Kilmarnock’s 200-strong “digital army” in the works thanks to Kickstart and the Halo project

In May next year, the UK governments Kickstart scheme will be backing the Kilmarnock-based Halo project to the tune of £1.5m. The project intends to train 200 16-24 year olds in digital and cyber skills and techniques over six months.

It is hoped that those participants who complete the course will secure a further six month work placement with such companies as Scottish Power, and Barclays PLC.

The Kickstart scheme guarantees that all 200 young people will be paid the minimum wage for 25 hours per week.

Marie Macklin, the Halo Urban Regeneration Company’s Executive Chair Woman, says that she believes the project could create opportunities for up to 500 young people a year.

 

My vision is for The Halo to create a cyber/digital army of young people who will gain the skills necessary to go out into the UK’s businesses, third sector and public sector organisations to fight the ever-increasing number of cyber criminals who are threatening this country.

 

The project has support from Scotland Office Minister, Eain Stewart, who says:

 

We are pleased to be working with Halo Kilmarnock to offer 200 young people from across Scotland the opportunity to develop the latest digital skills. The digital tech sector is one of Scotland’s biggest success stories and will make a vital contribution to economic recovery from Coronavirus