CyberFirst Wales Pathways: Building Cyber Skills Across Wales 

From South Wales to North Wales, creating opportunities for learners to discover their future in technology.  

CyberFirst Wales recently delivered Pathways, its annual flagship event aimed at developing digital and cyber skills and highlighting future careers among young people. Held across two regional locations in South Wales and North Wales, the events collectively engaged over 600 learners from schools and colleges throughout Wales, offering them the chance to discover career pathways in cyber security and technology.  

The South Wales event, held at the University of South Wales Newport campus, welcomed learnersfrom 14 schools and colleges, all aged 15+ and studying computing and technology qualifications. The day featured interactive workshops and a careers fair supported by a wide range of partners. Industry leaders such as BT and Admiral guided students through real-world cyber challenges, while organisations like ONS and IPO introduced learners to data security and open-source intelligence. Kocho and Wales and West Utilities brought encryption and ethical hacking to life, and CSG, Technocamps and CS Connected showcased pathways into tech careers. Universities including Cardiff, Cardiff Met, UWTSD, Swansea, and the University of South Wales provided academic insight and practical activities in areas such as digital forensics and AI. 

I really enjoyed the CyberFirst day, we did so many fun activities like a cyber escape room from Airbus and I was especially interested in North Wales Police’s segment about the use of AI. It was a great day and I would definitely do it again.

Learner

In North Wales, the initiative reached around 200 learners, primarily first-year college students, at the Coleg Cambria Yale campus. Here, global brands and local organisations worked side by side to inspire the next generation. Vodafone delivered engaging talks, while BT explored the importance of cyber resilience. Learners also experienced hands-on activities with Airbus, North Wales Police, Softcat, Pentest People, Fortinet, and Bangor University, tackling challenges based on the Cyber Body of Knowledge and gaining a real sense of what working in cyber security involves. 

The impact of this initiative goes far beyond the numbers. Many participating schools across both regions serve communities where access to technology and career networks can be limited. By connecting learners from underserved communities and areas of higher deprivation with industry professionals and universities, CyberFirst Wales Pathways is helping to create equal opportunities and raise aspirations. Exposure to real-world scenarios and role models builds equity, confidence and shows that a future in technology is within reach for everyone. 

CyberFirst Wales extends its thanks to all partners in industry, academia, and government for helping shape the future of tech and cyber talent across Wales. We are especially grateful to the organisations that supported the careers fair by offering guidance and advice to learners. Their presence helped learners understand the wide range of career opportunities available in the cyber and technology sectors. Special appreciation goes to our event sponsors, the Cyber Innovation Hub.  Without their continued support events like these would not be possible. Their commitment to inspiring young people and sharing real-world insights played a vital role in making the event a success.  

It was an absolute honour to be part of CyberFirst’s Pathways event at Coleg Cambria and talk to the students about Cyber Security in the context of People, Process and Technology.  Engaging directly with the students and having the opportunity to talk to them about future career pathways and highlight real world experiences working in Cyber was very rewarding.

Claire Gwatkin, VBSE Product Lead, Vodafone

Commentary during the events from teachers and learners has been overwhelmingly positive. Learners left with new skills, fresh ideas, and a clearer understanding of the opportunities available in the cyber sector. For many, this was their first experience of seeing how technology shapes the world of work and how they can develop their careers.  

These events are not just about learning; they are about opening doors and shaping futures.  With the incredible support of participating CyberFirst schools and colleges, and their committed teachers, the outlook for cyber and tech talent in Wales is looking increasingly more positive.