West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has provided £100,000 for the establishment a cyber security Hacking Lab for school and college students.
The lab is being set up by Birmingham based TechTalent Academy and will be available for residents of all ages to develop cyber security skills and work towards starting a career in the tech industry.
It is a physical space with 10 workstations and all its activities can be run remotely.
WMCA said that it will help 1,000 people gain hands-on experience during the current academic year in a range of interactive activities, including cyber attacks and cryptography challenges.
In partnership with West Midlands Regional Cyber Crime Unit, the lab will also provide interventions for young people who could otherwise be drawn into cyber crime.
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “Despite the challenges our economy faces, there is still high demand for skilled jobs in technology, so this Hacking Lab, supported with funding from the WMCA, is a great, creative way of inspiring young people and adults to start a career in tech, whilst giving them the skills they need to protect themselves and their business.”
Image from iStock, Yseul
