By Anna Wilson
Their paths to a future career in cyber security began aged just 10 for two new Maryport apprentices after their dads brought broken computers home for them to fix.
Tom Boughton, 20, and Aidan Collins, 18, travelled a remarkably similar path to winning a Cyber Security apprenticeship with Indelible Data.
They faced stiff competition during a rigorous selection process for the 18-month Cyber Security Engineer apprenticeship but their knowledge and enthusiasm set them apart.
Aidan from Harrington said: “My dad got this old computer and showed me how to dismantle it. I was 10 and ever since then, I’ve built my own computers.
“I find it a lot more fun building computers myself. You have to overcome lots of problem. Some pre-built computers are quite poorly put together. If you build it yourself, you know it’s down to you.”
Aidan joined Indelible Data straight from Workington Academy Sixth Form where he had studied information and communications technology.
Cyber Security is a rapidly growing sector with a lot of competition for apprenticeships in the industry as Tom from Leeds found out.
He said: “I started my apprenticeship with Indelible Data after applying for about a year to different Cyber Security Apprenticeships across the country.
“I didn’t want to give up as soon as I failed. I would recommend to others who are looking to gain a cyber security apprenticeship is to learn things in their own time.”
Both apprentices are already assisting senior staff with security audits as well as spending one day a week on study and apprenticeship modules.
Aidan added: “I feel I am making an impact here as it is a small company and I can easily ask questions to help me learn.”
The apprenticeship delivered by QA was facilitated by Energus based at Lilyhall. Some of the modules will be delivered at its Cyberlab.
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