Copeland’s MP has met apprentices during a visit to Cumbria’s first Cyber Security Lab.
This week, Trudy Harrison MP visited the newly launched Cyber Security Lab at Energus to meet with a Level 4 Cyber Security apprentices currently working inside the lab.
The two-year programme sees the apprentices work alongside industry experts, developing the skills and knowledge needed to protect the region’s critical infrastructure and business services from Cyber Attacks.
Mrs Harrison, said: “The cyber threats facing our country are becoming increasingly serious which is why it is essential to train our young people to work in this area. During my visit I spoke to the apprentices who are really enjoying their work placements and training in the Lab.
“It was surprising to learn that most of apprentices hadn’t considered a career in cyber at school, some hadn’t even studied computing at GCSE. We are now far more likely to become victims of cyber-crime, this facility is brilliant for West Cumbria’s young people and businesses, and provides a vital service to our nation.”
The state-of-the-art lab facility is a first for the North West and allows local businesses to experience real life cyber-attacks within a simulated environment.
Adrienne Easterbrook, Energus General Manager, said: “We were delighted to welcome Trudy Harrison MP into Energus recently to discuss the various apprenticeship and graduate programmes we manage which ensures a pipeline of young talent into the local workforce.
“Trudy visited the Cyber Lab and spoke to some of the Cyber Security Apprentices about their experiences, opportunities and challenges so far. Since beginning this two year programme the apprentices have presented to local schools and enthused the next generation of cyberists.”
As well as offering Apprenticeship and Graduate Programmes, Energus recently became an associate of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of Government Communications Headquarters
As part of the association, Energus will be delivering a number of STEM courses called CyberFirst during the summer, part of the Government’s National Cyber Security Programme, which covers a broad range of activities.
Each activity is designed to give talented young people the support, skills, experience and exposure they need to become the cyber workforce of the future.
Anne Milton MP, Minister of State at the Department for Education, said: “There has never been a better time for young people to start an apprenticeship, with 605,000 start-ups in the North West alone since 2010.
“I know Trudy is passionate about supporting young people. Having four daughters herself she knows the importance of ensuring they get the right advice for the future and is doing a fantastic job in her role as an Apprentice Ambassador, which has seen her meet up with apprentices across her constituency, who have been learning skills for careers in industries and professions including engineering and nursing.”
This year Energus are recruiting a further cohort of apprentices, and for the first time recruiting Cyber Security Graduates on behalf of the NDA group.