CS Jul-Aug 2023

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UPSKILLING DRIVE LURES THOUSANDS
According to the UK government, more than 3,600 people are looking to embark
on a new career in cyber this year through applications to its 'Upskill in Cyber'
programme. Aimed at people from a non-cyber background and delivered in
partnership with the SANS Institute, the scheme is the latest in a series of ambitious
programmes delivered through the government's £2.6 billion National Cyber Strategy.
Michael Smith, CTO at Vercara (former security advisor for 2014 World Cup) welcomes
the announcement: "Cyber skills are in huge demand across the economy. New industry
and government-led initiatives such as this one can attract more people to the cybersecurity
field, but a long-term solution to the skills gap requires a more holistic
approach, led by cybersecurity leaders, that prioritises developing talent from within"
It's more than a recruitment plan, he points out: it's a practical long-term cybersecurity
strategy. "This is necessary, because, when we hire staff in this industry, we expect them
to have such a wide range of skills that no one person will have the exact combination
that is in the job description. When we do find somebody with all of those skills, they
are usually outside of commuting distance and they're incredibly expensive."
Smith believes this longer-term approach to nurturing talent from within can make
knowledge-sharing and upskilling an integral part of a company's culture, delivering
significant long-term skills benefits for new and existing practitioners within an
organisation, as well as addressing the UK's wider talent gap. "After all, it will be
a collective effort; every organisation has a part to play."
Brian Wall
Editor
Computing Security
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www.computingsecurity.co.uk July/August 2023 computing security
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