Apprenticeships helping to tackle the growing demand for Cyber Security experts

03 Mar 2022

Tackling the growing demand for cyber security experts with high-level Apprenticeships at the Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology.

In September 2021, the new Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology (IoT) was launched to provide an employer-led curriculum that addresses the key needs and skills gaps of regional employers. From the beginning, cyber security and a range of other high-level digital skills such as data analysis software development and network engineering, were identified as priorities for the IoT.

Despite industry-wide efforts to reduce the gap, there still remains huge demand for skilled cyber security experts. According to the latest Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) annual cyber sector report, more than 6,000 new jobs were added to the UK’s cyber security workforce in 2021 – a 13% rise in cyber jobs since 2020. This comes as organisations of all sizes and sectors recognise that they are at increased risk of falling prey to costly cyber-attacks, resulting in revenue loss and a decrease in customer trust.

At the same time, businesses across the country are still dealing with the economic fallout of the pandemic, leaving them with depleted funds preventing them from making the necessary investment in recruitment and development.

Business Development Manager, Caroline Maycock said,

“The pandemic has had a huge impact on their ability to build and maintain a sustainable workforce. We are seeing an increasing number businesses turn to apprenticeships to help address these skills gaps and to build back stronger. With substantial funding from the government, apprenticeships provide a cost effective solution, whether looking to bring in new talent or to reward and upskill existing staff.”

The IoT is currently offering two apprenticeships in the Cyber Security field. The first is a Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist which is typically completed over 24 months. Depending on the needs of the employer and the desired competencies, this programme has three distinct options; Cyber Security Engineer, Cyber Risk Analyst and Cyber Defender & Responder.

The second is a Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional, which integrates a BSc (Hons) degree in Digital and Technology Solutions into the apprenticeship. One of the outcomes of this 36 month programme is a Cyber Security Specialist where learners will develop competencies in identifying, analysing and evaluating security threats to information systems or services.

For employers, apprenticeships are not just a means for filling vacancies. They are proven method for investing in the development of individuals who can make an impact now and in the long term.

For the individual, apprenticeships provide an opportunity to get a jump on the competition by gaining skills and qualifications whilst building up experience on the job and earning a wage.

Apprenticeships are available to start throughout the year and you can apply for the latest vacancies via the New College website, visit www.newcollege.ac.uk/apprenticeships/current-vacancies.

For individuals or employers interested in finding out more they can email apprenticeships@newcollege.ac.uk.