Applications open for GCHQ

USPA NEWS - Applications open for GCHQ´s two Cyber Summer Schools - This summer, students from across the UK have the chance to immerse themselves in the world of intelligence by living and learning at one of GCHQ´s Cyber Summer Schools.

Now in its second year, the Summer Schools programme offers successful applicants a chance to develop their own cyber skills, learn how GCHQ protects the UK against cyber threats and meet other people with similar interests. A student from last year said: “It was an exceptional experience, giving us a chance to enter the industry and earn experience unique to this place. The accommodation, pay and courses were excellent and really serve to attract students to this opportunity.“

To deal with demand for places, the summer schools will now be based at four sites across the UK rather than just two. The Cheltenham-based school, Cyber Insiders, which runs from 4 July to 9 September, gives first or second year university students studying computer science, maths and physics (or related subjects) the chance to learn from some of the world´s best cybersecurity experts.

Cyber Exposure, which runs from 11 July to 19 August at sites in Scarborough, the Manchester area and the Thames Valley, is for those with a natural curiosity for technology and problem-solving. It will be open to students studying any subject who have five GCSEs, including Maths and English, and are also on track to achieve two A-Levels at C grade or higher (or equivalent).

Work at both summer schools will cover a wide range of technologies. Students will learn about GCHQ´s role in defending the UK against cyber threats whilst being paid £250 a week. At the end of the placements students may be offered the opportunity to apply for future summer schemes or permanent roles at GCHQ. To apply, visit the GCHQ careers website - (more information link below) Applications open from 18 January.

1). Cyber Insiders: Located in Cheltenham, this school will deliver a high-quality, ten-week cyber training programme running from 4 July to 9 September 2016. The school will feature targeted learning from cybersecurity experts, as well as guest speakers from some of the world´s leading technology companies. Students will get an insight into GCHQ´s cyber defence and cyber intelligence missions and the opportunity to understand how GCHQ´s work keeps Britain safe. Applications close on 7 March.

2). Cyber Exposure: Due to the success of the Northern Exposure Cyber Summer School in Scarborough in 2015, the school has been renamed “˜Cyber Exposure´ and expanded to multiple sites across the North and the Thames Valley to accommodate the demand and broaden the reach of the programme. Applications close on 8 February 2016. More information about GCHQ can be found on their website: www.gchq.gov.uk and information on GCHQ careers is available on GCHQ's recruitment website: www.gchq-careers.co.uk.

3). Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) is one of the three UK Intelligence and Security Agencies, along with MI5 and the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6). GCHQ works to protect the UK and its citizens from a range of threats to national security, including from terrorism, serious and organised crime and cyber-attack. It also works to protect UK forces wherever they are deployed and, through its Information Security arm CESG, provides policy and assistance on the security of Government communications and electronic data.