Intelligence agency will pay students to attend 10-week course to attract potential recruits
Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) is fishing for possible recruits to its cyber security teams with plans for a Cyber Insiders summer school aimed at computer science students.
Set to run from 6 July to 11 September, the course is aimed at first or second year university students with an interest in cyber who are skilled in at least one computer language. As an incentive, the organisation is offering to pay £2,500 and provide accommodation close to its Cheltenham centre for anyone attending the course.
A GCHQ statement said it is part of an ongoing effort to recruit computer scientists.
The course will involve working with a range of technologies, including legacy systems and mobile technology, and deal with skill sets such as cyber security, ethical hacking, penetration testing and security networks. It will culminate in a live exercise.
A spokesperson said the summer school provides an opportunity for students to enhance their skills and learn about GCHQ's work in the field.
"They'll not only enhance their cyber knowledge, but completing the programme will also look good on their CV and, if they prove their abilities, we may even offer them a job interview," the spokesperson said.
Pictured: Headquarters of the government electronic security agency GCHQ at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire by GCHQ/Crown Copyright/MOD
