The UK government is encouraging schools to sign up for free resources to boost cyber skills and inspire young people to enter the cyber industry.

Cyber Explorers is a free learning platform for 11-14 year olds, with around 50,000 pupils at 2,000 schools having already signed up to the programme since it launched in February 2022.

The move comes after the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) released figures demonstrating that around half of businesses in the UK are struggling to fill cyber security roles.

The platform introduces students to important cyber security concepts and scenarios, said the government, adding that users can collect virtual badges through interactive quizzes and activities.

The programme aims to encourage pupils to pursue computer science courses, opening up further opportunities. Schools taking part in Cyber Explorers have also hosted career-focused sessions for their students, with tech firms including Amazon and Verizon demonstrating practical applications of cyber skills.

Chris Ensor, NCSC deputy director for cyber growth, said that the Cyber Explorers programme will play an important role to make cyber more accessible to young people.

“The UK’s cyber industry is growing rapidly, but it’s facing a skills shortage as a result – which is why it’s so important to have initiatives such as Cyber Explorers which work to uncover cyber talent and support young people across the country in exploring the career opportunities this thriving industry has to offer,” continued Ensor.

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