This summer, NetSec was proud to welcome two students from Pencoed Comprehensive for a week-long work experience placement. As a CyberFirst Gold School partner, NetSec is committed to supporting young people in developing the skills and confidence they need to explore careers in the fast-moving world of cyber security.

From day one, the students were immersed in hands-on tasks that reflected the day-to-day challenges faced by IT and cyber professionals. They used command prompts to ping and identify IP addresses, learned about network monitoring in the server room, and tackled troubleshooting exercises designed to simulate real security issues. The pair also set up and updated a Windows PC, experiencing first-hand the steps required to keep systems secure.

Both students gained valuable insights into how classroom learning translates directly into the workplace. One student enjoyed exploring the breadth of cyber security, from problem-solving to understanding how networks are designed, while the other discovered the value of stepping outside her comfort zone, finding herself engaged with challenges such as using the Windows command line for troubleshooting.

At NetSec, these activities are part of everyday life. As a Managed IT Services provider, our team delivers complete IT solutions for businesses across the UK, covering everything from IT support and consultancy to procurement and advanced cyber security measures. Work experience placements like this give young people an authentic view of the industry and showcase the range of skills needed to succeed.

"By linking education to industry, we help our students see the value of their classroom learning in real-world contexts, build confidence, and prepare for the careers of the future. We are grateful to Netsec for this opportunity to impact our learners, and look forward to continuing and building on our relationship, for many years to come."

— Rachael Lloyd-Davies, Head of ICT, Computing and Digital Technology

For the students, the placement not only offered technical knowledge but also highlighted the importance of transferable skills such as communication, adaptability, and resilience. These are qualities that we at NetSec value highly, both within our own team and when supporting clients in navigating complex IT challenges.

By opening its doors to students, NetSec continues to play an active role in the local community, helping to bridge the gap between education and industry. We look forward to supporting more young people in the years to come, encouraging the next generation of cyber professionals while demonstrating the expertise and commitment that our clients across the UK have come to rely on.