Computing students from Solihull College & University Centre recently visited global information technology, consulting, systems integration, outsourcing, and solutions company CGI at one of their UK offices in Birmingham.
The students will be taking on a project set by CGI’s Cyber Security Manager Maxine Bulmer and Principal Consultant Lee Barnes who both work within the field of cyber security.
As part of their Level 3 BTEC computing courses students at Solihull College & University centre have to complete 30 hours of work experience over the course of the year and partnerships between the College and companies such as CGI are a great way for students to complete that industry work experience, putting them potentially ahead of others when it comes to looking for employment.
The students will be able to gain advice from Maxine and Lee who have an extensive amount of industry experience between them as they go through their work experience placements. With cyber-crime constantly increasing there is currently a large demand for those who are trained in this area to fill job roles within a variety of companies. With this in mind, the students have been tasked by CGI to create a tool that will provide a searchable database of security incidents that can be used by security consultants. The task will allow the students to work as a team and gain a valuable insight into the daily workings of CGI and the computing industry. The students are looking forward to working with such a large organisation and being able to put their skills into practice.
The work experience project is a first for CGI’s Cyber Security department and Solihull College & University Centre and CGI are looking forward to seeing the final results and Maxine and Lee hope to use the final piece of work in their everyday jobs.
CGI, who will be celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, has already taken on 15 consultants in January and February alone and understands the need to invest in the future generations through students such as those at Solihull College. Lee Barnes, Cyber Security Consultant for CGI, commented: “CGI has a major office in Birmingham and we’re keen to engage and support the local community and help develop the skills and talents of students. We look forward to working with current and future IT students from Solihull College over the coming weeks and months.”
The students will be working together with CGI and their tutor at Solihull College & University Centre, Fahwad Mahmood over the next 6 weeks to complete the project.
For more information on the courses available at Solihull College & University Centre visit the courses page or call 0121 678 7000.
