On 29 January 2025, the STEM Hub, delivered by RTC North, held the very first Yorkshire and Humberside CyberFirst Education Conference in Bradford, UK City of Culture 2025. The day provided thought-provoking keynotes, panel sessions, lightning talks from leading figures, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities and was attended by over a hundred educators, teachers, and industry professionals.
This event was a huge success in bringing together cyber security and education professionals from across the region and beyond, fostering community and collaboration to build a diverse talent pipeline to continue to make the UK the safest place to live and work online.
Conference highlights included:
Expert Keynote Speakers and Industry Insights
The event featured an inspiring lineup of speakers who captivated the audience with their expertise and insights.
Andrew Elliott, Deputy Director – Cyber Security and Digital Identity, from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) opened the conference sharing insights on how Bradford, and the wider Yorkshire and Humber region is contributing to the cyber economy. He celebrated the success of local cyber skills projects and illustrated the potential challenges ahead for both industry and academia with the rapid pace of technology.
A senior speaker from the NCSC delivered a keynote on the overall success of the CyberFirst programme and how Bradford schools were the first to be awarded with the CyberFirst School status in the region.
Thought Provoking Panel Sessions
Representatives from local, national and international organisations were brought together in two panel sessions to discuss opportunities for young people and how they needed to be supported as they take their first steps into the industry. These panels included representatives from:
Bob’s Business, Claranet, CYBERFIT, DXC, Future Transformation, Microsoft, NCC Group, Roke, Sheffield Hallam University, Yorkshire Water
Industry Lightning Talks to Inspire Educators
Industry representatives were invited to showcase resources that are available for educators to use to enhance their teaching and the student experience. Attendees heard from:
BCS, CirKits Ltd®, Microsoft, Punk Security
Engaging Workshops
Attendees were able to choose from several interactive workshops facilitated by representatives from leading cyber security organisations. These included:
Hack Attack by The Exa Foundation – a practical engaging workshop which was delivered “unplugged” to demonstrate how teachers can help students can identify threats and mitigations.
Imposter Syndrome in Cyber Security by Optimise Cyber Solutions – this was an interactive discussion on how young professionals can overcome barriers and build supportive networks to ease their transition into the challenging sector.
Preparing Students for Careers in Cyber Security by Sheffield Hallam University – this provided teachers an overview of the job market, identifying key roles, and the technical acumen and soft skills needed for success.
Cyber Security Professionalisation by the UK Cyber Security Council – this was an open discussion following a briefing of the Council’s work to date. Attendees shared issues, challenges, and opportunities both in the UK and beyond.
Minecraft for Education by Yorcybersec – this demonstrated how Minecraft for education can be used in an education setting.
Networking Opportunities
With over 50 companies, the event provided abundant networking opportunities, enabling attendees to connect and deepen their understanding of the benefits of the CyberFirst programme. These interactions were enriched by exhibitor stalls where delegates could explore the innovative work of companies operating within the region. This included exhibits from: CirKits Ltd®; CYBERFIT, Jupiter IT Solutions; Microsoft UK; Optimise Cyber Solutions Ltd; Phoenix Evolution Consulting; Punk Security; RTC North; The Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU); YorCyberSec Limited; Yorkshire Water
Ending the Conference with a Locknote
The day ended with an inspirational talk from Stephanie Itimi, founder of Seidea CIC. She talked about how diversity is a key aspect of ensuring cyber security resilience and whilst it can be by design, it usually has to be done by disrupting the norms that appear in every industry.
Special Thanks
“The CyberFirst Yorkshire and Humber Industry and Educator Conference was an amazing event but this was the first of many steps that we will take over the next year to build a vibrant community to ensure that we can build a robust pipeline of talent that can enter, progress, and accelerate their careers.”
Yorkshire & Humber CyberFirst Team
“I had the pleasure of attending as an exhibitor, and I must say it was truly inspiring to see the event come together so successfully. Not only did I have the opportunity to connect with some fantastic individuals from both industry and education, but I was also grateful for the CyberFirst teams support throughout the day."
Jamie, RJJ Software Ltd exhibiting with Phoenix Evolution Consulting
"A conference full of passionate individuals from both industry and education; forging pathways by continually raising awareness, providing support and inspiring the next generation to pursue a career in Cyber Security."
Victoria Speight, Founder, Director & CEO of CYBERFIT .
