ITWire

Never mind the tap on the shoulder and a 'quiet conversation' at Oxford or Cambridge, the UK is hoping to attract game-playing school leavers as the next generation of code breakers.

Having observed my own son's game-playing abilities (he's just 10 years old) I'm impressed at the problem-solving skills he has developed unassisted. The fact that he's desperate to apply them to his younger sister's gaming activities and 'assist' her through the various levels is less impressive!

However, it is these very skills that the UK is seeking from the latest crop of school-leavers. The Foreign Office has said that they want to make use of the skills of the Xbox generation.

Leading to a foundation degree in communications, security and engineering, this project will include desk-based study and various work placements.

According to a GCHQ spokesman, "Candidates won't just be working with the very latest technology, they will be involved in creating it." British Foreign Secretary William Hague added," It will be the young innovators of this generation who will help keep our country safe in years to come against threats which are every bit as serious as some of those confronted in the Second World War."

Primarily, targeting careers at GCHQ Cheltenham, candidates will also be offered the chance of working with the Secret Intelligence Service, MI5 and MI6.

"We face constant and growing threats from crime and attacks in cyberspace," Hague said. "We want to step up our efforts to find the most talented people to help sustain and secure the UK's code-breaking and cyber expertise for the future."