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9th November 2023

Empowering women and military spouses to enter the world of IT and Cybersecurity

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Cerco has been on a mission to bridge the gap between untapped talent and the IT sector since 1989. Furthermore, we have always believed in the importance of diversity and inclusion within an industry that may suffer the perception of being a male-only environment.

Through our continuing support for the Armed Forces community, Cerco is also ideally placed to provide support to Veterans and Military Spouses looking to build a career in IT and beyond into the world of Cybersecurity.

The Standing Tall Foundation

Through our partnership with The Standing Tall Foundation, Cerco is committed to making a difference to those who may deem the world of IT out of reach.

Founded by Corporal Andy Reid MBE and John Tabern, The Standing Tall Foundation has been actively supporting veterans and members of the St. Helens community since March 2020.

Despite the unprecedented backdrop of COVID and lockdown, the foundation continued to thrive and Cerco is honoured to be a part of their journey.

Cerco supports the foundation’s mission by providing opportunities to individuals who have faced adversity in their lives. Through this collaboration, Cerco aims to boost the confidence and skills of those who may be hesitant to embark on a career in IT.

The Armed Forces Community

Cerco’s dedication to the Armed Forces community was recognised in 2022 with the awarding of the Gold Award by the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. This recognition signifies our strong commitment to employing veterans, spouses and reservists, offering flexibility to accommodate their service commitments, and providing unwavering support.

Empowering Military Spouses and Women in IT and Cybersecurity

Cerco’s commitment doesn’t end with supporting veterans; it extends to their families as well. Military spouses often face unique challenges due to the demands of military life. Cerco has joined forces with Fortinet’s Fortivets scheme to provide opportunities and support for military spouses looking to enter the IT field. To this end we are proud to be included within the Fortinet Veterans Advisory Council as of September 2023.

Cerco understands the importance of gender diversity in the IT and technology sectors. We are resolute in introducing more women to this dynamic field through structured training programs. This initiative is vital in bridging the gender gap in technology-related careers and creating a more inclusive environment.

In summary, Cerco is not just a training and recruitment company. We are committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse IT landscape. Through our partnership with The Standing Tall Foundation, dedication to the Armed Forces community, and focus on empowering military spouses and women in IT and Cybersecurity we aim to have a profound impact on individuals, families, and the industry as a whole.

5th October 2023

Cerco joins the Fortinet Veterans Program Advisory Council

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It is with tremendous pride that Cerco is able to announce its membership within the Fortinet Veterans Program Advisory Council.

On 25th and 26th September 2023, our CEO Chris Barlow and Head of Cyber Security Training, Mark Wilcox, attended the inaugural meeting of the council in Toronto, Canada.

Building upon its relationship with Fortinet as an Education Outreach Partner, Cerco joins a global panel of esteemed members from organisations supporting the military veterans community.

Military veterans possess crucial skills in tackling the continuing fight against cyber crime but often lack access to or guidance with training and career resources. The net result is that transition from military life to a career in cybersecurity is problematic and confusing. 

Fortinet have identified this and addressed it by augmenting their Veterans Program with an Advisory Council.

The Fortinet Veterans Program Advisory Council exists to achieve the following:

  • provide military veterans with a clear pathway through cybersecurity training and certification
  • present military veterans with career opportunities within cybersecurity

In the United States, Fortinet has been recognised as a VETS Indexes Recognised Employer. VETS Indexes further supports those companies who actively support the hiring and professional development of military veterans. 

Here in the UK a similar scheme exists to support those companies training and sourcing employment opportunities for our armed forces veterans. This scheme, established by the UK Government, is called the Armed Forces Covenant and Cerco has been recognised as a Gold Member for its services to the armed forces community.

Cerco’s established training initiative, Cradle to Cyber, perfectly lends itself to the professional development of military personnel looking for a career in cybersecurity.

Cradle to Cyber has been established to present an entryway into IT and provides a range of training that begins with Cerco’s long-standing, in-house FastTrack course. For those wishing to pursue a career in cybersecurity we extend this training to encompass certification from CompTIA, Microsoft, ITIL and ISACA, amongst others. 

