Bletchley Park Qufaro and GK Apprenticeships work in partnership to deliver cyber security apprenticeships
Apprenticeship programmes to address cyber skills shortage in the UK
Bletchley Park Qufaro and GK Apprenticeships (GKA) are pleased to announce the signing of a Heads of Agreement to jointly develop and deliver cyber security apprenticeships.
These apprenticeships are designed to address the significant cyber skills shortage in the UK and, in due course, international markets.
According to the latest Global information security workforce study from (ISC)2, there could be up to 1.8 million information security-related roles unfilled worldwide by 2022. In Europe, the shortfall is projected to be about 350,000, with the UK’s share of unfilled cyber security jobs expected to be around 100,000.
The partnership between GKA and Qufaro will provide scalable and high-quality training to be delivered to the full spectrum of employers; ranging from large Corporates to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.
Qufaro brings its experience of delivering online vocational cyber education as well as hosting specific training at its offices in iconic Bletchley Park. Qufaro already delivers an Extended Project Qualification, accredited by City & Guilds and recognised by the Institute of Information Security Professions (IISP), which can be a feeder into the apprenticeship programme. Qufaro will also draw on its extensive industry network and partners to ensure the qualification is robustly designed to meet the needs of a wide range of employers seeking cyber professionals.
GKA delivers award-winning bespoke apprenticeship programmes that are facilitated by its sister company, Global Knowledge (a worldwide leader in IT and professional training). GKA can deliver soft skills training to ensure all apprentices have the best content and pathway for their respective roles. They are also a Pearson, City & Guilds, BCS and EAL accredited centre.
Paul Freeman, Director of Education and Talent at GKA said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with one of the world’s most iconic brands and together, we can make a valuable difference, not just within the UK industry but to expand internationally.” Freeman continued “We see continuous examples of cyber security threats to both the businesses we work in as well as our personal lives so to be in a position to help develop cyber security skills for the future generation is extremely rewarding.”
Qufaro will be launching the National College of cyber security at Bletchley Park which will be the base for launching and delivering new qualifications in cyber security. Dr Budgie Dhanda CEO of Qufaro, said: “Qufaro is delighted to be working with GKA, a partner with global reach and an established excellent reputation for delivering apprenticeships. Together, we will accelerate the delivery of Qufaro’s mission and support many more people into the cyber profession.”
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ABOUT GK APPRENTICESHIPS (GKA)
At GKA, (formerly PDS Group), we work in partnership with clients to develop and deliver the skills needed by today’s businesses. We believe quality is key to apprenticeships – providing high quality training that benefits both apprentices and employers.
GKA was formed in 2005 in order to work with large blue chip corporate clients in the provision of Apprenticeship and talent programmes. In 2014, it became part of Global Knowledge UK, who are leaders in IT, best practice and business skills training. This move provides GKA with access to the Global Knowledge portfolio of high quality content, as well as access to a wealth of subject matter expertise and vendor-based materials.
Based in Wiltshire, GKA have a highly skilled team of specialist consultants who support our clients across the UK. Our team's expertise includes Human Resources, Learning and Development, IT, Telecommunications, Sales and Telesales and Project Management.
We are passionate about delivering a service that enables our clients to develop high quality apprenticeship and talent programmes that offer real value to the business. Our IT and Telecommunications apprenticeship programmes are approved by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
ABOUT BLETCHLEY PARK QUFARO
Bletchley Park Qufaro was formed in 2015 with the aim of growing the national cyber security talent pool by finding and developing talented individuals from across the UK and to provide support to enable them to enter university, apprenticeships and employment.
Qufaro has developed and successfully delivered the UK’s first and only EPQ in Cyber Security. This was developed by a consortium of education and cyber security partners to help provide a starting point for anyone considering a career in cyber security. The qualification is taught using distance learning tools with its content guided by the National Occupational Standards in cyber security.
Qufaro Media Contact
Louisa Constable
Constable Communications
GKA Media Contact
Kat Harwood
Global Knowledge