Jera IT: Leading the Charge in Scottish Cybersecurity Solutions

The calendar year 2024 soon closed with a bang but not without presenting thorny challenges on the cyber security front. Cybercriminals now come with varying innovative extremes to attack businesses. Compounding the blow is a shocking global shortage of more than 6 million cybersecurity professionals worldwide.

To respond proactively to this alarming situation, Jera IT – a group of cyber security specialists based in Scotland – took the initiative by commencing Jera It Academy, which aims to educate the workforce of future cyber security experts.

Allied Hollins-Kirk reveals the origin story of the academy, narrates some of the curricula the students underwent, and forecasts the future shape of cyber security in Scotland.

What Led Jera IT to Establish the Jera IT Academy?

As a managed service provider, Jera IT is very much into cyber security. With over two decades of experience, they have encountered nearly every significant cyber attack imaginable. This broad experience led to ongoing discussions with prospective clients regarding their preparedness for cyber threats and intelligence research on cybersecurity strategies. 

Most of the time, the two critical elements that come up are, that the majority feel that they are either too small or work in an industry that is not significant enough to warrant concern over cyber attacks. 

There is insufficient funding to employ cybersecurity professionals, and even if there was, finding a legitimate candidate would be a challenge.

The first concern is a misconception that Jera IT faces frequently and they feel they must break down the myth that every company is at risk. Cybercriminals do not discriminate; small businesses are as much prey to fraud as bigger corporations. 

Unlike their larger counterparts, small and medium-sized enterprises often lack the necessary resources to defend themselves from an attack or to recover from one.

This second problem is even worse. The entire IT industry is suffering from a talent shortage. There are not many qualified people available, and the few they find are generally priced at exorbitantly inflated salaries, causing them to end up hiring anyone they can. 

Who stands to benefit from the academy?

Broader program offerings will be available later, for this initial session was for foundation apprentices only. This means high-school students can actually be allowed to substitute one of their higher for this opportunity.

The academy is looking for a curious mind, somebody with good social and interpersonal skills, and a positive attitude. Familiarity with software and computers is good but not necessary since this is what the academy intends to impart knowledge about. 

Therefore, almost basics might be useful but not vital for one to stand out as an ideal candidate. Possessing Standard Level Math and Standard Level English is also crucial.

What Characterizes a Typical Day in the Academy for the Students?

It does not seem like a hackneyed line. There isn’t a normal day. One of the best things about it for students is that the academy provides almost a completely different experience of learning as compared to other higher courses. 

There are portions of traditional education, but students get to be part of what they are training for a cyber career that involves hands-on experience and active student participation.

With regard to the foundation degree apprenticeship, students will cover the following areas. Security Fundamentals Network Fundamentals Server Administration Fundamentals IT and Telecom System Operation and Support, and Customer Service Skills.

The successful completion of the foundation apprenticeship allows students to pursue various possibilities. They will be better positioned to enter the field of cyber security. 

Three main pathways are available to these students, enter directly into IT employment, take further courses at the academy, or go to university or a similar institution.

How would students apply?

At the moment, the program is operating with schools in Mid-Lothian only. To apply, students should approach their guidance counsellor or career advisor. For partnered schools, these individuals will explain how to proceed. 

If the school is currently not involved, they are encouraged to reach out to the team to explore the best ways to introduce the course to their students.