Government experts endorse cyber degree apprenticeship at Gloucestershire College

In a UK-first, the nation’s highest authority on all things cyber, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), has given its backing to a new degree apprenticeship from Gloucestershire College.

London-based government organisation, NCSC, which falls under the wing of GCHQ, has formally endorsed the cyber degree apprenticeship delivered by the college and its partner, the University of the West of England Bristol.

The Integrated Degree Apprenticeship in Cyber Security has been awarded provisional certification – a first for a UK college – further enhancing its credentials as a leading skills provider in a sector proving a significant driver of the county’s economy.

Chris Ensor, NCSC deputy director for Cyber Growth, said: ‘I believe this recognition will help prospective students make more informed choices about the courses that are on offer and give employers the confidence that their apprentices will be given the foundations on which to build valued industry skills.’

Andy Bates, chief financial officer at GC, said: ‘With Cheltenham on track to become the cyber tech capital of the UK, thanks to the Golden Valley Development and links to GCHQ – not forgetting our cutting-edge new training facility nearby – there couldn’t be a better place to train and launch a career in the sector.’

Launched in 2020 by the Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, Gillian Keegan MP, the first cohort of degree apprentices already on board work for leading local businesses, including Bamboo Technology Group, CDS Defence and Security, Cyber Security Associates, Infrastar, South Gloucestershire Council and Babcock International.

Apprentices are taught by experienced industry professionals from GC and UWE Bristol at the college’s new £3m cyber, IT and engineering facilities at Cheltenham Campus.

Successful graduates gain a UWE Bristol BSc (Hons) Cyber Security Technical Professional degree and industry experience.

The certification is one of only two of the first degree apprenticeships recognised by the NCSC – the other being Edinburgh Napier University.

For more information, visit gloscol.ac.uk.