A CYBERSECURITY training course for military veterans by IBM Security launched last week (September 4), in partnership with the Corsham Institute and SaluteMyJob.

The IBM certification which teaches cybersecurity software skills to former and transitioning military personnel is an initiative aimed at addressing the challenges faced by skilled armed forces veterans transitioning back into civilian life, and the growing cyber security skills gap.

In total, 100 veterans have completely the week-long course, which ended on September 8. Participants are awarded a certification on completion which is recognised, respected and valued globally in the IT industry.

According to a State of Cyber Security 2017 report, the technology skills gap is leaving organisations vulnerable to threats, as some candidates are lacking the technical skills needed. So to address this skills gap, IBM have tapped into the talent of veterans who have in-demand skills and aptitudes, such as

Julian Meyrick, Vice President of IBM Security Europe, and former British Army officer said: “At IBM we recognise the value and skillset veterans can bring. Many of the skills and experiences acquired working in the operations centre of a warship, military unit or Royal Airforce station are very relevant to the skills needed to deal with the types of incidents we encounter in cybersecurity daily.”

It is understood that the transition process often doesn’t benefit many military veterans.

Andrew Jackson, Managing Director of SaluteMyJob said: “What we try to do, where we see ourselves adding value is taking someone who has gone through some form of outplacement support when they become ex-military and provide them with a much more targeted service that will target them to help them get into the right niche and keep their confidence up.”

Corsham Institute provides the training facilities for the training course, and is delighted to be part of this initiative.

Rachel Neaman, CEO of the Corsham Institute, explained: “The presence of the Armed Forces within Ci’s local community of Corsham has provided us with unique insight into the challenges associated with resettlement. Leaving behind the certainties of life in the Armed Forces is a daunting transition for any veteran. Our partnership with IBM and SaluteMyJob develops cyber and digital skills and the knowledge that creates opportunities for immediate employment. Our ambition is to encourage individual responsibility and build confidence for all the veterans we support, to embed a mind-set of lifelong learning.”

Mr Meyrick spoke of one student, who was an air traffic controller for the Royal Navy but despite all is training, is having to start from the bottom again.

“To my surprise, a qualified air traffic controller for the Royal Navy is not a transferrable skill to the national air traffic service which is weird, so as a result of that he is back at the bottom again.”

“He has done all of that training, and gained all of that experience in his military career but is actuall having to start from scratch.”

However Ejovwoke ‘EJ’ Odighoro, 33, from Nigeria but living in Cardiff is one of the lucky ones and found it relatively easy to find a job after being discharged.

Mr Odighoro worked in Royal Logistics as a truck driver, served for almost four before leaving for medical reasons.

“I’m a bit of a self-starter and come from a background in tech,” he explained. “I did my undergraduate degree in electrical engineering and my masters in engineering management so I was set up for finding a job, I didn’t really struggle”.

“I’m looking to transfer into security, it is something I have always wanted to do so when this opportunity came up it was a chance to network. It has been fantastic.”

The next course will take place from October 30 to November 3.

To find out more about the course, visit https://www.salutemyjob.com/training.