Investing in Digital Skills
Addressing The Skills Gap
With more and more people and things connected to the internet, we’ll need more digital skills, new innovations and technology to help keep it all ticking along. And that’s where you come in. You don’t have to be technical to be a part of the team. No matter what you’re planning for your future, there’s a route in to Cisco for everyone. Keep reading to discover which programme could be best for you.
Lay The Foundations
Take the first step towards your future and get a taste of what it’s like working in the technology industry. See first-hand some of the amazing things we do, and meet the people who help to make it all happen.
A Great Start For Your Career
You’ve decided a career in technology is for you, but where do you start? Gain valuable skills, experience and on the job training through our entry-level programmes. This could be the beginning of a very exciting future.
Our Commitment to Digital Skills in the UK
We believe in digital opportunity for everyone. For individuals, communities and organisations across the UK. Which is why we run programmes to help everyone in the UK develop their digital skills.
Pathways School Programme
We’ve partnered with selected schools across Berkshire, West London and Manchester for the Pathways programme for students and schools who most need our support.
Pathways incorporates in-school workshops and visits to Cisco offices for students in Y7-9, plus priority access to our Pathway To Your Future work experience for students in Y10-13. We also offer senior mentoring between some of Cisco’s senior leaders and senior leaders from the schools.
Not a Pathways partner school? No matter where you are, teachers can download and deliver our Y7-9 STEM resources. These are interactive one-hour lessons and five-hour challenges across the STEM subjects, introducing students to upcoming technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT).
Our Pathways school programme for Y7-9 aims to reach 11 to 14 year old students from diverse backgrounds, inspiring them to consider careers in technology and addressing the lack of diversity in the IT sector.
95%
Obtained useful information that will help them with the next steps in their career
53%
Identified as Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME)
42%
Identified as female
Pathway To Your Future Work Experience
Curious about a career in technology? Looking for work experience that’s fun, exciting and where you can get stuck in? Look no further than our Pathway to Your Future programmes. You don’t have to be tech-savvy to take part; they’re open to everyone. We’ve got technical and non-technical workstreams for you to choose from showing the variety of roles in the technology industry. Spend time with people who do these jobs every day, shadowing them to see first-hand what it’s like to work for Cisco and inspire your choices for a career in IT.
stated that Cisco work experience made them aware of different career opportunities in the IT industry and helped them feel better prepared for the world of work.
Sound good? We’ve got two great programmes for you to choose from:
14-16 Year Olds
Open to students in years 10 & 11, our 14-16 work experience programme runs at our offices in Green Park, Reading and Bedfont Lakes, Feltham. Choose between our business or technical stream and spend one week learning all about Cisco and what happens in the different business areas. There'll be presentations, mock interviews, practical workshops and tours. Plus, you'll get to learn loads through the targeted activities that link to your chosen workstream. Did we mention that you'll work in groups to pitch your very own tech-inspired business idea to our panel of judges? Time to get your innovation caps on.
“My work experience at Cisco has provided me with a fascinating insight of the IT industry and how much it can influence our daily lives. As a consequence, I have decided to study computer science at A level. It was a truly unforgettable opportunity.”
16-18 Year Olds (Girls Only)
Believe it or not, everyone who works in IT isn’t an engineer. Join us for four days of discovery as we unveil the technology industry and the diverse range of careers available. Hosted at Cisco offices in Bedfont Lakes (Feltham), Green Park (Reading) and Manchester, you’ll join other girls getting a taste of real work life to give your CV that extra boost. Drive your own learning and contribute to real work scenarios. You could be working alongside Sales, IT, Marketing or any other business area and get to develop your presentation and communication skills, problem solving and team working.
“The programme has influenced my career aspirations and shown me that I enjoy sales so much that I plan to apply for the Graduate programme!”
“My favourite part of the week was shadowing colleagues, getting a real feel of what it’s like to work for Cisco.”
Our Pathway To Your Future programme has achieved Gold for the Fair Train Work Experience Quality Standard. This national accreditation recognises organisations who deliver high quality work experience programmes.
Girls Power Tech
Every year, Cisco participates in International Girls in ICT Day. Worldwide we open our doors to young women age 13 to 18 for Girls Power Tech, inspiring them to consider education and career paths in STEM, through hands-on exposure to the latest technology and engagement with industry professionals.
“I didn’t think I would like [STEM] at all and didn’t even consider doing anything in technology but [Girls Power Tech] has changed my mind.”
Apprenticeships
University isn’t for everyone and securing a role can be pretty tricky without decent work experience. Luckily for you, our Degree Apprenticeship is a great way to get started. Over a three-year programme you’ll explore a huge variety of roles within Cisco; giving you the knowledge and on-the-job experience to specialise in working directly with technology or supporting the people that make it happen. You’ll define your career path and complete a major project whilst making a real contribution to the business.
Oh and with a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions under your belt; you’ll earn the same qualifications as a university graduate. Throughout it all, you’ll have a strong support network of current apprentices, mentors, managers and more, all ready to guide and advise you.
"The Apprenticeship programme was a great opportunity to accelerate my role readiness by providing me with the relevant training and experience I needed to enter the corporate world."
Internships
If you’re in your penultimate year of higher education and looking for a head-start on a brilliant career, our internship ticks all the boxes. We’re looking for visionaries to take on varied roles from sales to technical and beyond. Specifically designed for university students, our internships range from nine week summer placements to 12 month opportunities. No matter how your course is structured, there’s an internship that’s right for you.
Graduate Programmes
What’s next? Whether you’re about to bid farewell to university life or have already graduated, our graduate programme could be the perfect next step. Choose between six to 12 month roles in business areas from engineering and sales to supply chain and marketing. Build on your passion for technology, hone your skills and find your calling. Will this be the start of a life-changing career?
Preparing You For A Rewarding Career
Do you have the skills you need to thrive in a digital economy? With a global network of local academies and many courses to choose from, you can learn them at a Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad). From basic exploratory to career-ready courses, you can study the latest networking, security, IoT, programming, and cloud technologies, while practicing what you learn in hands-on labs. Prepare for a professional certification, recognised by employers worldwide and connect with them to find a job you love, or simply improve your digital skills.