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.”
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.
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…
- IT is an ever-changing sector, where the opportunities just keep on coming
- 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
Filed under: Armed ForcesPress ReleaseFOR 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.
Cerco IT has landed an exciting opportunity to install EPOS tills in a large multinational highstreet retailer. After successfully embarking on the UK install, Cerco IT were asked to venture over to Madrid to continue with the international EPOS overhaul.
Seven days, 12,000 square meters, 112 EPOS systems
Within one week the IT Engineers had fully fitted out the five-floor retail outlet at Gran Vía Madrid. The store, covering a surface area of 12,000 square meters (one of the largest retail stores in the world), had 119 tills which required de-installation and 112 EPOS systems to be installed throughout the night, in time for the 9:30am opening.
The project delivery manager commented on the successful operation “This is the largest single operation I have ever been involved with in my 7 years working for Project Services, and the most engineers I’ve ever seen on one site during my entire career. I am extremely proud of what has been achieved so far on this project, and especially the commitment of the engineers and execution at the Gran Via store.
The commitment from our partner Cerco on this project has been outstanding. Every single person who attended the store went the extra mile in assisting to complete the cutover.
The management team at Cerco have worked tirelessly and have been extremely proactive with the various aspects of their role. From securing the resources for Madrid and the UK estate, to completing all the additional admin, reporting and dealing with last minute requests.
They have always handled everything that has been thrown at them in a professional manner.
Everyone involved in the work was fully committed to getting the job done, volunteering to work throughout both shifts that were planned through the night.”
A rewarding experience for our IT Engineers
This project has been an exciting opportunity for our IT Engineers who had to overcome challenges to successfully deliver the EPOS upgrade within a demanding timeframe.
David, one of the IT Engineers from Cerco IT commented, “When I joined Cerco IT a few months ago I knew travelling around the UK would be part of the job but I was surprised when I was asked to travel to Madrid. What followed was a great experience working with my fellow UK engineers and our counterparts in Spain to complete what was our biggest effort in this project so far, overcoming language barriers and different work methods to complete the task. I am very grateful for having the opportunity to travel to Madrid on this project and to get to experience this wonderful city alongside my fellow engineers.”
We’re incredibly proud of the entire team who helped make this project successful, from the employer partnership team, to the deployment team and to the IT Engineers themselves, everyone pulled together to get the job done! Next stop… Paris!
Do you want to get involved?
Cerco IT are always on the lookout for new IT Engineers to join our team, and you don’t need experience, we offer free IT training giving you the skills you need to assist on projects just like this one. Find out if you are eligible.
18th July 2022
Meet the Cerco team at forthcoming Military events and job fairs
Filed under: Armed ForcesEventsNewsWe’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.
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
Filed under: Armed ForcesPress ReleaseFOR 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.
Building on top of 30+ years of experience in IT training and placing entry level server engineers and technicians, Cerco IT, in 2021, developed a programme to address the alarming shortfall in the UK’s Cyber Security talent pool.
According to the UK Government there is an estimated short fall of 10,000 Cyber Security
professionals per year in the UK recruitment pool.
The phantom menace
Perhaps when we think of ‘hackers’ we conjure an image of a socially awkward teenager in a dark room, dressed in a hoodie and surrounded by glowing monitors. To a certain degree this may be accurate but the problem is much worse than this somewhat simplistic, almost romantic vignette may suggest.
The greater threat comes from state sponsored activity that operates on such a large scale it is almost unfathomable.
Web sites present the most obvious vulnerability
Once upon a time it was important just to have a website. If you had the budget you’d hire a specialist web design agency. If you didn’t, or, worse still, you considered it a mere gimick to keep up with, you may have handed responsibility to your nephew in his bedroom. As eminently capable as either of these developers was they couldn’t have foreseen the threat that lay ahead which in turn didn’t accurately inform them of the correct technical decisions to make.
