Marks & Spencer partners with Cyber College Cymru to train students in cyber-security skills
UK retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) is expanding its role in cyber-security education by sponsoring Cyber College Cymru at Cardiff & Vale College.
Through this initiative, M&S’s cyber-security team will lead hands-on workshops aimed at equipping students with key cybersecurity skills and addressing the UK’s cybersecurity skills gap.
The workshops will be delivered to twenty-one students over a ten-week program throughout February and March. Sessions will cover Windows and Linux investigations, network security fundamentals, and incident response. Students will also take part in self-learning challenges on Microsoft Security and ethical hacking, as well as real-world scenario challenge days.
Mike Halliday, Programme Lead at Cyber College Cymru, noted the program’s impact on students and the importance of industry engagement:
"The Cardiff & Vale College teaching team and M&S cyber team have launched this year’s programme and will help build a skills pipeline for the future. The technical workshops are a student highlight, showing excellent progress and the real-world insight from M&S is going to maximise the programme’s impact on our young people enrolled on the course."
Industry-led training to strengthen cyber-security workforce
With cybersecurity becoming an increasing priority for businesses, M&S aims to support the development of skilled professionals to help protect organizations against digital threats.
Steve Cottrell, Chief Information Security Officer at M&S, emphasized the importance of industry partnerships in cybersecurity training:
"The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is greater than ever. M&S is proud to sponsor Cyber College Cymru and contribute to addressing this critical need. By providing hands-on training and real-world insights, we aim to equip students with the practical skills they need to succeed and prepare for rewarding cybersecurity careers."
The partnership will provide students with direct access to industry expertise, helping them develop the latest cyber skills. Sharon James-Evans, Principal at Cardiff & Vale College, highlighted the value of collaboration between education and business:
"Cardiff and Vale College is delighted to partner with M&S on the Cyber College Cymru workshops. This partnership gives students access to industry expertise, ensuring they gain the latest cyber skills. M&S's involvement will boost learners and staff, impacting the UK and Wales, and supporting growth in the Cardiff Capital Region."
