If you’re on the lookout for IT jobs in Cheltenham, then make sure the up-and-coming Cyber Central UK is on your radar!
Back in May 2020, Cheltenham Borough Council launched the Golden Valley Development, a “public-private platform for Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and the UK, that will be the country’s most intelligent garden city and community.”
This is set to be the home of Cyber Central UK, which aims to make [the already promising] Cheltenham the UK’s hub for cyber and security.
What’s truly exciting however is that this development (which is set for completion in 2023) isn’t just about the physical cyber park being built, but the funding and support that the UK government and local government are giving to the cyber space in the area!
As a result of this project and development, it’s estimated that a whopping 12,000 jobs are set to be created – including IT jobs in Cheltenham – all of which aim to embrace diversity and inclusivity as part of the recruitment process.
But what will these roles be exactly, what will they entail and – most importantly – how can you increase your chances of being hired for one of them, whether you’re an entry level candidate or an experienced IT or cyber professional?
Read on to find out!
Jump to roles for more experienced candidates
As an entry level candidate, the IT jobs in Cheltenham you can expect to find at Cyber Central UK include:
1. Computer Software Engineer
According to our own IT specialist recruitment consultant Chris Ellsworth, a Computer Software Engineer’s role is to “debug, maintain, write and test software that will instruct a computer to accomplish certain tasks.” This is achieved by writing instructions in one or several different programming languages, such as Java, C++ and Python.
2. Web Developer
Working as a Web Developer is vaguely similar to working in a Computer Software Engineer role, except that, instead of software, you’ll be using programming languages (including the likes of PHP and JavaScript) to build websites and web applications.
3. Cyber Security Analyst (Graduate/Trainee/Apprentice)
Cyber Security Analysts are tasked with protecting a company’s IT infrastructure from criminal activity, including its networks, software and hardware.
4. Website Administrator
A Website Administrator (or “Web Admin”) is responsible for managing and maintaining websites and web applications; for example, ensuring that a website is functional, user friendly, looks good and runs quickly and smoothly.
5. Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators are required to investigate and diagnose any problems in a business’ overall network. They’re also responsible for making recommendations for improving the company’s IT systems based on collected data and statistics, and installing any new solutions that get the go-ahead.
6. Cryptologist (Graduate/Trainee/Apprentice)
As David Woodward, Managing Director of i2i Search and Selection, says, Cryptologists “secure computer and information technology systems by creating algorithms and ciphers to encrypt data.” Essentially, they are code makers, while Cryptanalysts are code breakers (more on that below)!
How can you increase your chances of being hired for one of these roles?
If you’re just beginning your journey onto the IT/cyber career path, there are several training and education, networking and work experience options available to you, including:
1. The CyNam community
This community is made up of Cheltenham’s developing technology and cyber security businesses and professional services, alongside some of the UK’s leading industry experts.
Their platform’s aim is to “connect the best cyber technology minds and local SMEs and start-ups to support from people, expertise, guidance, funding, and new business.”
2. Cyber First
Cyber First is an initiative set out by GCHQ which aims to help younger people into the cyber industry. As an undergraduate, you can be offered a bursary of £4,000 a year, and paid cyber security training in the summer to help launch your cyber career!
At the time of writing, they are also taking applicants for their CyberFirst Girls Competition, which aims to support girls who are interested in pursuing a career in cyber security!
3. Gloucestershire College
GlosCol offer some fantastic Cyber Security Degree Apprenticeships for anyone looking to kick-start a career in the industry.
4. Hub8
Hub8 is a tech-focused network, promoting co-working spaces and innovation in and around Cheltenham. They’re currently based in the Cheltenham’s Brewery Quarter, and will be joining Cyber Central UK at the park when it opens.
5. Recruitment agency support
Here at i2i, we frequently share new and exciting entry level IT jobs in Cheltenham that can give you the leg-up and experience you need to take on the more advanced roles that’ll be on offer at Cyber Central UK.
We’d also be glad to support you in updating your CV and writing your cover letter for that extra boost!
As an experienced candidate, the IT jobs in Cheltenham you can expect to find at Cyber Central UK include:
1. Information Security Analyst/Consultant
In a nutshell, an Information Security Analyst ensures that an organisation is protected from cyber-attacks and criminal activity by designing and implementing comprehensive security systems. An Information Security Consultant will, conversely, advise security analysis teams on their own designs.
2. Cyber Security Engineer
The role of a Cyber Security Engineer is to make sure that an organisation’s or business’s sensitive data remains secure and confidential by protecting any hardware and software in place, and checking that these continue to be the right tools for the job as time goes on.
3. Cyber Intelligence Analyst
A Cyber Intelligence Analyst is in charge of keeping an eye on and analysing any developments in the potential threats that could be posed by cyber criminals, and identifying ways that their organisation can prepare for these.
4. Security Software Developer
Much like a Computer Software Engineer, a Security Software Developer uses programming language to create software, but with an organisation’s security in mind. They may also integrate security into any other software that is currently being used by the company.
5. Cryptanalyst
A Cryptanalyst is different to the Cryptographer role described earlier on in this blog, in that they ensure that any encrypted data is readable and accessible, and prevent any important or confidential information from being intercepted, modified, copied or deleted.
6. Information Security Administrator
The job of an Information Security Administrator is to work with network admins to search for and identify any vulnerabilities in their organisation’s information sharing network, and ensure that these are fixed quickly and efficiently.
How can you maximise your chances of landing one of these roles?
1. Take on as many new training opportunities as possible
With technology continuing to grow, change and develop, there’s no end to the training and learning opportunities you can take on in the IT and cyber industry. InfoSec is an organisation local to Cheltenham who have some fantastic training opportunities on offer.
2. Attend relevant IT and Cyber events
We would highly recommend attending the IT and cyber security events in this blog to give you some additional insights into/get truly hands-on with what’s going on in the sector, and the opportunities available.
3. Build your professional network
By attending events and taking part in training, as well as ensuring your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and following relevant organisations and professionals there, you can maximise your professional network, and thereby increase your chances of getting noticed for roles at Cyber Central UK!
4. Work with an experienced recruitment agency
Here at i2i, our specialist IT Recruitment Consultant Chris Ellsworth is on hand with an abundance of experience and expertise to support you in finding your perfect role, or a position that will firmly place you on the path towards a career at Cyber Central UK.
In summary, Cyber Central UK is set to open a plethora of opportunities for anyone looking for IT jobs in Cheltenham.
If you’re not sure you can wait until the park opens in 2023 to kick-start or progress your career in IT and cyber, then be sure to register with i2i today.
We’ll be on hand with access to all the latest and greatest opportunities available in the sector, ready to find you your perfect role!
