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? One of the most in-demand cyber roles worldwide Strong alignment with military skillsets Clear progression into Pen Tester, Red Team, SOC and Security Consultant roles 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: Research and select appropriate methods for investigating network security Evaluate and assess the security of a typical computer system Document and communicate an ethical hacking methodology clearly and concisely Indicative Content Footprinting Passive reconnaissance techniques Identifying organisational and network information Search Engines & Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Using search engines for ethical hacking Information exposure and limitation Scanning IP address and OS detection Identifying active services Port scanning techniques and tools Enumeration Identifying exploitable shares, usernames and email addresses Network enumeration techniques System Hacking Privilege escalation Keylogging and mitigations OS and application vulnerabilities Patch management and system hardening Vulnerabilities Common system vulnerabilities Exploitation techniques Vulnerability assessment methodologies Professional Documentation Writing clear, concise technical reports Communicating findings to stakeholders Teaching, Learning & Assessment This module uses a problem-first, practice-led approach, underpinned by legal, ethical and professional considerations. 75% practical learning, using real-world ethical hacking techniques Students are provided with a virtual network to test Final coursework requires students to: Identify vulnerabilities Demonstrate how defences were breached Recommend appropriate countermeasures Who Is This Pathway For? Serving personnel preparing to transition Veterans seeking a new career in cyber Military spouses and family members Cadets considering future cyber pathways 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: A shared baseline understanding of cybersecurity That candidates know what the field involves That ethical hacking is genuinely what you want to pursue 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: Forces-Friendly employers Live job opportunities Mentoring and employability support A clear route from training into work 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: 3,000 veterans supported into cyber-aligned careers 460 participants across Scotland The SCPP focuses on: Scotland’s most urgent cyber skills gaps Strong partnerships with SMEs and remote / hybrid employers Expanded access for spouses, families and cadets Free education, specialist upskilling, mentoring and employer-funded work placements