high-value careers and further study. The award framework has helped us strengthen Computing provision, increase participation and ensure that all learners, regardless of background, can access opportunities that support their future ambitions.”
Larissa Thomas Davies, Computing Teacher – Abertillery Learning Community
An Opportunity for Employers to Support Future Technology Talent
The partnership also creates a new opportunity for technology employers to make a lasting impact in Welsh communities by engaging and inspiring the next generation of technology professionals.
Technology businesses based in Wales can now become a CyberFirst Wales Inclusive Futures Partner, supporting Reaching Wider schools through role models, workplace insights, curriculum activities and direct engagement with learners.
By sharing expertise and experiences, employers can help young people better understand the opportunities available within the cyber and technology sectors while supporting the development of a diverse and skilled future workforce.
For technology companies seeking to maximise their social value, contribute to greater inclusion and help develop future talent in Wales, this partnership offers a practical way to create measurable impact.
Get Involved
Eligible schools should speak to their Reaching Wider contact, who will connect them with the CyberFirst Wales team to explore the opportunities that best meet the needs and interests of their learners.
Technology employers interested in becoming a CyberFirst Inclusive Futures Partner can email [email protected] to discuss how their organisation could support the partnership.
Together, we can help ensure that every young person in Wales can explore, experience and pursue a future in technology.
