IBM and NCSC expand free cyber and AI lessons for UK schools
IBM and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have announced a new collaboration to expand free cyber security, artificial intelligence and digital education for secondary schools across the United Kingdom, with a focus on reaching the most disadvantaged schools.
Under the partnership, courses previously curated through the NCSC's CyberFirst programme will now be available exclusively on IBM SkillsBuild, IBM's free technology education platform. Students and teachers will have a single destination for courses, credentials and interactive learning modules covering artificial intelligence, cloud computing and cyber security.
New courses for teenagers
The NCSC has created two courses for the platform. CyberFirst Defenders is aimed at 14 to 15-year-olds and teaches them how to build and protect small networks and personal devices. CyberFirst Futures, aimed at 15 to 16-year-olds, explores advanced cyber security threats to devices, apps and software, and how to prevent them. The Futures course launches in November.
The initiative builds on the UK Government's AI Skills Boost commitment to upskill 10 million people with AI and digital skills, of which IBM is a founding partner. It also coincides with CyberFirst joining TechFirst, the Government's flagship technology skills programme. Since 2016, the CyberFirst programme has engaged more than 450,000 young people, according to the announcement.
Competition for girls
To mark the collaboration, the Government has launched the first TechFirst Girls Competition in partnership with IBM, designed to help young people develop AI, cyber and coding skills and build confidence for a future career in technology.
Chris Ensor, deputy director for cyber growth at the NCSC, said the UK needs a strong pipeline of cyber talent, and that bringing CyberFirst content to IBM SkillsBuild would expand access to trusted cyber education for students and teachers across the country.
Leon Butler, chief executive of IBM UK and Ireland, said the partnership was about opening doors to careers in technology and ensuring everyone, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, has the chance to upskill.
The collaboration also supports IBM's commitment to skill 30 million learners by 2030. IBM says its SkillsBuild programme and related initiatives have so far reached more than 22 million learners around the world.
