Mission to boost cyber skills as number of jobs rise

Students are being matched up with cyber experts to boost skills in the industry amid more jobs.

The University of Gloucestershire is running a programme to build a "talent pipeline", aimed at ensuring the county has the skilled workforce it needs to meet future job demands.

The scheme pairs students from schools and colleges with local cyber businesses, which offers them apprenticeship opportunities.

Clare Marchant, the university's vice-chancellor, said while there is a lot of cyber opportunities, there is "a lack of skills at the moment".

"We know a lot of talent leaves Gloucestershire year-on-year, so we need to be keeping that talent in Gloucestershire.

"That's what businesses want and we can facilitate that," Ms Marchant said.

"We know there's so much going on in Gloucestershire. We've got GCHQ just down the road, we have the Golden Valley development coming. We need to be primed and have that talent pipeline coming through," she said.

The Golden Valley development aims to confirm Cheltenham as the UK's cyber capital. The first phase of construction is the cyber park itself, which includes 1 million sq ft (93,000 sq metres) of commercial space, a car park and bus stops for services to Cheltenham Spa railway station.

Ms Marchant said it was vital cyber learning starts at an early age.

"One of the things we are focused on is really ensuring we develop their skills and that needs development from late primary and early secondary, rather than just when individuals hit 16 or 17," she added.

Cyberis, a cyber security consultancy, is among the businesses participating in Gloucestershire's Launch Pad Programme, which was launched last year.

Will Gould, from Cyberis, said it is something the company has been looking at for a while.

"We're at the size now where we can take on an apprentice and give them the attention that they require.

"It's fantastic for our business to grow and also bring up the next generation of security experts," he said.

Students will learn a range of skills, including traditional infrastructure, cloud and general cyber security.

Adam joined the programme in 2024 and has been working as an apprentice for a local cyber security business.

"It allows me to get all the work experience I need from going straight into employment, as well as obtaining a good quality degree at the same time," he added.

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