Crucially, Fortinet’s Network Security Expert (NSE) certification program sits central to Cradle to Cyber. By progressing through the 5 key stages of NSE, learners will gain vital knowledge in working with the solutions provided by the global leader in cybersecurity. 

For more information on how Cerco and Fortinet can support your transition from military service please reach out to us today.

View the press release from Fortinet: Fortinet Announces Formation of Veterans Program Advisory Council to Narrow the Cybersecurity Skills Gap with Military Veteran Talent

5th December 2022

Cerco IT Receives Gold Award Armed Forces Covenant

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We are delighted to announce that the Ministry of Defence has awarded Cerco IT with the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award.

On the 3rd of November, the team headed to Manchester Airport’s Concorde Viewing Park to pick up our Gold Award that we have received to recognise our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community through our recruitment and training processes. 

We are unbelievably proud to have received the Defence Relationship Management (DRM), Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. The team here at Cerco IT have displayed an incredible commitment to supporting veterans and their families. This award allows us to go on and continue to provide opportunities to those who have served. 

What is the Armed Forces Covenant?

The Armed Forces Covenant is a scheme that recognises UK employers that demonstrate a commitment to the Ministry of Defence by supporting the Armed Forces community. To achieve the gold award a company must have recruitment policies and practices in place that actively encourage and supports the entire Armed Forces community from military leavers to reservists, and their family members. The company must make appropriate arrangements and offer support for Armed Forces commitments and create a positive environment for the individual to return to. Here at Cerco IT, we are dedicated to offering and exceeding this level of recruitment to the armed forces community.

In addition to recruitment, Cerco IT has also been recognised for our commitment to offering forces-friendly training opportunities. The Cradle to Cyber training program is specifically designed to take armed forces leavers into an IT or Cyber Security career. This year, we announced our partnership with Fortinet, a global leader in broad, integrated and automated cybersecurity solutions. Our strategic partnership allows us to deliver Fortinet’s Network Security Expert (NSE) training through the Education Outreach Program. By offering this program to the armed forces community we develop highly skilled IT professionals who can go on to gain successful careers in an in-demand industry where there is currently a shortfall of talent.

Andy Tansey, Director, Armed Forces Liaison, comments “Attending the awards ceremony was an extremely proud and prestigious moment for us at Cerco IT. We’re delighted to be recognised by the Ministry of Defence for our commitment and we can’t wait to see where the future takes us as we continue to work closely with the Armed Forces community.”

2nd November 2022

From Troops to Tech: Transition from the military to IT

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We know first hand how daunting it is to join the civilian lifestyle after life in the military, whether you’re leaving because of medical discharge, retirement or personal choice leaving the military is hard. No longer will you have to abide by the rigorous regime, meticulous presentation and the uncertainty of knowing when you’re going to be called for a 6-month operation. 

How do we know what leaving the military is like, you might be asking? We know because we are a team that includes ex-military employees who have been through your journey and have now transitioned into careers that provide them with support and fulfillment. Not only this we have partnered with military charities including Walking with the Wounded, to ensure we have a deep understanding of the support required when it comes to military transition. So what is the next step…

What do I do after leaving the military?

Working in the forces comes with pride, respect and responsibility, so what do you do when all this is gone?

The answer is not one size fits all, and everyone’s coping mechanisms and adaptations to change are different. However, what we do know is that we have a pathway that utilises your transferable skills and combines these with training and support resulting in a career in IT or Cyber Security. 
Our military scheme, Cradle to Cyber, is a four step process that takes you through a journey or training and placements to provide you with a career you enjoy. Find out more about the Cradle to Cyber process here.

Cerco IT Training
Cradle to Cyber Prgramme

What jobs are available through the Cerco scheme?

The career possibilities during the Cradle to Cyber process include both project based work and permanent opportunities. If you choose to be a project based engineer you’ll be employed by Cerco IT and deployed to various sites across the UK to complete IT Technician or IT Engineering tasks. If you’re looking for a full-time, permanent role* our recruitment team will work with you to develop your CV and find a role that is perfect for you.

