UK government counters potential shortage of cybersecurity experts by launching Cyber Schools Program which gives extensive mentoring modules to extra-curricular clubs. Since the escalating threat of cyber attacks looms, the government plans to counter them with equally competent youngsters.

According to the National Cyber Security Center, schoolchildren can start developing key skills that could entice them to work in the cyber security industry and tackle possible online threats that might target the business sector in the future. The government allocates an initial budget of $25 million to hire external experts which are going to teach, test and train students.

Government sources also revealed that teenagers selected for the program can graduate with comprehensive cyber curriculum knowledge that is applicable in real-world scenarios. By 2021, there will be around 5,700 experts aged 14 to 18 that can be readily deployable.

According to Gov.UK, students who will graduate from the program can also use their skills in beefing up the current demand in all industries apart from the government. It narrates the strong job demand for cyber security experts. The current trend shows a lean 58,000 security specialists working in a massive $27.5 billion per annum economy.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Digital and Culture Matt Hancock calls the move as a forward-thinking measure to make UK at par with global online threats. Not only can extra-curricular clubs identify and inspire prospects, but it can be a synergy to class-based learning without hindering the established learning modules. When implemented, Cyber Schools Program will not affect regular school schedules because the students will only have to commit four hours per week. Enrollees have to finish a four-year program

Cyber Schools Program operates in a sliding scale system where anyone can join midway if they can meet certain criteria. Students will also go through reviews and monitoring every year to check their efficiency.