STUDENTS from Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) recently had the opportunity to learn about careers in the computing industry, after taking part in a cyber security exercise with the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).

First and second year students from BCoT’s computing and IT department took part in a table-top cyber security exercise which saw the students take on the roles of board members in a power company.

The students were then tasked with managing a four-year budget to spend on infrastructure whilst keep their company afloat against a variety of cyber security threats.

The task introduced students to the world of cyber security and showed them how an apprenticeship could lead to a future career in the industry.

Aspiral Learning, the apprenticeship arm of BCoT, has recently launched a new Level 4 network engineer apprenticeship, which aims to educate apprentices about networks, cyber intrusion, breaches and network security.

Lorraine Heath, deputy principal for business at BCoT, said: “I would like to thank the staff from SEROCU for coming into the college and for demonstrating to our students the benefits of a career in cyber security.

“We offer over 60 different apprenticeships across a wide range of industries. Our new Level 4 apprenticeship is one of the many programmes we offer that enables students to earn a salary whilst learning the skills they need to build a career in their chosen industry.”