Everytime you watch the news these days there is some mention of a skills shortage. As older industries wane and newer ones wax, demand for skilled people exceeds supply and there are calls for investment in training and education. More traditional sectors aren’t immune though, with areas such as construction and hospitality suffering as the economy emerges from the pandemic.
Cyber security is no exception. The country, and much of the world has moved rapidly online and demand for cyber security services is skyrocketing on the back of the real and growing risk. As more and more people and industries become aware of their risks, demand will continue to grow and it will be many years before the cyber security sector reaches its peak.
Changes in working practices have also made their mark. It is much easier now to work anywhere while living somewhere else which has added a greater fluidity to the employment market and broken down some of regional differences in remuneration.
These are interesting and exciting times to be in cyber security which is why #CyberFest is holding an event aimed specifically around these issues.
To get the event underway we will hear from Philip Anderson, Senior Lecturer at Northumbria University about the NCSC’s CyberFirst programme to bring more young people into the industry, followed by
Sam Ogle, Curriculum Manager – Digital at Sunderland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form at Sunderland College, who will talk about the emerging T-levels.
There will then be a presentation on the work that CyberNorth carried out earlier in the year with the support of DCMS on ‘Cyber Security Skills and Employment Opportunities in the North East.’ This gave a fascinating insight into some of the issues affecting the recruitment market and, more importantly, a plan of action to improve the situation.
The final section will be a round table discussion on ‘What is missing in cybersecurity education and what are the key skills needed for jobs going forward in Industry 4.0.’ This will be led by Dr. Meera Sarma Cybersecurity Specialist and Director, Cystel and Dr. Thomas Matheus, Cyber Security and AI Researcher.
There will also be a recorded tour of Sunderland College’s new building, or live if you are on site. This will be a hybrid event with limited numbers on site. Tickets are free and available from here.
See you there!
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 