New government schemes to encourage more young cyber security specialists

Cabinet Minister Francis Maude has announced a number of new training schemes to enhance the number of people in the cyber security industry.

“The UK has a vibrant cyber security sector which we want to help grow. As part of this government’s long-term economic plan we want the UK to be one of the safest places to do business online,” said Maude.

  “We need a supply of cyber security experts for the future so we are taking a series of further steps to attract the most gifted young people to this fast-moving area of technology.”  

The new projects involve apprenticeship schemes and further education initiatives which it hopes will help entry routes into the industry.

  This includes a new cyber strand into the Civil Service fast track apprenticeship scheme, based on the Tech Partnership frameworks for cyber security apprenticeships. This should involve the creation of more than 250 new entry level jobs for school leavers.  

Secondly, the Civil Service Digital & Technology Fast Stream has been altered, with graduate participants being able to specialise in the field in their third year. The intake for the fast stream will increase this year to between 70-80.