Sandra Quinn first female recipient of Cyber Security Accreditation

2024-09-06

Sandra becomes first female recipient of Cyber Security certification thanks to Skill Up programme

Sandra Quinn from Cookstown recently became the first female student in Northern Ireland to receive cyber security certification following her completion of the OCN NI Level 4 Certificate in Cyber Security at South West College, supported by the Skill Up Programme.

Sandra is employed by Outsource Solutions and following 7 years as an Account Manager and feeling she had gone as far as she could in the role, she received a recommendation for the Cyber Security programme at South West College and quickly enrolled on the 15-week part time programme.

Reflecting upon the opportunity, Sandra said that as a mature student returning to study she felt very much at ease on the course and added that she was able to complete the course around her work and family commitments. Sandra believes the course ‘gave her an edge and helped add benefit to her customers.’ The course also provided a stepping stone for Sandra to undertake a follow-on Cyber Essentials course.

Nicola Quinn, Head of Business and Industry Support, South West College, added;

“The Skill-Up programme has been designed to provide new training opportunities for those engaged in the workforce in Northern Ireland and courses have been developed in collaboration with employers to meet the needs of local industry emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sandra’s success on the Cyber Security programme demonstrates the impact that Skill Up can have and why it is vital to reskill and upskill our workforce and we are delighted that through her completion of the training, Sandra has been promoted to the position of Cyber Security Consultant with Outsource Solutions.”

Further information about the Skill Up programme alongside a list of courses available can be found on the South West College website at Skill Up | South West College (swc.ac.uk)