Learner Testimonial — Skills Bootcamps in Cyber Technician

With technology rapidly evolving, it can be difficult to choose a study path to enter the industry. What should you specialise in? What kind of programme suits you best?

Recent Skills Bootcamps graduate, Raphael E., talked to us about his experience navigating these issues.

“My dad and I used to spend our summers building computers, so I was always into tech! When the time came, I did A-Levels in Maths, Biology, and Chemistry and went through the normal UCAS process. I was in uni for a year, until I realised it was very different from what I actually wanted.”

Raphael took a year off to explore other options; to understand the industry, he worked on an IT project with a group of online friends and published tutorials on YouTube. “Our project dealt with encryption, which led me to look into Cyber Security.”

His father then suggested a Skills Bootcamp in Digital and Raphael researched the Government website.

“That’s where I found Firebrand. I saw that Firebrand offer certifications – for example, SC-900, which companies like; it’s a very good entry-level certification to have! Having a guaranteed interview at the end also made Bootcamps the best option for me.”

Raphael applied to the Firebrand Skills Bootcamp in Cyber Technician. The programme lasted for 12 weeks, February to May, with a small cohort of 22 people.

While doing the Bootcamp, Raphael realised that a lot of his interests are linked to Cyber Security and he was in the right place. “I also realised I’ve always been self-taught; a Bootcamp provides you more people around you, a community that can help you through it. Plus, my Success Coach was incredibly helpful – shout-out to Dean [Ibbetson]!”

“I thought there was just gonna be a lecturer and you listen and do the assignments, but not only did someone lecture you, someone really good like Gary [Fildes], but the Success Coach is someone who already went through this process before you. This was a game-changer!

“Also, I’m just 20. Most people in the industry are older than me; I asked Dean, what can I do to stand out? He gave really good tips.”

The overall experience was “better than learning in college,” especially for someone as self-motivated as Raphael. “One advantage of uni is you have a lot more time to study; with Skills Bootcamps, one day is 9 hours. I think a lot of what you study at uni is outdated; with Bootcamps, you study what your employer wants and needs you to know. You also get to hear from others, very good questions that can help you learn. But, you can’t expect anyone to push you to do these things! You have to do it yourself.”

As part of the Bootcamp, Raphael took courses in Microsoft Azure, CertNexus CyberSAFE, and the BCS Certificate in Information Security Management Principles (CISMP). He also attended a Cyber event in London with a very well-known company.

His favourite part?

“The genuine advice and the atmosphere, which was very good! Everyone there was trying to learn the same thing and wanted to help each other.”

So, would you recommend Skills Bootcamps?

“Yes. I wanted to get into the industry, point-blank, simple. Skills Bootcamps give you a linear path that you can’t get being self-taught; it’s not only what you learn on the Bootcamp but also outside of it, trying to understand the industry… As much as I like to go on and just do it, following a path from someone who’s already done it is always the best way. If you want an affordable option that is tailored as a good entry path into the industry, Skills Bootcamps are ideal!”

Thank you for your feedback, Raphael!