Gloucestershire College has announced a partnership with local cyber group CyNam as academic sponsor as part of its commitment to developing the next generation of cyber and IT talent in the region.

The college's partnership with Cheltenham's influential cyber group will give more students the opportunity to enter this cutting-edge industry. 

It will also provide more local employers with the ability to access the college's specialised cyber and IT courses, apprenticeship training and talent pool of cyber and IT candidates.

Andy Bates, vice principal at Gloucestershire College, said: "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 individuals who are ready and willing to make their mark in this industry.

"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.

"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) began as a networking group in 2015, for members of the region's cyber security community. Now with more than 900 members, CyNam provides a valuable 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, said: "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 will sponsor CyNam's first ever fully virtual event, The Changing Scene of Cyber, on 18th June, with speakers from leading cyber organisations including NCSC (part of GCHQ), Capita, LORCA, Trust Stamp and Bitweave.

Industry leaders will deliver insight 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 Golden Valley Development enabling Cheltenham to become the home to Cyber Central UK.