Sheffield Hallam and NEBRC cybersecurity programme sees the local business community benefit for another year

24th October 2024

The South Yorkshire business community will benefit for another year as the North East Business Resilience Centre (NEBRC) work experience programme continues in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University.

The NEBRC employs an amazing team of ethical hacking students from Sheffield Hallam University & Northumbria University to give them real life work experience in cyber security. Such student work experience programmes not only benefit the student but, the business they are working in and have impact on the wider community. 

The North East Business Resilience Centre is a police-led, not-for-profit organisation that provides 24/7 cyber security support to SMEs within Yorkshire, Humber and the North East. 

Retired Superintendent Rebecca Chapman, CEO of the NEBRC said,
“We are delighted to be able to work with Sheffield Hallam and Northumbria universities to reduce cyber-crime. Often SMEs can’t afford cyber services and don’t know where to begin or who to trust. The creation of NEBRC helps us bridge this gap and through the students, offer a reduced cost and practical services which can make a huge difference. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for the students to gain hands-on experience which will be invaluable when they enter the world of work after graduation.”

Setareh Jalali Ghazaani, who is now Lead Auditor (IT) at British Assessment Bureau spent one year working at NEBRC as an ethical hacker within the student services team, gaining valuable real-world experience alongside her studies at Sheffield Hallam. 

Speaking about her experience Setareh comments,
“I came to England four years ago to complete my Masters in Cybersecurity at Sheffield Hallam University, having previously studied Computer Engineering at Islamic Azad University (IAU) in Tehran, Iran…

“...I started university in 2020 and joined the NEBRC programme in January 2021, so all of my studying was online. Despite the world still being under restrictions due to COVID-19, I found the experience worked well and the NEBRC were very organised - I was still able to fully engage.    

“My role day-to-day varied and I was given different attacks and tasks to approach. Usually, a more senior team member sat down with me and guided me through what to do. The teamwork is excellent, as a student, the expectations aren’t unrealistically high as they understand you are still learning.”

She adds,
“The NEBRC was my very first job related to cyber security and it massively helped to boost my self-confidence. I’ve had 3 different experiences since leaving. Firstly as a cybersecurity lecturer at Sheffield Hallam, then working for a small organisation and now working at the British Assessment Bureau… 

“...I honestly believe it is the best experience you can get as a student – you have no idea of the real world until you do it. People either think they know everything or nothing at all, but this work experience puts your knowledge into context and allows you to learn in a safe environment.” 

With a new influx of students coming through this academic year, there is new talent entering the workforce, looking to gain valuable real-world experience. 

If you are a student looking to gain experience you can contact your university tutor for more information or reach out to the NEBRC directly. 

If you are a local business looking to better protect itself from cyber risk, the NEBRC offers free membership, as well as many other cybersecurity services. https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/free-core-membership/