FAQs
Schools
CyberFirst is a program created by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to inspire and nurture the next generation of cyber talent in the UK.
CyberFirst offers a range of initiatives, including the CyberFirst Award, curriculum enrichment, specialist careers guidance, and professional learning opportunities for teachers.
The CyberFirst Award is a government-backed recognition for schools and colleges that are leaders in Computing and Cyber education.
Schools and colleges can apply by completing an application process with support from the CyberFirst team. There is no fixed deadline for submission.
Benefits include a tailored engagement framework, industry partnerships, curriculum enrichment opportunities, careers guidance, and cyber security infrastructure support.
Activities include digital forensics, code-breaking experiences, ethical hacking, AI exploration, sports analysis, VR world creation, and more, targeted at different year groups.
The CyberFirst Girls Competition is an annual challenge designed to spark interest in tech among Year 8 girls and encourage them to choose Computing at GCSE. It has now been renamed the TechFirst Girls Competition.
Follow CyberFirst Wales on socials to find out when the competition opens. Schools can also access competition taster sessions from the CyberFirst Wales team.
Prizes include laptops for the winning team member and the chance to be crowned National or Welsh Champions.
The CyberFirst Bursary is now changing to the TechFirst bursary. It offers financial support of £4,000 per year to undergraduates, along with paid technology work experiences every summer. Follow CyberFirst Wales on socials to be updated as more is announced.
Businesses
Businesses can become partners by registering as CyberFirst Members and committing to support schools with hands-on enrichment and strategic interventions.
Benefits include national recognition, direct links to future talent, promotion via CyberFirst communications, networking opportunities, and participation in diversity initiatives.
Ambassadors
Individuals working or studying in technology-related fields with an interest in tackling the cyber skills gap can become CyberFirst Ambassadors.
Ambassadors can give as much or as little time as they can, from delivering activities in schools to promoting CyberFirst through their networks and attending events as role models.
Interested individuals can apply by emailing the CyberFirst team, who will provide more information and arrange a chat to discuss the program.