17 Opportunities with DISC
Working with young people is a great way to develop your leadership and communication skills. DISC (disc.ac.uk) are currently recruiting recruiting two part-time Studio Support Workers specialising in Cyber Security & Computer Science to work with young people.
- Location: On-site at DISC: Digital Independent Specialist College
- Time Commitment: 1+ day per week, flexible
- Employment period: April 2026– June 2026
- Payment: £15.00 per hour
- Ideal for: Undergraduate students in Computer Science
Figure 17.1: DISC (disc.ac.uk) is a specialist digital college in Manchester that supports neurodivergent young people (aged 18–25) to build digital skills and move into creative and tech careers
17.1 About DISC
DISC is a specialist digital college in Manchester that supports neurodivergent young people (aged 18-25) to build digital skills and move into creative and tech careers. We offer a relaxed, creative, and inclusive environment where learners explore software engineering, media, gaming, and more, all while preparing for employment in the real world.
17.2 About the Roles
We’re looking for two part-time Studio Support Workers to join our creative team:
- Cyber Security Studio Support Worker – covering core cyber security fundamentals including networking basics, common vulnerabilities, defensive security practices, ethical hacking theory, and guided practical studio work
- Software Engineering Studio Support Worker – covering software engineering e.g. Python, JavaScript, React), and guided practical studio work
You’ll be working closely with tutors, studio managers and learners to support projects, offer technical guidance, and help our young people develop their skills and confidence. This is a supportive mentoring role rather than a full teaching position. You will work alongside experienced tutors and will not be expected to design or deliver full curriculum independently.
17.3 What You’ll Do
- Support neurodivergent learners with hands-on projects
- Help explain tricky concepts in an easy-to-understand way
- Assist with project briefs, troubleshooting, and basic technical setup
- Help keep track of learner progress and flag any issues
- Support trips to industry events
- Provide general help in the classroom and be a positive, friendly presence
17.4 What We’re Looking For
17.4.1 Software Engineering Studio Support Worker
- Comfortable with front-end or back-end languages (e.g. HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python)
- Some experience with frameworks like React or tools like GitHub is a bonus
- Interest in inclusive teaching or supporting others to learn
17.4.2 Cyber Security Studio Support Worker
Good understanding of core undergraduate cyber security topics, with confidence explaining foundational concepts, including:
- Computer Networks and TCP/IP fundamentals
- Network Security and common attack vectors
- Operating Systems, particularly Linux
- Cyber Security fundamentals and risk awareness
- Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing concepts
- Awareness of vulnerabilities such as OWASP Top 10
- Secure communications and cyber hygiene
Experience with lab environments such as TryHackMe, Hack The Box, Kali Linux or Wireshark is desirable.
Understanding of ethical practice and relevant legal frameworks is essential.
17.4.3 Personal qualities for Both Roles
- Friendly, reliable and confident communicating with young people
- Patient and able to adapt explanations for different learning styles
- Comfortable working in an inclusive environment with neurodivergent learners
- Organised and willing to support general classroom tasks when needed
- A Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. disc.ac.uk can support with this process.
17.5 Why Join Us?
- Gain experience in specialist digital education
- Develop mentoring and leadership skills
- Support neurodivergent young people into tech careers!
- Work in a welcoming, creative and inclusive environment
- Flexible hours that fit around university study
Interested? Complete the Expression of Interest form at bit.ly/disc-26