A new cyber security programme that provides support, training and a community for women in the technology, engineering and creative digital industries has seen its first cohort of graduates.

The cyberUPLIFT course, from Cornwall-based community interest company (CIC) TECwomen, was launched to address two critical, interconnected challenges: the increasing online threats faced by women, and the significant underrepresentation of women in cybersecurity careers, particularly in Cornwall.

Its inaugural graduation ceremony took place at Truro’s Hotel Vara on Wednesday, March 19.

Research from King's College London shows women are 25 per cent more likely to experience abuse online, while men are more likely to engage with security technologies that could protect them. This gap in access to online safety resources and knowledge leaves many women vulnerable.

TECwomen's cyberUPLIFT programme addresses this need directly by equipping women with the digital skills to protect themselves in an increasingly hostile online environment. It then goes further by helping women pivot into cybersecurity careers - a sector with a severe talent shortage.

The percentage of women in the field dropped from 24% in 2021 to just 17% in 2024, and in rural areas like Cornwall, this figure is even lower due to geographic isolation, a lack of local training, and limited awareness of cybersecurity career opportunities. And yet sectors like healthcare, education, and hospitality have transferable skills that could empower women to take on more technical roles.

cyberUPLIFT was designed to bridge this gap by offering a flexible, online programme working on technical and confidence-building skills. It also enabled participants to make direct connections with the cybersecurity industry, including cyber specialists from Cornwall Council.

The first iteration of the cyberUPLIFT programme was announced in January 2025 and was oversubscribed within a few weeks. It launched on January 29 with 22 women, with additional participants joining later on and more on the waiting list for the next iteration.

TECwomen CIC operations director Suzanne Manson said: “The cyberUPLIFT course has been an overwhelming success. It has been a pleasure seeing the participants grow in confidence as they expanded their cybersecurity knowledge and skills. We’d like to extend our appreciation to the partners who offered their time and expertise to really bring the course to life and show the participants what a potential career in the cybersecurity industry will be like. We wish our graduates the best of luck in the future.”

TECwomen also received support from the Cyber Local Fund to create the TECgirls Cyber Guardians Club, an eight-week hybrid afterschool club. Each week introduces girls in Key Stage 2 to a different topic around cybersecurity, intersecting with mental health and wellbeing in an increasingly online world.

There are 10 girls from 10 schools across Cornwall, and all 100 will come together and meet each other for the first time on Wednesday, March 26 for a day of fun cybersecurity-themed workshops. After completing the programme, the girls will become the cyber guardians/experts in their schools and will support teaching staff in spreading important cybersecurity and wellness messages across the entire school.