Learner Testimonial — Skills Bootcamps in Cyber Technician: Nisha

Skills Bootcamps are intensive study programmes that help people reskill into the tech industry. Our recent graduate, Nisha Chatooa, told us about her experience juggling the programme and a very busy life!

Nisha had been working night shifts for a while when she started looking for a day job. Struggling to find anything, she decided to upskill. Her husband works in Cyber, so she became interested in the field too. After a year of contemplating if she would be able to complete a Bootcamp as well as work night shifts and look after three children, she decided to give it a go.

Nisha researched Skills Bootcamps on the UK Government website; this led her to explore resources from her local council, which is how she found Firebrand.

“Of all the Skills Bootcamps providers I looked at, Firebrand was the only one that offered the opportunity to do certificates at the same time. Rather than just finishing the Bootcamp with a Certificate of Completion, I knew I would get recognised certifications that would help me further my career.”

Nisha discussed the opportunity with her husband; he advised her that Firebrand is a well-respected company that offers great opportunities for those who want to progress within the tech sector, so Nisha chose Firebrand.

“I called the Skills Bootcamp team so many times, spoke with them; every week I had questions. They were amazing, so helpful! I had concerns about having my children in the background and I was advised that Firebrand do not judge and, if I felt I could revise and complete the Bootcamp, I would be welcome! I was concerned about timetables too, and they said if one schedule doesn't work for me, they can send me another and I can enrol on one that suited my homelife.”

Nisha's young children gave her even more reason to pursue a career in tech. “I have children, I’ve seen cyberbullying and I want to make a difference. I want a safer world for my children!”

“The Bootcamp was a mix of tech, risk, and governance; as it progressed, I found myself enjoying the risk and governance part of it more than the tech. It’s been so intense; it’s allowed me to dip my toe into many different things and find my path. I think the way Firebrand structured this Bootcamp really helps people, not just the study modules themselves but the way the Bootcamp can fit around your life.”

In Nisha’s case, this was no easy feat. At the time that she did her Bootcamp, she was working nights as an Emergency Call Handler. She would have to action 100 calls each night, and upwards of 500 on Saturdays.

“I would come off night shifts at 6.30 in the morning, then sit through the Bootcamp from 9am to the 7pm – while taking care of my kids, cleaning, etc.

“My Success Coach, Raff [Graham], was amazing. He was always available to help when I needed it. The sessions he delivered were well put together and very insightful. He was able to provide a lot of study material and extra 1-2-1 sessions if needed. Having a great Success Coach helped during times I struggled, as I could turn to Raff who would help find ways to make it easier for me while I was on the Bootcamp.

“I really liked the fact that the Bootcamp team understood I have kids; I never missed a session, but I was very honest from the start and got that support from Raff that made my life so much easier. Looking back, I wish there had been such opportunities years ago, when I was a student – especially since anyone can apply for Skills Bootcamps, regardless of household income, age, etc.”

Being able to complete official, industry-recognised certifications as part of the programme was a big reason why she stuck with Firebrand. “I took CyberSAFE from CertNexus, the BCS Certificate in Information Security Management Principles (CISMP), and the Microsoft SC-900 Security Certification.”

While studying for these challenging exams, Nisha found herself naturally gravitate to supporting fellow students. “We all did the Bootcamp together and I wanted everyone to succeed. I’m not the kind of person who likes to achieve success on her own and doesn’t care about others; if I’m going to win, others are going to win too!

“A learner on another cohort was struggling with CISMP. We had a three-hour call together, going through the manual, and she felt so much more confident. Afterwards, she passed!

“Following this, Raff said I would make a great Success Coach, so I considered it! My main goal with the Bootcamp had been to upskill and see where it could take me; getting a job would be a bonus!”

So, would Nisha recommend Skills Bootcamps?

“100%. For a lot of mothers, carers, single parents, people with busy lives, being able to study remotely really helps, on your own time—the Bootcamp doesn’t consume your life completely.

“Apprenticeships and university programmes are full-time and can consume your life, especially if you are also working while studying; Skills Bootcamps can fit around your life. If someone feels they cannot commit to an Apprenticeship or university due to commitments, then a Skills Bootcamp is a great option.

“I have a full-time job and three kids—if I can do it, anyone can!”

Thank you for your feedback, Nisha!