Development of Methodological Guidelines for VET High Schools to Create an Internship Program in Cybersecurity

1. Enhancing the cybersecurity knowledge of VET high school students and facilitating their transition into cybersecurity-related careers. 2. Assisting VET teachers in improving their career guida...

1. Enhancing the cybersecurity knowledge of VET high school students and facilitating their transition into cybersecurity-related careers. 2. Assisting VET teachers in improving their career guidance skills to guide students toward cybersecurity employment opportunities. 3. Establishing a cybersecurity internship program to foster collaboration between VET schools and SMEs, thereby offering practical learning interventions in the field of cybersecurity.

We implemented the following activities: 1. Kick-off Meeting and Training (4 days): We organised a kick-off meeting and training session for VET teachers and students. The training was conducted by cybersecurity experts and covered a comprehensive cybersecurity curriculum. It included various knowledge areas related to cybersecurity, career guidance, and interactive sessions between teachers, students, and experts. Additionally, we incorporated game-based activities, fun interventions, practical challenges, and discussions. 2. Research Activities for Cybersecurity Internship Program: We conducted research to develop methodological and practical guidelines for creating a cybersecurity internship program. This program aims to provide hands-on experience and prepare students for real-world cybersecurity challenges. 3. Dissemination Interventions: To share our results, we planned and executed various dissemination interventions. These efforts helped transfer our findings and knowledge to the intended audience.

1. Methodological and Practical Guidelines: A comprehensive set of guidelines has been developed for creating a cybersecurity internship program and a prototype for such an internship. 2. Enhanced Knowledge and Skills: Both VET students and VET teachers have seen an increase in their knowledge, skills, and qualifications related to cybersecurity. 3. Support for Student Career Development: VET students have received support in developing career-oriented skills, digital resilience, and the capacity to pursue careers in IT and cybersecurity fields. 4. Improved Collaboration: Collaborative skills between businesses/SMEs and VET schools have been strengthened.