CyberFirst Conference 2026 Celebrates Collaboration Between Industry and Education
The second Yorkshire & Humberside CyberFirst Conference, held on 5th February at the University of Leeds’ Nexus building, brought together more than 90 organisations from schools and colleges to major employers and national partners. The event highlighted how collaboration between education and industry is strengthening the region’s cyber and tech talent pipeline.
A Shared Commitment to Young Talent
Speakers from Ofcom, the NCSC, NHS England and the Regional Organised Crime Unit explored rapid shifts in technology, emerging cyber threats and the skills young people will need for the future.
Attendees also took part in a hands‑on collaboration sprint led by CYBERFIT, focused on widening access and building confidence for learners from all backgrounds.
Industry and education consistently emphasised the value of working together:
“The CyberFirst conference was a fantastic reminder of the power of bringing likeminded people together. Building connections between educators and industry strengthens the talent pipeline and inspires the next generation of cyber professionals.” Yorkshire Water
“The conference was a fantastic opportunity to connect with others passionate about the future of cyber and AI in education. Hands‑on workshops show young people just how exciting a future in cyber can be.” CirKits Ltd®
Teachers echoed this sentiment:
“I took away so many new ideas I want to bring back to my school and local area. It was a great day of networking — I only wish there was more time to do even more of it!” Allerton High School
Thought Provoking Panel Session
A panel discussion on “Encouraging the Next Generation in Tech” brought together representatives from Allerton High, the University of Leeds, CyberFirst and Yorkshire Water.
CyberFirst Ambassadors underlined the importance of making career paths visible:
“You can’t be what you can’t see. It’s vital that we break tech down into clearly defined roles so young people can imagine themselves in these careers.” Accenture
Students also shared personal reflections:
“Being involved in CyberFirst changed how I think about my role as a student. It’s not just about technical skills; it’s about developing as a person.” Sheffield Hallam University
Workshops, Networking and Regional Drive
Delegates chose from a range of interactive workshops facilitated by leading organisations including the UK Cyber Security Council, Yorkshire & Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit and Cyber Rise.
With more than 50 exhibiting organisations, including Microsoft, the Ministry of Defence, STEM Ambassadors, Yorkshire Water and others, the event offered rich opportunities for networking and insight sharing.
The message from the day was clear: Yorkshire & Humber is growing a thriving, inclusive ecosystem for cyber education.
“The future of our profession depends on collaborative investment in young talent. This event was a shining example of that commitment in action.” The Cyber Scheme
The region now benefits from an expanding network of initiatives including CyberFirst Schools and bursary programmes, Cyber Horizons, Cyber Career Pathways, Cyber Switch Up, and STEMFest, all helping young people access clearer, more inspiring routes into cyber and tech careers.
To discover more about CyberFirst Yorkshire and Humber, visit:
