Businesses urged to upskill and future-proof employees’ jobs

·       38% micro and small businesses experienced cyber-attacks in the last 12 months, 82% reported phishing attempts and 25% identified denial of service, malware or ransomware attack

·       UK tech sector reports 66,000 unfilled vacancies July–August 2022

A Government-funded Cybersecurity Apprenticeship designed to upskill the workforce of SMEs and protect businesses from cyber-attacks has been launched by hard-hitting, dynamic training provider PET-Xi. With funding available for 95% of training costs for up to 10 workers, it’s a win-win situation for both businesses and employees. Employers can apply for funding by registering for an Apprentice Employer Account at gov.uk.

Launched at the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Annual Business & Economic Conference 2022, the apprenticeship includes workshops from advanced cybersecurity experts and advisors from the tech industry, together with practical sessions and additional one-to-one and group mentoring, focussing on:

·       Network principles and networking

·       Devices and the Internet of Things

·       Core terminology and cyber awareness

·       Organisation security

·       Compliance and policy

·       Vulnerabilities and threats

·       Threat identification and events

·       Forensic principles and incidents

·       Detecting and reporting

·       Risk assessment and asset control

·       Disaster prevention

The apprenticeship training for the role of Cybersecurity Technician, is recognised by The Chartered Institute for IT for Associate BCS membership (AMBCS), Professional Registration for IT Technicians (RITTech) and the Chartered Institute for Information Security for Accredited Affiliates.

‘The World Economic Forum recognises ‘technology use, monitoring and control’ as one of the ten most important skills for future-proofing. Our Cyber Security Apprenticeship offers training for an increasingly digital future and ensures that business’ IT systems and employees are protected and kept safe from cybercrime,’ said Dr Fleur Sexton, Managing Director, PET-Xi. ‘In the current economic climate, we need a comprehensive upskilling agenda in place to future-proof employment options for our workforce, be they school leavers or employees already in work. Employers have an incredible opportunity to upskill their workforce as well as offer training to new recruits.

‘Apprenticeships like this one, offer young people the opportunity to earn while they learn, and to benefit from working alongside experienced employees. The Apprenticeship programme also provides businesses with steady streams of upskilled new recruits. Upskilling helps bridge the digital skills gap and is crucial for future-proofing jobs. It is also a critical component for ensuring that we continue to focus on Levelling Up  – reducing the imbalances, primarily economic, between areas and social groups across the United Kingdom – and creating a fairer society for all.’

By Dr Fleur Sexton, Managing Director, PET-Xi