TechVets expands free cyber training offer to tech-curious Service Leavers thanks to funding boost

TechVets, a unique not-for-profit initiative and RFEA programme dedicated to building a bridge for veterans into cyber security and the technology sector, has received a funding boost of over £50,000. This will enable the organisation to extend its offering of free training to upskill more veterans than ever before and support them into sustainable careers in technology.

The funding from Veterans’ Foundation (£25,236) and the Armed Forces Covenant Trust (£20,000), as well as techUK (£5,000) and cfms (£5,000) will enable TechVets to alleviate the issue of the skills gap in the tech and cyber industries, whilst also supporting the estimated 173,704 veterans who have lost their jobs and those at risk of redundancy due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2017 only 4% (~38,000) of UK working age veterans were employed in ‘Information and Communications’, whereas veterans are 18% more likely than non-veterans to work as Process, Plant and Machine Operatives[1] – three areas most likely to experience job automation by 2030.[2]

Conversely, there are huge and growing employment opportunities for veterans within the tech industry, especially within cybersecurity. Veterans have vast transferable skills which are often only realised much later in civilian life at the detriment of the veterans, their families, businesses, and the UK economy.

TechVets provides access to a community of expert guidance and support to increase their confidence and explore areas of interest within the tech sector. The programme provides candidates with:

• Access to an online community
• Connection to other veterans and mentors within their geographical area and a ready-made network with veterans experienced in technology and cyber security
• Advice on career pathways within tech and cyber, as well as the best training recommended by industry experts
• Free training resources: The Veteran Digital Cyber Academy; SplunkWork+; TechVets Fortinet network Security Academy; Merimetso; TryHackMe; Pega Academy and CTF Team, as well as TechVets Hack The Box Team and Capture the Flag Team
• CV workshops for every candidate, as well as a CV review service and CREST distribution service ensuring CVs are seen by all the CREST companies across the UK
• Industry Education and Networking Events

TechVets has created Security and Infrastructure Foundation Pathways for all members to use as guidance. The pathways, developed by industry professionals from within the TechVets membership, use a blend of open source resources, our partner training and TechVets community support to empower those new to Cyber/Tech to choose the pathway that is best for them.

Army Veteran and TechVets Director, James Murphy, leads a 25 strong team of volunteers who provide support to the TechVets members and community. This helps maintain the close Military community as well as provide support virtual and physical to TechVets members across the UK. He says:

“There are huge opportunities to utilise the talent of ex-Servicemen and women to fill the serious skills gap that the tech and cyber industries are facing. Yet, currently, only a small proportion of veterans enter these tech sectors, at great disadvantage to themselves and the UK digital economy. The tech and cyber industries are crying out for talent and, thanks to the funding we have received, TechVets will be able to upskill and support more veterans than even before into exciting and sustainable careers in these sectors.”

Anyone interested in finding out more should visit https://techvets.co/

[1]^{https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/774937/20190128_-_APS_2017_Statistical_Bulletin_-_OS.pdf}

[2] ^{https://www.pwc.co.uk/services/economics/insights/the-impact-of-automation-on-jobs.html}