CompTIA pledges to get the UK Cyber Ready

CompTIA, the world’s leading technology association, has launched its Cyber Ready retraining programme in the UK, after receiving funding from the government’s Cyber Skills Immediate Impact Fund (CSIIF). Cyber Ready is one of just seven initiatives chosen to be supported by the National Cyber Security Programme, designed to increase the number of people working in the cybersecurity sector and address the skills gap that is leaving UK businesses open to cyber-attack.

CompTIA’s Cyber Ready is a six-month flipped-classroom learning programme aimed to deliver cybersecurity training to those with commitments who might not otherwise have the time to up-skill. Now open to applicants from a range of backgrounds – such as parents and carers, to graduates, and those with some prior IT experience – Cyber Ready will provide the necessary skills and knowledge around existing work and caring requirements to become ready for a career in cyber security. ITJobswatch.co.uk shows that the median salary in cybersecurity is ?57,500 – one of the most lucrative and fast growing sectors.

“It is a fantastic achievement to have been selected by the National Cyber Security Programme to contribute towards the growing cyber security training ecosystem in the UK,” said Graham Hunter, VP of Certifications at CompTIA.

“Cyber Ready will provide candidates with the necessary training to deal with real-world cyber security incidents and give those interested in the sector the confidence to start a career. CompTIA is dedicated to providing industry-relevant and skills-based training to ensure the next generation of cyber security professionals are the best in breed and from an increasingly diverse group of individuals.”

Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries, Margot James, said: "Untapped talent in cyber security can be found anywhere but unless we look for it everywhere, we risk missing out.

"The Cyber Skills Immediate Impact Fund is a great example of Government working closely with industry, community groups and charities to boost diversity in the workplace. 

 “Diversity should be at the heart of what we do as we work to build a Britain which is fit for the future.” 

As part of the initial Cyber Ready pilot programme, 30 candidates will be selected by a panel of assessors to receive expert guidance and learning material with the aim to become competent within the Cyber Analyst Job role, gaining industry recognised CompTIA certifications  Security+ and Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+).

The flipped-classroom approach combines classroom and online teaching methods to encourage applicants from a range of circumstances – such as a mother looking to get back into the industry or an IT Technician looking to change roles and move into the cyber space – and ensure anyone has the chance to pursue a career in cyber security.

The programme itself is divided into four simple stages; Application and Screening, Training and Education, Face-to-Face Cyber Wargames and Ongoing Development. It is delivered online, with the exception of six Saturday workshops for which candidates will be offered two possible locations – one in the North and South of England.

The Cyber Skills Immediate Impact Fund aims to quickly increase the diversity and numbers of those working in the UK’s booming cyber security sector. This is one of a range of initiatives designed in support of the National Cyber Security Strategy aim of developing a sustainable supply of home grown cyber security talent in the UK.