Womenpreneur Tech Program
Cybersecurity
Towards an expertise in cybersecurity: a vocational training course
Why train in cybersecurity?
The cybersecurity sector is booming. Yet women are still significantly under-represented in the sector: they account for only around 15% of cybersecurity professionals.
In light of this, Womenpreneur and Axians have launched an intensive 8-months programme, specifically designed to support women in embarking on a new career in cybersecurity. After six months of training followed by a two-month of internship, the 10 participants will have access to a wide range of rewarding career opportunities, and up to two people will be hired on permanent contracts by our partner, Axians!
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Our aim is to offer participants:
- A solid understanding of the fundamentals of cybersecurity
- Technical skills sought after by companies
- Personalised support towards employment
- Up to 2 permanent positions
- A strong professional network built through mentoring and workshops
The course is designed to enable participants to develop their skills gradually, and is structured around 14 technical modules. It is aimed at motivated beginners and does not require any prior IT training; participants simply need to have a good working knowledge of digital tools and a desire to learn. Ten women will be selected to take part in the course.
In addition to technical skills, we place particular emphasis on personal development and professional preparation. We therefore focus on building self-confidence, developing soft skills, and actively preparing students for entry into the job market.
Following the six-month training programme, participants will undertake a two-month work placement to gain experience in the workplace. Half of the participants (5) will be selected by the company to undertake their placement, whilst the other 5 will receive support in their job search.
The main focus areas of the course:
- The basics of cybersecurity
- Network and cloud security
- Systems and application security
- Administration and security operations
- Incident response and crisis management
- Advanced technical cybersecurity
- Compliance and regulation
- Introduction to Cryptography
- Project management in cybersecurity
Each module combines:
- Interactive theory lessons led by experts
- Practical exercises and group workshops
- Incident simulations and role-play exercises
- Case studies drawn from real-world experiences
This approach promotes a realistic work environment and helps students gain confidence quickly, paving the way for a successful transition into the professional world.
A cross-disciplinary module on coaching and support for employment is entirely dedicated to:
- Active job-seeking preparation (CVs, cover letters, AI tools, mock interviews, etc.)
- Individual coaching and group coaching
- Meetings with industry professionals
- Workshops on positioning yourself in the job market
- Practical networking with partner companies
By the end of the training, participants :
- will have a solid foundation: a thorough understanding of fundamental concepts, cryptography and key standards (including the NIS 2 Directive).
- will be responsible for operational security: developing and implementing security policies, and managing access and vulnerabilities.
- will be proficient in infrastructure security: securing networks, the cloud, operating systems and applications.
- will be proficient in risk analysis and management: the ability to identify, assess and manage security risks.
- will be able to respond to incidents: detecting, responding to and resolving threats.
- will possess a range of transferable skills: critical thinking, the ability to communicate results clearly, project management and an awareness of safety culture.
Following the training and work placement, up to two participants will be offered permanent contracts by Axians!
- Conditions of participation
- Be registered as a jobseeker or looking to change career;
- Hold a GHSO (CESS);
- Have a basic understanding of IT tools and the internet;
- Fluency in Dutch; good written and spoken English (Level C); knowledge of French is an advantage;
- Have a keen interest in new technologies;
- Be available full-time for 8 months;
- Be curious, motivated and ready to take on a new professional challenge!
About Axians
Axians designs and implements ICT, telecoms and audiovisual solutions. This covers both software and hardware. Their solutions are always co-created with their clients.
Axians offers working conditions that foster the fulfilment and performance of its employees. The company emphasises autonomy in assignments, flexibility and the freedom to contribute to a variety of projects. It cultivates an environment of trust and cooperation, where knowledge is shared and personal initiative is valued. Professional development and career progression are encouraged within a supportive and dynamic atmosphere. Working at Axians means developing within an environment where everyone can feel at home whilst contributing to the collective success.
Calendar
Application for the course.
To do this, you MUST follow the steps below:
- fill in this form
- attend an information session
- Interview and assessment tests
Information sessions will be held (attendance at one of these is mandatory in order to proceed with the process.)
24 August at 2 pm, online;
11 September 2 pm, in person;
21 September at 11am, in person.
The logic test will take place from 10.00 am to 11.30 am for Group 1 (those who attended the information sessions on 24 August and 11 September).
Individual interviews will be arranged at the following dates :
15 September – Full day starting at 09:00 (for candidates from Group 1)
1 October – Full day starting at 09:00 (for candidates from Groupe 2)
2 October – Full day starting at 09:00 if required
The logic test will take place from 10.00 am to 11.30 am for Group 2 (those who attended the information sessions on 21 September).
Final selection
The training session at Womenpreneur Space:
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm: technical training, two online and one in person.
- One Friday per month from 10am to 12pm (flexible timetable): professional workshop.
- One Friday per month from 10am to 12pm: technical session at Axians.
Individual and group follow ups.
Delivery of certificates.
Internship : Five participants will be offered a placement at Axians, and five participants will receive support in their search for a placement.
This course is more than just training: it’s a catalyst for life-changing transformation. Join a community of determined women who are being trained and supported to take their place in a sector with a bright future.
