Liam is a talented and driven young man who has worked extremely hard to create a better life for himself and his loved ones. Having always had an interest in computing, it was meeting some “hackers” when he was younger that really sparked his interest in the world of Information Security. This led to his ambition to become a certified Cyber-Security Expert, and to join an industry which is growing in Manchester.
Liam is currently on a specialist course at Manchester Metropolitan University in this field. This is something to be admired, considering that he was homeless when he applied, and he is also bringing up his 18-month-old son with his partner. This is a real testament to Liam’s drive.
His referee, an Admissions Manager at MMU, expanded on this:
“Being estranged from family has been extremely challenging for Liam. When I first met him, he was living at The Foyer in Manchester – which houses young people trying to live independently with no family support. Despite this Liam was determined to gain a place on our Computer Forensics & Security degree course. He’s proven himself entirely committed to his education and personal development, consistently engaging in development activities.”
Liam applied to the Manchester’s Rising Stars Fund to improve his chances of competing successfully for graduate roles in the cyber sector, and to improve his performance in his final year at MMU.
We awarded Liam £2,100 for a powerful new desktop computer, further training courses and access to ethical hacking platforms, a RaspberryPi computing system, and some professional work clothes.
Liam said to us:
“I would like to sincerely thank the charity for their generosity, this will help me begin experimenting at home in my own lab, a great opportunity to practice for a career in Cyber Security in a safe and legal environment. Furthermore, the funding to go on an external course outside of my degree will put me ahead of the curve when I graduate, and better prepare me for advanced certifications such as the Offensive Security Certified Professional and the Certified Ethical Hacker.”
Liam is 100% a Mancunian Rising Star and we’re delighted to support him as he continues to grow in the cyber security field and take care of his young family.
We Love MCR Charity awards grants every single month to ambitious young Mancunians. If you know, or are, a young person who is facing financial barriers to ambitions in work, qualifications or entrepreneurship, then give us an email at welovemcrcharity@manchester.gov.uk and check the Manchester's Rising Stars Fund page for more info.