Gloucestershire College announces new Academic Sponsorship of pioneering cyber group CyNam

As part of its commitment to developing the next generation of cyber and IT talent in the region, Gloucestershire College is delighted to announce its partnership with local cyber group CyNam as academic sponsor.

The College’s strategic partnership with Cheltenham’s influential cyber group will give more students the opportunity to enter this cutting-edge industry. Moreover, it will provide more local employers the ability to access the College’s specialised cyber and IT courses and apprenticeship training, and outstanding talent pool of readily available cyber and IT candidates.

Andy Bates, Vice Principal at Gloucestershire College highlighted the established position it offers for cyber recruitment and training opportunities.

“We know there is a huge demand for cyber and IT professionals across Gloucestershire. As a College we are fully committed to using our expertise and resources to train the right people with the skills that local employers need, and to match those employers with talented individuals who are ready and willing to make their mark in this industry.

“We offer a broad range of IT and cyber courses at different levels to suit school leavers, apprentices or more experienced in-house managers looking to develop cyber skills within their own organisations. Furthermore, our recently appointed status as an Institute of Technology, together with other leading providers of education in the South West, has secured the College £3 million to invest in outstanding IT and Cyber training facilities, which will make them some of the best in the country."

He goes on to say “We recognise CyNam as a significantly important and influential cyber presence within our region, and our academic sponsorship reflects our strategic support of CyNam’s values and aims to place Cheltenham and Gloucestershire at the heart of the cyber industry in the UK and beyond.”

CyNam - Cyber Cheltenham 

CyNam began as a meetup networking group in 2015, for members of the region’s cyber security community. Now more than 900 members strong, CyNam provides a valuable, Cheltenham-centric platform that connects the best cyber technology minds and local SMEs and start-ups to support from people, expertise, guidance, funding, and new business. It is driven by an aim to support the development of Cheltenham’s cyber technology industry, and its wider ecosystem.

Madeline Howard, Director at CyNam, explains the importance of this partnership to them.

“We are huge believers in showcasing the opportunities available to young people within the cyber and technology industry. Our partnership with Gloucestershire College will enable more young people to engage directly with the industry whilst continuing their education. Gloucestershire College has recently launched their Cyber Security Degree Level Apprenticeship in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE), which we are huge supporters of. We look forward to continuing to enable Gloucestershire College to connect, inspire and educate the next generation of cyber and technology professionals, and to help retain them within the county.”

CyNam’s upcoming Virtual Event: CyNam 20.2 - The changing scene of cyber

The new partnership sees Gloucestershire College sponsor CyNam’s first ever fully virtualised event The Changing Scene of Cyber on Thursday 18 June, 3-5.30pm with speakers from leading cyber organisations including NCSC (part of GCHQ), Capita, LORCA, Trust Stamp and Bitweave.

Industry and technical thought leaders will deliver insight and expertise on how the cyber sector is reacting and adapting to the rapidly changing global outlook. It will also be an opportunity to highlight regional initiatives that will have a global impact including Cheltenham Borough Council’s impressive Golden Valley Development enabling Cheltenham to become the home to Cyber Central UK.

With over 900 tickets sold, you can book your place at this popular free event via Eventbrite here, where can also hear about GC’s cyber and IT training portfolio.

Grow your own tech talent with Gloucestershire College

For more information on recruiting IT and cyber apprentices, or on training your existing staff please contact GC’s Business Hub team via: business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk