New funding to expand cyber training across the East Midlands

A new Government-funded project, CyberSprint: Fast Track to the Future, aims to address the cybersecurity skills gap and build a resilient workforce capable of protecting businesses and communities from online threats. The initiative will introduce innovative training methods across diverse sectors and embed cybersecurity into the curriculum of 93 schools and colleges throughout the East Midlands.

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) is leading the £76,000 programme in partnership with regional organisations from education, business, and cybersecurity sectors. The project will create an inclusive, scalable training toolkit designed to serve professionals from fields such as law, logistics, creative industries, and construction.

Dr Ismini Vasileiou from DMU emphasised the initiative’s focus on broadening access to cybersecurity careers:

“CyberSprint is set to transform cybersecurity training in the UK, fostering a workforce capable of meeting today’s digital challenges while providing opportunities for people from all walks of life to contribute to a more secure, cyber-resilient future.”

Unlike traditional cybersecurity programmes, CyberSprint targets individuals without technical backgrounds, offering practical, industry-recognised skills applicable across workplaces. Partners in the programme include the East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster, Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership, Leicestershire Careers Hub, SASIG (Specialist Awareness Security Information Group), Barclays Eagle Labs, Digital Planning Limited, East Midlands Chamber, the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISEC), and the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).

Holly Porter, Managing Director of BCS, commented on the project’s potential:

“We are excited to be part of The CyberSprint initiative which is an important step towards meeting the local cyber security needs in the East Midlands, with a programme that has nationwide potential. It is driven by a network covering education, industry and academia and will equip people with the industry-recognised skills needed in the digital economy.

“What’s more it draws from the diverse range of talent available across the region to ensure there will be a plentiful supply of skilled cyber security professionals in the future.”

The project will deliver tailored bootcamps and training for career changers and working professionals through the Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership. Meanwhile, the Leicester Careers Hub’s Digital Accelerator Programme will integrate cybersecurity education into school curriculums.

CyberSprint also aims to promote diversity and inclusion by reaching disadvantaged communities and creating pathways for individuals who might not typically access cybersecurity careers.

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