1. Built for the Armed Forces Community | Launching March 2026
For more than a decade, SaluteMyJob has helped veterans, Service leavers and military families transition from uniform into meaningful civilian careers. In 2026, we're launching our biggest-ever Pathways Programme – expanding our cyber routes, introducing new leadership training, and creating direct pipelines into employers actively seeking people with the security mindset and skills to fill their business critical skills gaps.
Delivered in partnership with Abertay University, IBM, and leading industry partners, our cyber and digital pathways have already helped thousands of members of the Armed Forces community to acquire new skills, qualifications, and sustainable employment.
With the UK and Scotland facing critical shortages in cyber and operational technology skills, the Armed Forces community is uniquely positioned to lead the future of digital security – bringing discipline, problem-solving, leadership, and a security-first mindset employers urgently need.
2026 Training Pathway: Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing
Starts: Date to be confirmed
Delivered by Abertay University's world-renowned cyber department, this intensive 8-week Ethical Hacking / Penetration Testing module teaches you how to legally break into systems to identify security weaknesses before criminals do.
Why Ethical Hacking?
2. One of the most in-demand cyber roles worldwide
3. Strong alignment with military skillsets
Clear progression into Pen Tester, Red Team, SOC and Security Consultant roles
4. What You'll Gain
20 academic credits
Skills and knowledge to be 'exam ready' for a CompTIA PenTest+ or other relevant certifications
Practical, hands-on experience in a controlled virtual environment
Direct employer engagement and career support
Module Overview
This module develops a critical understanding of the tools and methodologies used by Ethical Hackers to examine the security of devices and networks. Students will systematically investigate a computer network for vulnerabilities and learn how to document findings in a professional, industry-relevant way.
Aims
To provide students with the ability to assess the security of a computer system using ethical, legal and professional methodologies.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
5. Research and select appropriate methods for investigating network security
6. Evaluate and assess the security of a typical computer system
7. Document and communicate an ethical hacking methodology clearly and concisely
8. Indicative Content
9. Footprinting
10. Passive reconnaissance techniques
11. Identifying organisational and network information
12. Search Engines & Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
13. Using search engines for ethical hacking
14. Information exposure and limitation
15. Scanning
16. IP address and OS detection
17. Identifying active services
18. Port scanning techniques and tools
19. Enumeration
20. Identifying exploitable shares, usernames and email addresses
21. Network enumeration techniques
22. System Hacking
23. Privilege escalation
24. Keylogging and mitigations
25. OS and application vulnerabilities
26. Patch management and system hardening
27. Vulnerabilities
28. Common system vulnerabilities
29. Exploitation techniques
30. Vulnerability assessment methodologies
31. Professional Documentation
32. Writing clear, concise technical reports
33. Communicating findings to stakeholders
34. Teaching, Learning & Assessment
This module uses a problem-first, practice-led approach, underpinned by legal, ethical and professional considerations.
35. 75% practical learning, using real-world ethical hacking techniques
36. Students are provided with a virtual network to test
37. Final coursework requires students to:
38. Identify vulnerabilities
39. Demonstrate how defences were breached
Recommend appropriate countermeasures
40. Who Is This Pathway For?
41. Serving personnel preparing to transition
42. Veterans seeking a new career in cyber
43. Military spouses and family members
44. Cadets considering future cyber pathways
45. No prior cyber career required – just commitment, curiosity and the right mindset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous cyber experience?
No professional cyber experience is required. However, this is a technical and demanding pathway, so we use mandatory prerequisite learning to ensure candidates are ready and motivated.
What prerequisite training is required?
We ask everyone to complete some online preparatory training which includes:
Cyber Security Fundamentals – IBM SkillsBuild
Approx. 6 hours
Digital credential awarded
This ensures:
46. A shared baseline understanding of cybersecurity
47. That candidates know what the field involves
48. That ethical hacking is genuinely what you want to pursue
49. Is the course fully remote?
Yes. The content is delivered by video with a weekly check-in with a tutor from Abertay university to answer questions and support learners.
How many hours is the course?
The course involves approximately 200 hours of learning over an 8-week period.
Is the training free?
Yes. This pathway is fully funded for eligible members of the Armed Forces community.
There are no course fees, and you do not need to use ELC or IRTC funding.
What certification will I receive?
Successful completion awards 20 academic credits from Abertay University. The preparatory training, 8 week course and some extra self-study should give you sufficient knowledge and skills to be 'exam ready' for a COMPTIA PenTest + exam.
Will this help me get a job?
Yes. This pathway is designed around real employer demand, with:
50. Forces-Friendly employers
51. Live job opportunities
52. Mentoring and employability support
53. A clear route from training into work
54. We will seek to arrange paid work placement and/ or employment opportunities provided by employer partners. We cannot guarantee a placement or job; however, we're working with employers specifically seeking talent from the Armed Forces community to fill their skills gaps. And the skills you've acquired, both from your Service and wider experience, will ensure you're a strong candidate. You will be assured of our very best efforts to help you find the right role in the right organisation.
Is ethical hacking legal?
Yes. You will only operate within authorised, controlled environments, and the course is firmly grounded in legal, ethical and professional standards.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Start date: tbc
Register now and take your next step into one of the fastest-growing and most mission-critical careers in the UK.
What Is the SaluteMyJob Pathways Programme?
The SMJ Pathways Programme is built specifically for the Armed Forces community and designed to help you:
Translate military skills into high-demand cyber careers
Gain industry-recognised training and academic credit
Access mentoring, confidence-building and employability support
Secure real-world experience through Forces-Friendly employers
Build direct links into live job opportunities
What is The Scottish Cyber Pathways Partnership (SCPP)
Our 2026 Pathways build on the proven success of the Scottish Cyber Pathways Partnership (SCPP) – developed with Abertay University from the award-winning Cyber Jumpstart programme.
Impact to date:
55. 3,000+ veterans supported into cyber-aligned careers
56. 460+ participants across Scotland
57. The SCPP focuses on:
58. Scotland's most urgent cyber skills gaps
59. Strong partnerships with SMEs and remote / hybrid employers
60. Expanded access for spouses, families and cadets
61. Free education, specialist upskilling, mentoring and employer-funded work placements