DCMS welcomes response to cyber security apprenticeship scheme

The Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) has announced almost 1,250 people have applied for 23 cyber security apprentice roles in three-week application period.

The apprentice roles are part of the Critical National Infrastructure scheme to help protect the nation’s critical national infrastructure from cyber threats and attacks and develop tomorrow’s online security professionals and tackle the risk of a future skills shortage.

The successful applicants will be employed in energy, water and transport companies which cyber criminals could target, with thirteen firms, including Northern Powergrid and Network Rail, taking part in the initiative.

The scheme will see the apprentices receive around 60 days of specialist classroom and lab training alongside their on-the-job education where there will work with existing cyber security professionals. This will help them develop skills to become cyber security professionals in under two years.

Minister of State for Digital and Culture Matt Hancock commented: “As part of National Apprenticeship Week, our cyber security apprenticeships in Critical National Infrastructure scheme will take those with the right aptitude and thirst for new technology and place them in essential industries with tough on-the-job training.

“This is an important part of our National Cyber Security Programme and recent Digital Strategy to prepare Britain for the challenges it faces now and in the future.

“It’s fantastic to see such a huge response to this scheme and I’m sure all the apprentices will help make these workplaces more productive, bring in fresh ideas and contribute from day one.”