Only 16% of autistic adults are in full time work and this figure has remained the same for the last decade. Despite many individuals within cyber security teams having autistic traits, there is a large community of neurodiverse individuals who need additional support to train and work in cyber security. There is currently little support to develop these skills and so these individuals are out of work and often have associated issues with isolation, low self esteem and depression.

Many neurodiverse individuals have particular skills in being focused and recognising changes in patterns which make them especially good at cyber security. However, they find it difficult to work in a typical workplace due to their disability affecting their ability for social interaction, understanding workplace ‘rules’, and coping with noise and excessive activity. In addition, many adults in this situation have been unsuccessful in getting or holding jobs in the past and, partly as a consequence, they have high social anxiety and low self esteem. Many adults in this situation would find it extremely stressful to start work in a company immediately.

This project will be run as a safe environment focused on the needs of the trainees. By creating an environment, which is not stressful or judgmental, the individuals will be able to relax, learn and discover their potential in the field of cyber security and IT support. In addition to cyber security skills, communication and workplace skills training will be provided to help understand commercial companies. Individuals will have personal training plans and mentoring. This will help to prepare the trainees for eventual work in commercial companies and other organisations.

Any money raised will pay rent for the facilities, computer software, travel and accommodation for cyber security trainers who will travel from across the UK to provide free training, travel expenses for the trainees to visit commercial cyber security companies and pay the manager who will run the Centre on a day to day basis.