Blackburn College to pilot Strategic Command backed bursary

Blackburn College is one of just four nationwide, all of which are in Lancashire, to be selected for the scheme which was announced by Strategic Command in September, as it prepares for the relocation of the National Cyber Force headquarters to Samlesbury – just a few miles from Blackburn College’s town centre campus.

The Strategic Command Bursary will commence in the 2023/24 academic year and successful applicants will each receive a two-year bursary, as well as a high-performance laptop, and a range of mentoring and development opportunities to give them a head start in their career.

The news comes after the college received a visit from Lieutenant General Tom Copinger-Symes CBE, Deputy Commander Strategic Command, earlier this year – he shared with students the vast range of roles on offer in digital and cyber-defence, as the threats to national security become increasingly complex.

Blackburn College is one of just four colleges nationwide to be selected for the scheme

Dr Fazal Dad, Principal and Chief Executive of Blackburn College said:

“We are extremely excited to be able to offer this fantastic opportunity for our students to develop their skills and take on the important jobs of tomorrow.

“We continue to invest in our campus and facilities to ensure that we are arming our students with the right skills, knowledge and experience needed by employers.

“The College has made a significant £1.2m investment in computer sciences, networking and cyber security, data science and software development. This gives our students exposure to cutting-edge technologies.”

General Sir Jim Hockenhull announced the bursary during a keynote speech at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) saying that he wants to attract a new type of military workforce and offer the opportunity of fascinating work of national importance.

Information on the application process for this exciting scheme will be shared with students soon.