New Partnership to Support Cybersecurity Inclusivity

The cyber skills shortage has become a prescient topic in the tech sector. According to a survey in 2021, over three quarters (76%) of respondents are finding it extremely or somewhat difficult to recruit and hire security professionals.

Moreover, 95% believe that the skills shortage has not improved over the last few years, while 44% assert it has only worsened.

Adarma said it hoped to provide an environment for inspiring and nurturing talent and building a route into cyber more accessible for neurodivergent communities and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Get Started in Cybersecurity is a two-week programme offering a mix of classroom and on-the-job learning opportunities aimed at giving the participants an understanding of the cybersecurity industry.

The programme covers various aspects of cybersecurity, including common industry language, the digital security challenges businesses face, and the technology and solutions that enable businesses to protect their networks from attackers.

While the Prince’s Trust will lead recruitment for the programme and provide pastoral support, Adarma will ensure cyber industry experts are on hand to deliver content and to share experiences.

They will also establish apprenticeships within the company and across their wider partner network, allowing participants to realise a career in the field.

Finally, Adarma will advise and support The Prince’s Trust, as required, on a programme of work to strengthen the charity’s cybersecurity posture in today’s intensified threat landscape.

Julia Beaumont, Chief Technology Officer of The Prince’s Trust, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Adarma.

“Adarma’s passion for solving cybersecurity challenges in the real world aligns with the ambitions of The Prince’s Trust to ensure that every young person should have the chance to embrace exciting opportunities.

“Cybersecurity is central to our own digital transformation here at The Prince’s Trust and Adarma’s help will be invaluable.”

John Maynard, CEO of Adarma, added: “We believe that the cyber skills gap and the lack of diversity and inclusion within the cybersecurity industry is a self-inflicted issue as we have collectively failed to tap into whole segments of young people who have the capability and potential to make great contributions to the industry and, as an industry, we have created a number of barriers to awareness and entry into the field of cybersecurity.”