CAREER ACADEMIES

Digital Academy

What is it?

The Digital Academy runs in line with the MOD Digital and Cyber Bursary. It involves a range of activities, including a weekly programme in College, online learning, team challenges, and events.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

This programme is for lower sixth students who meet the following key criteria:
You must have 95% minimum attendance (with exceptions for genuine reasons).
You must have UK or Dual Citizenship (including UK)
You must be on a Programme of Study that is STEM related.
You must be willing to get involved in all aspects of the programme, including developing cyber and digital technical skills.
You must have shown genuine academic effort.
You must have shown a positive attitude toward college and future careers.

IN THE PROGRAMME YOU WILL:

Receive financial and technical support: You will receive a termly bursary payment and a laptop to support your studies.

Attend a weekly programme: This involves 2 hours and 20 minutes per week of activities in college with content that includes the defence sector and MOD partners.

Access Online Learning: You will use Immersive Labs to develop technical knowledge and skills, expected to complete a core programme, and also have access to the whole platform.

Develop Skills and Knowledge:

Technical Skills through Immersive Labs, IBM Skills Builder, Cisco Skills Lab, and new technology.
Work Ready Skills like command tasks, public speaking, communication challenges, escape rooms, the IBM Challenge, ethics, and health and well-being.
Application Processes including security clearances/vetting, and how to apply to GCHQ, the Civil Service, and building a professional brand on LinkedIn.

Take part in Competitions and Challenges:

Build a Robotic Dog, Hexapod, Mars Rover, or Drone, or a Mouse Maze Mouse (UKMARS).
Capture the Flag competitions to develop technical skills.

Experience Career Pathways:

Explore Degree Apprenticeship, University Options, and Direct Entry Cyber routes.
Market Places will showcase bursary, apprenticeship, and graduate opportunities from private sector, Civil Service, and Armed Forces organisations.
Speed Networking with people, including those on the DSUS grant, giving presentations on their career journey.