When Matt joined CAPSLOCK, he wasn’t approaching cyber security from a traditional academic route. With experience in project management and certifications like PRINCE2, he was no stranger to structured learning, but he knew that the way he learned best didn’t always align with conventional, theory-heavy courses.
“I’ve struggled a bit with very academic courses,” he explains. “There’s often a lot of memorisation, but not always much application. That doesn’t really work for me.”
What drew him to CAPSLOCK was the promise of something different - a course built around applying knowledge in real-world scenarios, not just learning it.
A different approach to learning cyber security
From the start, Matt found that the structure of the programme played to his strengths. Instead of focusing solely on theory, the course required learners to actively apply what they had learned, often in practical, time-bound scenarios.
“The standout for me was that it wasn’t just learning - it was learning and then applying that knowledge straight away,” he says. “And often that meant going away and finding information yourself, which made it feel much more real.”
This approach helped bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, making the learning experience more engaging and relevant. It also mirrored the kind of problem-solving required in a real cyber security role.
Learning as part of a team
Another key part of Matt’s experience was the team-based structure of the course. From day one, learners were placed into groups made up of people from a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels.
For Matt, this was one of the most valuable aspects of the programme. It wasn’t just about developing technical knowledge - it was about learning how to collaborate, communicate, and deliver as a team, much like in a real working environment.
Bringing existing skills into cyber security
While Matt came into the course without deep technical experience, he brought with him a strong foundation in areas like risk management, business continuity, and incident response. One of the advantages of the CAPSLOCK approach, in his view, was how it connected these existing skills with new cyber-specific knowledge.
“There were things I’d seen before, like risk from a project management perspective, but this course helped me understand how that fits into cyber security,” he says. “It’s about understanding the bigger picture.”
As the course progressed, he built new skills in areas that were previously unfamiliar, including technical tools and concepts like Linux command line, Wireshark, SIEM platforms, and endpoint detection systems. The combination of new and existing knowledge helped him develop a more rounded understanding of the field.
Solving real problems under pressure
One of Matt’s favourite elements of the course was the problem-solving aspect, even if it didn’t always come without its challenges.
“I did find it stressful at times,” he admits, “but I really enjoyed solving the problems.”
These exercises required learners to respond to realistic scenarios within tight timeframes, often producing detailed, structured responses that could be shared and understood by others.
“For me, it was about going away, finding the best solution you could, and then being able to explain it clearly so someone else could pick it up and understand it.”
That combination of analysis, decision-making, and communication helped build both confidence and practical capability.
Navigating challenges and building confidence
Like many learners transitioning into a new field, Matt experienced both highs and lows throughout the course.
“There are days where you feel like you could walk into any job and do well, and other days where you think, ‘this is really hard - I don’t know if I can do this’.”
This sense of fluctuation is something he found was actively supported by the teaching team. With tutors who had real industry experience, learners were able to have honest conversations about confidence, progress, and next steps.
“They’re really good at refocusing you - reminding you what you’ve already achieved and helping you trust the process.”
That support, combined with tailored career guidance, helped Matt feel more prepared for the transition into cyber security. He highlights the support he received in refining his CV and positioning his existing experience as particularly valuable.
A course designed for real-world outcomes
For Matt, one of the defining strengths of CAPSLOCK is how closely it aligns with the realities of working in cyber security.
“This isn’t like doing a certification where you just learn content and pass an exam,” he explains. “It genuinely prepares you for what work is like.”
The frequent application of knowledge, the emphasis on independent problem-solving, and the collaborative structure all contribute to a learning experience that feels directly relevant to the workplace.
“If you stick with it and trust the process, you’ll get where you need to go,” he adds.
Beyond the course: ongoing support and community
One of the aspects Matt continues to value after completing the course is the ongoing support from both the CAPSLOCK team and his fellow learners.
“There’s a real sense that you’re not just left on your own once the course finishes,” he says. “There’s still support there if you need it.”
He remains in regular contact with members of his cohort, including weekly catch-ups and informal discussions on topics like AI and cyber security. This continued collaboration provides both professional value and a sense of community.
“It’s a really strong network,” he explains. “You’ve always got people you can reach out to.”
Reflecting on experience
Looking back, Matt describes his CAPSLOCK experience as overwhelmingly positive - particularly given his initial concerns about returning to a structured learning environment.
“I was quite nervous before starting,” he says. “I’m not from an academic background.”
However, he found that the course design, support systems, and practical focus made the experience both manageable and rewarding.
“It was brilliant,” he says. “I’d say to anyone considering it - just go for it.”
