UNEMPLOYED neurodiverse adults can join new training scheme. 

The IASME Consortium Ltd, in Malvern, has been organsing the scheme to help get people into cyber security.

The scheme is at the Kiln in Worcester city centre and is open to neurodiverse adults with an interest in IT, who are claiming Universal Credit from a jobcentre in Herefordshire or Worcestershire.

The course is designed to help talented neurodiverse adults develop skills, overcome barriers and make the transition from training to employment.

The multi-level course includes face to face training, access to Immersive Labs online training platform and guest speakers from a wide variety of cyber security organisations. There is a quiet space available during the on-location training, and a welfare officer providing pastoral support to the trainees.

The training also provides social as well as technical training and helps the individuals build greater confidence in a safe environment. 

The scheme previously ran in 2018 and 2019 but was forced to halt due to funding issues and the Covid pandemic.

Former police officer Wendy Barker was involved in the previous training schemes through her role as Cyber Prevent officer for the West Midlands Regional Cyber Crime Unit. Wendy now works as Head of Community projects at IASME and leads the new scheme.

Wendy Barker, former police officer and head of community projects at IASME, said: "It’s great to get the training up and running again in this new three-level model.

"The trainees who have just completed level one and will be shortly moving onto level two are a talented group of technical individuals.

"I’ve watched them grow in confidence as they work alongside like-minded people. They just need to find the right employer who is willing to give them a chance. “

To find out more about the neurodiverse training scheme, contact wendy.barker@iasme.co.uk.