Atos open the eyes of Whitehaven academy students to the world of cyber security

On Wednesday October 9, five of our Atos BDS UK&I and Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) account colleagues visited Whitehaven academy in Cumbria to raise awareness of the diverse opportunities in cyber security and promote Atos as a future employer, as part of our partnership with Sellafield.

In a full day of STEMnet workshops, year eight and nine Whitehaven Academy pupils engaged in interactive group work around how to be safe online, and discovered more about careers in the technology sector, including the graduate and apprenticeship schemes on offer at Atos. Atos cyber security experts, all women, demonstrated that gender is not a barrier to a career in the industry.

To highlight the importance of being safe online, pupils received free one-year licenses for anti-malware software which can be installed on either a laptop or a phone, and videos and materials outlining the benefits from Trend, the company who gifted the free licenses.

Jess Scully, Cyber Security Engineer at Atos, said: “Working with young people to improve online awareness and safety while helping to open the door to those who may be interested in a career in technology is not only rewarding, inspiring them about the benefits of a career in the sector might just help us to uncover a future tech leader. Breaking down barriers is also extremely important to us, and we want to help build an industry which allows everyone to have the same opportunities.”

Nigel Youngman, Headteacher at Whitehaven Academy, said: “Atos has given our students an invaluable insight into cyber security. Alongside this it was hugely valuable for our students to see positive female role models working in STEM and helping to raise our students’ aspirations and awareness of the career opportunities. In this ever-changing world, providing students with opportunities to engage in STEM activities will give them the chance to experience things that will no doubt be central to their future lives.”

Charlotte McLaren, Atos Client Executive for Sellafield Ltd, said: “It was excellent to see this event come together and to hear how engaged pupils were on the day. Alongside Sellafield, Atos is committed to promoting skills in West Cumbria, and the staff who led the session certainly inspired the pupils to aim high.