Newport’s Young Cyber Defenders Step Forward 

The CyberFirst Defenders course was delivered as part of the CyberAspire initiative, with the aim of introducing young people aged 16 to 17 to cyber security in an accessible, engaging way. Working with Newport City Council, Reaching Wider and supported by USW’s Medr funded Civic Activity Fund, the course was designed to show that cyber is not just for coders and the already tech savvy, but a field that values diversity, curiosity, problem solving, teamwork and critical thinking. 

Over 3 days during half term, 6^th form students from St.Julian’s, John Frost and Llanwern schools in Newport explored key cyber themes including the internet of things, the security challenges surrounding connected technologies, and the fundamentals of device and network security. Through hands-on activities and labs on the TryHackMe platform delivered at USW’s Newport Campus, participants learned how everyday technology works, why it can be vulnerable, and how cyber security helps protect people, systems and data. No prior experience was required, allowing students to engage confidently regardless of educational background or previous exposure to technology. 

During the course, the students also had a guided tour of the National Cyber Security Academy at USW where they explored the facilities and resources, met lecturers and current Masters students. They also attended a Cybok lecture explaining how the organisation shapes industry standards and future professional roles and had a privileged first look at CyberScene, a brand new learning platform.

CyberFirst Defenders supports students by helping them see themselves as capable learners in cyber. The initiative focuses on creating positive experiences that connect their learning to real-world relevance and future opportunities, encouraging them to consider attending our CyberFirst Advanced course, applying for a CyberFirst Bursary to support further study, or exploring apprenticeships in the sector. 

Why This Matters  

Delivering programmes like CyberFirst Defenders in cities such as Newport plays an important role in widening access to high-quality learning experiences. Newport is home to vibrant, diverse communities with significant strengths and ambition. By offering free, structured cyber experiences locally, the course helped ensure that opportunity was not limited by circumstance. 

Leaning new skills through the course and seeing them being applied was really interesting

Course Participant

For young people with untapped potential, taking part in CyberFirst Defenders deepens their understanding of available pathways and equips them to define and pursue their own goals. It provides a space to try something new, build confidence, and recognise the transferable skills they already possess. Experiences like this reinforce the message that cyber security is open to everyone and that talent can be found in every community.  

Overall, CyberFirst Defenders demonstrates how inclusive, targeted interventions can support individual growth while contributing to a stronger and more diverse future cyber workforce.