Approved by a panel of industry experts, Gloucestershire College's cyber security degree apprenticeship, in collaboration with UWE Bristol, has been accredited with Tech Industry Gold.

With members including IBM, Amazon, BT, Accenture and Jaguar Land Rover, Tech Partnership Degrees is an employer-led organisation which maintains the Tech Industry Gold standard and the accreditation of digital and technical degrees and apprenticeships. The organisation aims to improve the flow of talent into the digital workforce by uniting employers and higher education providers.

Programmes accredited as Tech Industry Gold meet industry standards for quality, relevance and employer focus. They integrate the technical, business and interpersonal skills that are most valued by employers, giving graduates the best possible career prospects and allowing employers to attract and train top digital talent.

Matthew Burgess, principal and chief executive of Gloucestershire College, said: "I am delighted to share the news that our cyber security degree apprenticeship has been accredited with Tech Industry Gold. This recognition is testament to the incredible work of the cyber team here at Gloucestershire College and our colleagues at UWE Bristol, as we continue our exciting partnership together. We are committed to supporting businesses by developing a strong talent pipeline of highly skilled individuals as we train the next generation of cyber."

Prospective apprentices can choose Tech Industry Gold degree apprenticeship programmes with confidence, knowing they will gain high quality, relevant skills that will help them progress their career. Employers too can have every confidence that their new recruit or upskilled employee will have the latest industry knowledge.

Bob Higgie, assessor at Gloucestershire College, said: "With cyber threats on the rise and demand for skills high, quality cyber security training has never been more important.

"Forty employers and six universities have collaborated to develop the standard our cyber security degree apprenticeship encompasses. Achieving Tech Industry Gold is a fantastic endorsement of the programme.

"The validation panel of industry leading employers praised the way that current workplace practice is brought into the classroom at Gloucestershire College to illustrate the theoretical and practical knowledge being delivered.

"Stringent accreditation criteria mean that the programme integrates industry-relevant academic learning with the skills new recruits or current employees need to excel in digital careers.

"Our degree apprentices are trained and work in frontline cyber companies, while also achieving a full honours degree from the UWE Bristol. With no student fees, a salary, a full honours degree and years of practical experience, our degree apprenticeship is an ideal route for anyone looking for their way into the cyber security industry."

Launched by Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, Gillian Keegan, in September 2020, Gloucestershire College's cyber degree apprenticeship has been a great success among Gloucestershire's employers. Bamboo Technology, Infrastar, Cyber Security Associates, Babcock, CDS Defence and South Gloucestershire Council were the first employers to utilise the new programme and train degree apprentices with the college.

Ian Johnson and Phil Legg, co-directors of the UWECyber Academic Centre of Excellence, said: "Designed to address skills shortages within the cybersecurity industry in the UK and, in particular the South West and surrounding areas, this new degree apprenticeship programme will make a strong contribution to the Tech Partnership community and a positive difference to apprentices, business and society."

The next cohort for Gloucestershire College's cyber security degree apprenticeship in partnership with UWE Bristol is starting in September 2021 and you can apply online today.

Taught by UWE Bristol and Gloucestershire College lecturers, apprentices earn a UWE Bristol degree, in new, world-class facilities at GC's Cheltenham campus, within easy reach of work or home.

Apply online or contact Gloucestershire College's Business Hub team for more information about the apprenticeship via: business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk