Representatives from a full spectrum of UK employers including leading blue-chip companies gathered at Bletchley Park to announce their intention to develop a new, Level 3, standard for cyberapprenticeships aimed particularly at school leavers.
Sponsored by Qufaro, the trailblazer group will collectively form the new apprenticeship standard to address the need for a broader choice of qualifications to fulfil the skills gap in the cybersecurity professions and meet the demands of employers.
Attendees included Global Knowledge, a world leader in technology skills solutions, who will work in partnership with Qufaro to jointly develop and deliver the cybersecurity Level 3 apprenticeship. Other attendees included Deloitte, Identifi Global Resources and Tui.
Dr Budgie Dhanda, CEO of Qufaro, said: “Qufaro’s mission is to grow cybercapability to meet the needs of society through education, innovation and investment.
“Qufaro already delivers an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), accredited by City & Guilds and recognised by the Institute of Information Security Professions (IISP). Supporting a Level 3 apprenticeship is a natural extension of Qufaro’s work in this area.”
Glyn Roberts, UK Managing Director at Global Knowledge, said: “The turnout at the launch event proves the demand within the UK to build cybersecurity capability in our future generation.
“We have had a number of conversations with employers and cybersecurity professionals who recognise that a Level 4 programme can be too challenging for new entrants and therefore by developing a Level 3 programme we can ensure the appropriate focus and support is given to employers and learners who are looking to establish a career in cyber.”
The Level 3 standard will also inform the standards for a future T level, a new type of two-year course designed with employers, to give young people the skills that industry needs. From 2020, T levels will provide a technical alternative to A levels and include an industry placement of at least 45 days in their chosen occupation.
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