CyberQuest project launches to transform cybersecurity skills and youth opportunities across Northern Ireland and border counties of Ireland
The CyberQuest project, a transformative initiative led by The Bytes Project, in collaboration with Youth Action NI, Springvale Training Ltd, Foróige, and REIM Training Solutions Ltd, has been officially launched in Belfast.
Supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), the CyberQuest Project addresses the urgent need for cybersecurity skills development among young people aged 16 to 25 across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
The CyberQuest Project delivers a hybrid, trauma-informed, and youth-led training model that combines digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness, leadership development, and personal growth. It is designed to be inclusive and flexible, ensuring young people furthest from education, employment, or training can access meaningful opportunities.
Participants will gain essential digital skills through entry-level cybersecurity training, ICDL Computer Essentials certification, and advanced qualifications such as Tech+ and CompTIA A+. The project also builds leadership and resilience with ILM Level 2 awards, peer mentoring, and trauma-informed wellbeing support.
To support long-term success, the CyberQuest Project offers clear career pathways, including apprenticeship and education links, a digital platform for achievement tracking and job connections, and cross-border visits to leading technology hubs.
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Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “Delivered through a cross-border partnership and supported by youth organisations, CyberQuest is an ambitious and timely initiative, that speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities of our digital age.
“By supporting projects like CyberQuest, we are not just funding training, we are investing in futures by opening doors for young people to gain real skills, build confidence, and take their first steps into meaningful careers in this high growth sector.
“I want to congratulate every single person involved in bringing CyberQuest to this point. I look forward to seeing the positive results this project will deliver and to continuing our work together in building an economy that provides opportunity for everyone.”
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD said: “I am delighted to see this skills initiative focused on addressing the needs of youth, North and South, along with their leaders. The CyberQuest project will not only address a critical skills need on the Island of Ireland, it will do so by enabling access to education and training pathways for young people across communities. It also aims to empower young people with the leadership skills to progress in meaningful and dynamic careers."
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “The Area Based Regional Skills Development support within PEACEPLUS sets out to improve equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training, and lifelong learning. It is designed to develop and upskill 10,000 people to engage in key growth sectors, boosting economic growth and creating a more balanced regional economy.
“The digital age brings both challenges and opportunities. By working together, we can ensure that our young people are equipped to meet those challenges and seize those opportunities. CyberQuest sets out to improve equal access to education and training by developing accessible infrastructure and fostering resilience for distance and online learning. It is a project that will help us take another step along that journey, and weare proud that PEACEPLUS is supporting it.”
Stephen Dallas, CEO of The Bytes Project, said: “The CyberQuest Project is about creating pathways to opportunity, resilience, and reconciliation for young people who need it most. By equipping them with digital and leadership capabilities, we’re preparing a generation to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.”
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