Lieutenant General talks to students about National Cyber Force jobs

A Lieutenant General visited college students to talk about jobs that will be available at the National Cyber Force.

The Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub and Blackburn College welcomed Lieutenant General Tom Copinger-Symes CBE, Deputy Commander Strategic Command, on Thursday (March 2).

Lt Gen Copinger-Symes talked about the National Cyber Force, which is being constructed in Samlesbury, and the UK’s role as responsible cyber power.

In his speech to students, he spoke about the vast range of roles on offer in digital and cyber-defence as the threats to national security become increasingly complex, and the rapid development of technology leads to new challenges in cyberspace and the information environment.

The National Cyber Force (NCF) is a Ministry of Defence and GCHQ partnership that conducts cyber operations to protect the UK.

The NCF relocation to Samlesbury will be an exciting opportunity to help grow technology, digital and defence sectors, and encourage partnerships between Government, industry and education in the region.

Lt Gen Copinger-Symes CBE said: “It was a great pleasure to meet students at Blackburn College and hear about the amazing work they're doing to improve their digital and cyber skills. There was a real buzz and energy around the College.

“I thoroughly enjoyed answering their questions, hearing what excited them and learning about the broad range of courses on offer.

“I came away with a huge sense of optimism about the talented students, both young and old, who are eager to bring their skills to the exciting career opportunities in Lancashire.

“With the National Cyber Force moving to Samlesbury, we have a unique opportunity to make a real difference to how we protect our nation and help it thrive.”

Dr Fazal Dad, Principal and Chief Executive of Blackburn College, added: “Blackburn with Darwen is home to a very diverse and talented community who are hungry for the many opportunities on offer.

“Blackburn College is only a few miles from where the NCF will be based. We see our role as an educator in the wider ecosystem as extremely important, which is why we have invested £1.2 million into this area through new cyber training facilities, including a training lab and course provisions to ensure we are providing our students with the skills they need for the future.”