Cyber Security apprenticeship's record graduate numbers

Ten students from across Scotland have just graduated from The Open University (OU) in Scotland’s postgraduate level apprenticeship in Cyber Security.

A popular route for employers to train staff in digital skills, this is the highest number of apprentices graduating from the course since its launch in Autumn 2018.

The graduates include employees from Scottish-based businesses, DXC Technology, Arvato Financial Solutions Limited, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, North Ayrshire Council and Visual Management Systems Limited. 

With 52% of organisations saying that they need to improve their digital skills*, the OU’s MSc in Cyber Security provides on-the-job training for staff to help plug the crucial digital skills gap. 

Suitable for new and existing employees, 16 years-old and above, who live and work in Scotland and are looking to develop their digital careers, the two-year course covers information security, digital forensics, software engineering and data management. 

Delivered flexibly through tutor-supported study modules and practical work-based learning, the course is designed to develop the apprentice’s knowledge and experience, ensuring that employers have the talent to manage future technological changes. 

The apprenticeships are funded via the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), making the course an affordable investment, with instant results. 

DXC Technology, a global IT company with offices on the outskirts of Glasgow in Erskine, have had three employees recently graduate from the programme.

Iain Davidson, UK and Ireland Secure Hub Manager at DXC Technology and one of the recent graduates, commented:

“I started the graduate apprenticeship to update my technical skills. It had been a while since my undergraduate degree and a focus on the project and risk management side of enterprise delivery meant that I felt dated and lacked confidence in my technical skills.  

“The graduate apprenticeship delivered in spades, specifically in digital forensics and network security. It has given me the confidence to change role to one directly related to Cyber Security.”

Steven Forrest, Apprenticeship Programme Delivery Manager (Scotland) at the OU, added:

“Those completing the MSc Cyber Security (graduate apprenticeship) deserve to be congratulated for their hard work and dedication over the last two years.

“This postgraduate level work-based learning demonstrates what is possible when apprentices, employers and the university work together to achieve real results and expand workplace skills.

“This will be our second successful cohort to complete this graduate apprenticeship and achieve their MSc. Well done to all those involved!”

To find out more about the OU’s MSc in Cyber Security and the other available graduate apprenticeships, please visit: https://www.open.ac.uk/business/develop-your-workforce/graduate-apprenticeships.

*according to the OU’s Business Barometer Report 2021: https://www.open.ac.uk/business/news/open-university-business-barometer

Photo: Iain Davidson is pictured with Steven Erskine, also of DXC Technology. Both are MSc in Cyber Security graduates from the OU Graduate Apprenticeship programme.