Fortem Partners with Bluerydge to support first responder employment 

We are excited to announce Fortem will be partnering with Bluerydge, a leading cybersecurity firm dedicated to empowering organisations by offering cutting-edge technologies and services, enabling them to stay ahead of emerging cyber threats. Bluerydge’s Policing Pathway Program aligns with Fortem’s Career Management Program, and together, we are committed to making a positive impact to the first responder community.  

We caught up with Craig Skinner and Charlie Hutchins from the Bluerydge team, who shared their experiences in the first responder space.  

Charlie began his policing career in Sydney and cultivated a long career moving into an AFP role at the Sydney airport. Following the COVID-19 Pandemic and black summer fires, he moved into a District Inspector role at the Queanbeyan Police Station, then a Local Emergency Management Controller for the Queanbeyan-Palerang Local Government.  

In 2022 Charlie completed Fortem’s career management program allowing him to facilitate a career shift. “In 2022, an executive from Bluerydge approached me to discuss potential employment opportunities within their organisation. Throughout our conversation, it became evident that Bluerydge was committed to supporting the first responder community. 

“Bluerydge’s support of Fortem Australia highlights their understanding of the challenges faced by first responders during their career transitions. By partnering with Fortem, Bluerydge helps provide well-being activities and career transition assistance, ensuring a smoother and more successful transition process for first responders. Bluerydge’s supportive company culture and commitment to collaboration make it an ideal partner for Fortem Australia. Their emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and employee empowerment ensures that the support provided to first responders is not only of the highest quality but also fosters a positive environment for personal growth and development.”  

Charlie also offered advice to first responders who may be considering a career in cybersecurity. “To all first responders considering a career in cybersecurity, embrace the opportunity with confidence and determination. I successfully made the transition into a fulfilling and rewarding career in cybersecurity, and you can too. Your invaluable experience, strong work ethic, and dedication to protecting others make you an ideal candidate for this dynamic and ever-evolving field.”  

“Together with companies like Bluerydge and organisations such as Fortem Australia, you can find the support, guidance, and camaraderie you need to succeed in this exciting new chapter of your professional life. So, take the leap and join the ranks of those making a difference in the world of cybersecurity. You’ve got this!” 

Craig’s career a former member of the AFP and Navy veteran spanned over 20 years involving a wide variety of surveillance, international deployments, and high-tech cybercrime work. 

Craig found a position with Bluerydge in November 2022 after responding to a LinkedIn post seeking people with Cyber experience. “I was excited by the smaller size of Bluerydge and their focus on the individual as a member of the company. This is because I was seeking a supportive working environment that would set me up for success and where I wouldn’t be lost in the sheer number of employees.” 

When asked about his experience moving into the private sector, Craig said “The ability to support people who are looking to move from a first responder role into the private sector is very appealing. I found that it wasn’t an easy move, and in some ways, it was quite scary. This was mainly because I’d spent so long in uniform that the private sector was very much an unknown quantity. However, it doesn’t have to be that way, and with the services of bodies like Fortem, people can be given the guidance and direction I wish I’d had.” 

Craig also shared a message for all first responders who may be thinking about a career in Cyber Security “There is life after being a first responder. First responders are contributors who step up when society needs them, and with the current threat posed by cyber security issues, you’re definitely needed. The skills learned as a first responder, like judgement, leadership, risk assessment, prioritisation, and practical approaches to problems, are exactly what the field needs. That’s the hard work done, so then it’s just pivoting to the subject matter, and you can join the ranks in this emerging domain.” 

Fortem Partners with Bluerydge to support first responder employment 

We are excited to announce Fortem will be partnering with Bluerydge, a leading cybersecurity firm dedicated to empowering organisations by offering cutting-edge technologies and services, enabling them to stay ahead of emerging cyber threats. Bluerydge’s Policing Pathway Program aligns with Fortem’s Career Management Program, and together, we are committed to making a positive impact to the first responder community.  

We caught up with Craig Skinner and Charlie Hutchins from the Bluerydge team, who shared their experiences in the first responder space.  

Charlie began his policing career in Sydney and cultivated a long career moving into an AFP role at the Sydney airport. Following the COVID-19 Pandemic and black summer fires, he moved into a District Inspector role at the Queanbeyan Police Station, then a Local Emergency Management Controller for the Queanbeyan-Palerang Local Government.  

In 2022 Charlie completed Fortem’s career management program allowing him to facilitate a career shift. “In 2022, an executive from Bluerydge approached me to discuss potential employment opportunities within their organisation. Throughout our conversation, it became evident that Bluerydge was committed to supporting the first responder community. 

“Bluerydge’s support of Fortem Australia highlights their understanding of the challenges faced by first responders during their career transitions. By partnering with Fortem, Bluerydge helps provide well-being activities and career transition assistance, ensuring a smoother and more successful transition process for first responders. Bluerydge’s supportive company culture and commitment to collaboration make it an ideal partner for Fortem Australia. Their emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and employee empowerment ensures that the support provided to first responders is not only of the highest quality but also fosters a positive environment for personal growth and development.”  

Charlie also offered advice to first responders who may be considering a career in cybersecurity. “To all first responders considering a career in cybersecurity, embrace the opportunity with confidence and determination. I successfully made the transition into a fulfilling and rewarding career in cybersecurity, and you can too. Your invaluable experience, strong work ethic, and dedication to protecting others make you an ideal candidate for this dynamic and ever-evolving field.”  

“Together with companies like Bluerydge and organisations such as Fortem Australia, you can find the support, guidance, and camaraderie you need to succeed in this exciting new chapter of your professional life. So, take the leap and join the ranks of those making a difference in the world of cybersecurity. You’ve got this!” 

Craig’s career a former member of the AFP and Navy veteran spanned over 20 years involving a wide variety of surveillance, international deployments, and high-tech cybercrime work. 

Craig found a position with Bluerydge in November 2022 after responding to a LinkedIn post seeking people with Cyber experience. “I was excited by the smaller size of Bluerydge and their focus on the individual as a member of the company. This is because I was seeking a supportive working environment that would set me up for success and where I wouldn’t be lost in the sheer number of employees.” 

When asked about his experience moving into the private sector, Craig said “The ability to support people who are looking to move from a first responder role into the private sector is very appealing. I found that it wasn’t an easy move, and in some ways, it was quite scary. This was mainly because I’d spent so long in uniform that the private sector was very much an unknown quantity. However, it doesn’t have to be that way, and with the services of bodies like Fortem, people can be given the guidance and direction I wish I’d had.” 

Craig also shared a message for all first responders who may be thinking about a career in Cyber Security “There is life after being a first responder. First responders are contributors who step up when society needs them, and with the current threat posed by cyber security issues, you’re definitely needed. The skills learned as a first responder, like judgement, leadership, risk assessment, prioritisation, and practical approaches to problems, are exactly what the field needs. That’s the hard work done, so then it’s just pivoting to the subject matter, and you can join the ranks in this emerging domain.”