A ‘real-world’ solution to tackle the cyber security skills gap

The Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship Standard is a strategic solution to addressing cyber security skills shortages across Critical National Infrastructure, says Intelligencia Training, the UK’s leading provider of Higher Apprenticeships to the Protective Services sector.

According to the UK Government’s latest research and analysis into cyber security skills in the UK labour market (2023), 50% of all UK businesses have a basic cyber security skills gap and a further 33% have an advanced cyber security skills gap. The research additionally found a 30% increase in cyber security job postings, with 37% of vacancies reported as ‘hard to fill’ by employers.

These figures show a clear need for cyber security training which provides an employer-led and true ‘real-world’ solution to build capability and enhance cyber security skills in the existing workforce to bridge skills gaps. The revised Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship Standard was recently added to Intelligencia Training’s portfolio to address this need.

Unlike more traditional commercial training, this apprenticeship provides a solution that is truly designed for individual role, employer, and wider sector needs. The apprenticeship consists of two different pathways and combines academic learning with immersive, hands-on training to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of current cyber security challenges that goes beyond theoretical knowledge and skills. In turn, this training allows for a much deeper understanding of roles and responsibilities.

Nick Atkinson, Commercial Director at Intelligencia Training, commented:

“The cyber security skills gap has become a pressing concern. Through our experience in delivering specialist apprenticeships to security professionals, we identified this apprenticeship programme as a strategic education route. The apprenticeship is now available for delivery and will allow the organisations we work with to increase capability, mobility, and confidence in their workforce to remain cyber resilient in the face of evolving IT and OT threats.”

Intelligencia Training is well-placed to deliver the Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship Standard. The ‘Excellent’ employer and apprentice rated provider continues to partner with a growing number of leading organisations and maintains an above national average learner success rate.

Further to their extensive experience in apprenticeship delivery, Intelligencia Training’s cyber security training team are leading practitioners in their respective fields. This ensures that training is delivered by professionals with a breadth of knowledge across IT and OT cyber security topics, as well as experience in capacity building and protecting Critical National Infrastructure.

For more information on the Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship Standard, including details on how this apprenticeship can be funded by the Apprenticeship Levy, please contact info@intelligenciatraining.com or visit www.intelligenciatraining.com/cyber-security-technologist.