The Perth Project, a joint initiative of the University of the Highlands and Islands Perth College and the Perth Autism Support (PAS), has been shortlisted for the College Development Network Awards, 2021. Under the project, custom courses in cyber security were developed for neurodiverse learners. These courses were aimed at helping them find further studies and eventual employment options in the field.
Perth Project provided autistic youth with an opportunity to attend college, learn hands-on skills and gain confidence for further education and employment. It served as a foundational program that helped them build a solid base of knowledge in the areas of ethical hacking and data security.
Perth College UHI’s Sector Manager for Skills for Life, Learning and Employment, Karen Downs is delighted at the nomination. She said, “It started as an opportunity for neurodiverse learners to learn about cyber security and consider a career that could match their skills and interests. However, supported College transitions, closer links with Perth Autism Support, and staff training to better support neurodiverse learners across the College have all been very welcome outcomes that enhance our student experience.”
PAS’ Employability and Community Development Manager, Elaine Finnie said, “It has been great to work in partnership with Perth College UHI and support some of our young people to engage and learn about Cyber Security within the program. They achieved all of this whilst contending with COVID19. Their personal achievements are therefore a fantastic outcome to celebrate, and their level of resilience and commitment has been a very positive end result to the project.”
