Harry Basnett - Cumbria Talent Force

Q&A

— Give a short overview of your career journey after school

From a pretty young age, I knew I wanted to work in tech. It started back in primary school with Scratch, where I first realised how much I enjoyed creating things and solving problems through code. That interest grew even more in early secondary school when I took part in the FIRST LEGO League, which got me properly hooked on programming, engineering, and teamwork.

So when I finished school, I already had a good idea of the direction I wanted to go in. Instead of heading straight to university, I chose a Cyber Security Apprenticeship because it meant I could keep learning while gaining real, hands‑on experience. It turned out to be the perfect route for me.

Since starting my apprenticeship, I’ve been able to work on real engineering and cyber‑related projects, learn how industrial systems work, and build up skills in networking, programming, PLCs, and security tools.

Alongside the technical side, I’ve had the chance to take on responsibilities supporting other apprentices, eventually becoming the Lead of the Early Careers Network for Amentum’s Cumbria branch. Recently starting in 2025, I was given the opportunity to step into the role of Chair as part of Cumbria Future Generations allowing me to inspire positive change across Cumbria while gaining vital leadership experience at a young age.

I’m still early in my career, but starting young with Scratch and FIRST LEGO League gave me the spark — and choosing the apprenticeship route has helped turn that spark into a clear career path.

— What do you love about your job?

I love my job because it gives me so many opportunities to grow and try new things, and no two days are ever the same. I get to solve problems intuitively, work on something I’m genuinely passionate about, and collaborate with great people who make the work even more enjoyable.

— What piece of advice would you give to young people about finding their best next step?

My advice to young people is this: go for it. Take every opportunity that comes your way, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone. Those moments that feel uncertain or scary are often the ones that push you forward the most. You won’t always feel ready — and that’s okay. What matters is having the courage to try, because every new step builds confidence, skills, and momentum.

The truth is, growth doesn’t happen when everything feels easy. It happens when you challenge yourself, say yes to new experiences, and trust that you’re capable of more than you realise. The opportunities you take now will shape your future in ways you can’t yet imagine.

As Walt Disney famously said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Have that courage. Take the leap. Your future self will thank you.

— What three essential skills do you think have helped you to be successful in your job?

Speaking, Problem Solving, Teamwork.

— What advice would you give to someone considering working in your industry?

If you’re thinking about working in IT or Cyber, my biggest advice is to stay curious. This industry moves fast — with AI, new digital tools, and constantly evolving threats, there will always be something new to learn. Passion really matters here, because it’s what keeps you motivated when you’re tackling challenges or diving into topics you’ve never seen before.

You don’t need to know everything (no one ever does in this field), but you do need a willingness to learn, ask questions, experiment, and explore. If you enjoy problem‑solving, adapting to change, and discovering how things work behind the scenes, you’ll thrive. Stay open‑minded, keep learning, and let your curiosity lead the way.

— What is the best piece of advice you have been given that has helped you on your career journey?

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given — and the one that has genuinely shaped my whole career — is the same advice I continue to pass on to other young people.

Take every opportunity. Go for it, even when it scares you. Be brave.

I learned early on that if you don’t step out of your comfort zone, it becomes very difficult to reach the heights you dream about from a young age. The moments that feel uncomfortable or uncertain are usually the ones that help you grow the most.

That advice has pushed me to say yes to new challenges, try things I didn’t feel fully ready for, and trust myself to learn along the way. It’s also taught me that your soft skills — things like communication, teamwork, curiosity, and confidence — are just as important as your technical skills in IT and Cyber. Sometimes, they matter even more.

Taking opportunities, even small ones, has led me to where I am now. And it’s advice I’d pass on to anyone starting their own journey.