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- Tasks: Learn to ethically hack systems and identify security weaknesses in a hands-on environment.
- Company: SaluteMyJob, supporting the Armed Forces community into cyber careers.
- Benefits: Free training, academic credits, and direct links to employers seeking talent.
- Other info: Fully remote course with mentoring and employability support.
- Why this job: Join a fast-growing field and make a real impact on digital security.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just commitment and curiosity.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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 Skills Build. 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
Ethical Hacking / Penetration Testing 2026 employer: Kenexa Implementation Template
Contact Detail:
Kenexa Implementation Template Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ethical Hacking / Penetration Testing 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the cyber field. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to industry professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure you can clearly explain your skills and what you bring to the table. A confident, concise pitch can make all the difference in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Consider creating a portfolio or GitHub account where you can showcase your projects and any ethical hacking work you've done. This gives employers a tangible way to see what you can do beyond just your CV.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources and connections to help you land a job in cyber. Plus, applying directly through us means you’ll be in the loop for exclusive opportunities tailored for the Armed Forces community.
We think you need these skills to ace Ethical Hacking / Penetration Testing 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives that make you a great fit for the Ethical Hacking pathway.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your military skills align with the demands of ethical hacking. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their problem-solving abilities and security mindset, so connect the dots for us!
Show Your Passion: Let us know why you’re excited about ethical hacking! Whether it’s your curiosity about cybersecurity or your desire to protect systems from threats, sharing your enthusiasm can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for this amazing opportunity in the cyber field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kenexa Implementation Template
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key concepts of ethical hacking and penetration testing. Familiarise yourself with common tools and methodologies, as well as the legal and ethical implications of the role. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Showcase Your Military Skills
Highlight how your military background has equipped you with skills that are directly transferable to the cyber security sector. Emphasise your problem-solving abilities, discipline, and leadership qualities, as these are highly valued by employers looking for candidates with a security-first mindset.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during your interview. Practice articulating how you would approach specific ethical hacking challenges or vulnerabilities. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and practical application of knowledge, which is crucial for this role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the company’s approach to cyber security, their team dynamics, or the tools they use. This shows that you’re engaged and genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their mission.