Project based roles

When working on project based roles you let us know your availability and where in the UK you are available to work (for example within a 50 mile radius of Nottingham), we’ll then deploy you on various roles which could include IT upgrades, office equipment installations or EPoS refurbishments. We regularly work with high street retailers and blue chip companies to maintain, service and install their IT equipment. 

For those who would like to, we then offer the opportunity to train in Cyber Security, this includes skills in ethical hacking and penetration testing, opening up the opportunities of recruitment in this expanding and lucrative sector.

Permanent roles

If you want to transition from the military into a permanent role, we can help you. We’re a trusted recruitment partner for many blue chip companies and government agencies. We regularly have IT and Cyber Security jobs available.

Why IT?

There are two main reasons why we’d recommend a career in IT…

  1. IT is an ever-changing sector, where the opportunities just keep on coming
  2. You have the skills required to excel in this career

We really do care

We can tell you we care until we’re blue in the face, but you don’t just need to take our word for it, take a look at what our alumni have to say…

Agency with a rare human touch

“I’ve been working for Cerco IT for over a year or two and all I can say is ‘Thank you, guys’

Exciting projects and locations all over the UK from south to north. For anyone, who is taking their first steps in the digital industry it is the best place to start. 

The staff are amazing and friendly , not those soulless agencies you can cross over with – you are an individual, not a number or a tool for them. 

Many thanks again ladies and gents, hoping our paths cross again soon.”

Immediate employment

“Cerco IT is an excellent company to work for especially if you are new to or looking to get into IT. After completing the 5 day course I was immediately placed in a role working all over the UK for a large company carrying out various different jobs with multiple other IT engineers who are great to work with and will help you out as much as they can whilst you are still learning the role and gaining experience.

I really enjoyed my time with Cerco IT and the girls in the office were brilliant and very helpful and polite which made my experience with Cerco IT great, specifically Ruby and Kat.

As stated above, if you are new to IT or looking for any IT related work I could not recommend Cerco IT anymore!”

A genuine oasis

“Cerco IT is a genuine oasis in the IT career debutant’s search.

When I came across Cerco IT, it took me 2 attempts to qualify for training – and am I glad I persisted!

Supported by first rate administrative, training and recruitment teams, Cerco IT has taken me from zero to confident IT starter in barely 3 months.

My journey started with a totally supported week’s IT course and CV update; a variation of temporary assignments offering confidence-building exposure; and has culminated in being put forward for a job opening which saw me successfully recruited.

I cannot overstate the confidence gained from the Cerco IT experience.

I really am so positively impacted by the whole team:

Ruby and Ella’s diligence and warmth

Ian’s superb IT training

Keiron, Catherine and Katherine’s approachability and guidance

Becky’s confidence-inspiring support during job application/ interview process

….so it is a pleasure to write this testimonial”

What do I do now?

Ready to start your journey? Simply apply online.

If you need more information or would like to chat with us before applying, give us a call on (0)1270 219760

*When taking the Cradle to Cyber route, you will be required to complete project based work as part of the four step process.

25th August 2022

Press Release: Cerco IT announces partnership with Fortinet

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cerco IT partners with Fortinet to deliver industry leading network security training

Cerco becomes a Fortinet Education Outreach Partner

23rd August, 2022 – Cerco IT Ltd, a company with over 30 years of IT training experience, today announced a strategic partnership with Fortinet, a global leader in broad, integrated and automated cybersecurity solutions, to deliver Fortinet’s Network Security Expert (NSE) training through the Education Outreach Program.

‘To grant our candidates (ex-military or otherwise) access to the NSE training curriculum is a huge step forward in creating highly skilled IT professionals and enables us to further address the shortfall in the UK’s cybersecurity talent pool,’ said Chris Barlow, MD of Cerco IT. ‘We are thrilled to collaborate with the global leader in network security and are excited to be working with such a strong, internationally recognised training programme focused on closing the cyber skills gap.’

In July 2022 Cerco was recognised for its commitment to the Armed Forces Veterans community with the awarding of the Gold Covenant from the MoD.