Regardless of the underlying technology, many websites have developed and evolved over the last 20 – 25 years to the point where they require teams of people to maintain. Server technology evolves as do network capabilities and encryption methods. But sat beneath many websites is a code base that hasn’t been overhauled in years. To a hacker with determination these websites are little more than playgrounds.
Sensitive data may be residing within insecure databases whose front door is left wide open by poor coding. User input via a web form may be injected straight into a database query with little or no sanitisation. This was quite common 20 years ago but in 2022 it is unforgivable.
A perfectly viable question to ask is, how well do you know your website and its underlying technology?
But a far more damaging question would be, how well does a hacker with nefarious intent know your website and underlying technology?
Communication breakdown
If you were so inclined you could construct a diagram that illustrates exactly how information is handled on your network. This may be a network local to your business premises (LAN) or a wider network that links numerous premises (WAN). Ideally of course you would already have this diagram and would review it periodically for improvement and maintenance purposes.
This visualisation is precisely what a hacker is attempting to achieve. Where are your weaknesses? Where might there be a hub that requires configuration? e.g. a firewall.
Requests that are routed through your network may not have always come from a legitimate source. With the correct tools and a keen eye you can respond to such threats. But far better is to identify the weak links in your network configuration before anyone from the outside has had chance to exploit them.
To a hacker bent on maximum disruption a vulnerable network is as good as the door to the bank vault blowing freely in the wind.
A solution
Unsurprisingly the attack methods that we have touched upon have numerous names. Collectively we refer to this scenario as the attack or threat surface. Essentially, where can I gain access to your system and wreak havoc.
Each of these nefarious attack methods is a form of penetration and the discipline of identifying vulnerabilities is known as penetration testing.
Penetration testers are a huge part of the 10,000 per year shortfall in the cyber security talent pool.
At Cerco IT we take candidates from all walks of life with a background in IT and passion for security and train them to be penetration testers.
Many of our trainees have worked with us before as Field Service Engineers. Many have come to us from employers looking to strengthen their security teams. And many have come to us from a position within the UK Armed Forces. In fact our relationship with numerous Armed Forces charities and our recognition as a Silver Covenant Award winner for our commitment to those leaving service is something were are immensly proud of.
Via our training partner, Merimetso, themselves former GCHQ employees, we train our candidates to the CyberScheme standard. Specifically, the CyberScheme Team Member standard.
Our fully trained and passionate penetration testers already posses numerous skills and accreditations. Here are just a few:
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker certification
- All legal aspects of Ethical Hacking
- Kali
- The pentester’s toolbox: NMAP, Metasploit, NetCat, SQLMap etc
- The OSI Model, TCP/IP and UDP, wireless networking
- CompTIA Network +, Pentest +, Security +
- Military Threat Intelligence
- Microsoft MTA: Security Fundamentals
- Windows Server Administration Fundamentals
- Azure Data Fundamentals
- Python, C, C++, PHP, JavaScript
- Prince2 Practitioner
- Relational Database Administration (Oracle, Microsoft)
- Cerco Certificate in Systems & Networking (CCSN)
- Windows, Mac OS and Linux operating systems
Next steps
If you are looking to strengthen your Cyber Security team and are interested in hiring hungry and freshly trained talent with today’s crucially relevant skills, please do contact us.
We’d be more than happy to schedule a call with you either via a traditional landline or through MS Teams.
You can read more about our Cradle to Cyber programme within our brochure.
We hope to speak with you soon and help you protect your business from the phantom menace.
- Cerco IT Receives Gold Award Armed Forces Covenant
- From Troops to Tech: Transition from the military to IT
- Press Release: Cerco IT announces partnership with Fortinet
- Cerco IT Install IT Internationally - First Stop Madrid
- Meet the Cerco team at forthcoming Military events and job fairs
- Press Release: Cerco IT receives the Armed Forces Gold Covenant Award
- Cerco's Cradle to Cyber programme yields its first graduates