‘Through our partnership with military charities such as White Ensign and Walking With the Wounded, Cerco is able to offer service leavers the opportunity to train as IT professionals,’ said Andy Tansey, Director of Military Liaison at Cerco IT. ‘Becoming a part of Fortinet’s Education Outreach Program, which has a focus on veterans, presents an enormous boost in preparing veteran trainees for work at the cutting edge of computer networking in a world that is becoming more alert to the threat of cyber abuse.’

About Cerco IT Ltd.

Founded in 1989 as Granada IT Services in Manchester, Cerco IT provides practical training courses for candidates looking to start a career in IT.

In 2003 Cerco added a recruitment division to enable the support and placement of trainees into fully paid work.

Cerco continues to offer free training to suitable candidates.

For more information please visit cercoit.co.uk or call 01270 219760.

You can also connect with Cerco via LinkedIn and Facebook.

18th July 2022

Meet the Cerco team at forthcoming Military events and job fairs

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We’re thrilled to announce a few forthcoming events that our Cerco ‘roadshow’ team will be attending.

If you are interested in transitioning into a career in IT, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to discuss your aspirations with our team.

photo of armed forces regulars

Stoke on Trent – 18th August 2022

Come and meet us at the Ex-Services Armed Forces Hub that taks place at Port Vale FC on Thursday 18th August.

Leeds – 22nd September 2022

Come and join us at the Northern Employment Fair in Leeds on the 22nd September. For more information visit the CTP website.

Southampton – 6th October 2022

We will be exhibiting at the South Coast Employment Fair on the 6th October. Come and say hello between 10am and 2pm. For more information visit the CTP website.

Newark – 10th November 2022

On the 10th November we will be in Newark at the East Midlands Employment fair. Once again this is the perfect opportunity to discuss a career in IT from Field Service Engineers to Network Support to Cyber Security. For more information visit the CTP website.

If you are unable to attend any of the events listed then please take a look at how we support HM Forces service leavers. We’re always on hand to answer any queries and advise on how our training programmes will assist in your transition into a career in IT.

If you have a reasonably technical background and a particular interest in Cyber Security, it could be that you are able to jump straight into our Cyber training. Please take a look at our Cyber training programme, Cradle to Cyber.

For any further queries you can always reach out to us. We’re here to help.

12th July 2022

Press Release: Cerco IT receives the Armed Forces Gold Covenant Award

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cerco IT receives the Armed Forces Gold Covenant Award

Recognition of Cerco IT’s continued commitment to the Armed Forces

Tuesday, 12th July, 2022 – Today, Cerco IT Ltd, a company with over 30 years of IT training experience, announced the awarding of the Armed Forces Gold Covenant. 

On the award, Cerco IT’s Managing Director, Chris Barlow, said, “We’ve always enjoyed a high percentage of military veterans coming through our training courses who then go on to enjoy a successful career as IT technicians, engineers and, more recently, cyber security professionals. To be honoured with this award by the MoD is credit to our hard-working staff, each veteran’s desire to cross train into IT and the support and dedication of our employment partners.“

To achieve this prestigious award, Cerco has worked tirelessly in forming strong relationships with a number of Armed Forces charities, including, Walking With the Wounded, The White Ensign Group and The Poppy Factory.

Cerco continues to support military veterans, reservists, cadet volunteers, service leavers and their families by providing free IT training and cyber security courses followed by a clear pathway into an alternative career.

In May 2022 Cerco opened its new training rooms in Canada Street, Manchester, the home of Walking With the Wounded. Later this year there are plans to open another training room onboard HMS Belfast, London, the home of The White Ensign Group.

About Cerco IT Ltd.

Founded in 1989 as Granada IT Services in Manchester, Cerco IT provides practical training courses for candidates looking to start a career in IT.

In 2003 Cerco added a recruitment division to enable the support and placement of trainees into fully paid work.

Cerco continues to offer free training to suitable candidates.

For more information please visit cercoit.co.uk or call 01270 219760.

You can also connect with Cerco via LinkedIn and Facebook.