July marked a very special occasion for GC’s Cyber Security apprenticeship programme. Their first-ever cohort of Level 6 Cyber Security Integrated Degree apprentices all passed their End Point Assessment with flying colours and were celebrated at UWE Bristol’s graduation ceremony at Bristol Beacon.
Emma Littlefair, Lead Assessor Trainer in Software Development Apprenticeships, attended the graduation ceremony and commented:
“I feel privileged to have been part of our apprentices’ journey. From teaching them their first programming module all those years ago to seeing them graduate – it has been an honour.”
Ben Heathfield, Brad Austin, Mark Misztal, Taylor Watson, and Liam Wrenne are the first five apprentices to have successfully completed their training, and all are looking forward to the next professional chapter in their careers.
When asked about his future plans, Mark Misztal, an apprentice graduate at CDS Defence and Security, said:
“The best thing about the apprenticeship was the real-world experience. Especially for a subject such as cyber, where the scope is almost endless, I was exposed to so many different aspects that you would not be able to experience in the classroom. My employer is a growing company with ambitious goals, currently expanding in the technical assurance and digital forensics area. There is a lot more to try and learn, and I’d like to further develop my skill set before deciding on a final role I’d like to pursue.”
Launched in 2020 by the Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, Gillian Keegan MP, GC’s first cohort of degree apprentices were supported by leading local businesses, including Bamboo Technology Group, CDS Defence and Security, Cyber Security Associates, Infrastar, and others.
A year later, the college’s Cyber Degree apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with UWE Bristol, received provisional certification from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), making it the first FE college in England to achieve such highly regarded recognition.
Thanks to outstanding delivery, highly experienced and dedicated staff, state-of-the-art facilities, NCSC certification, and the recent title of AAC National Digital Apprenticeships Provider of the Year 2024, GC’s ICT and Cyber Security apprenticeships have been growing in popularity with businesses and individuals alike. More employers are recognising the benefits of supporting and developing local talent with apprenticeships to address their tech skills needs and to enable a bright future for the industry.
Congratulations to the apprentices, their employers, and to the college and UWE Bristol’s academic staff. We wish our graduates every success in the future.
Are you an employer interested in apprenticeships?
GC’s ICT and Cyber Security apprenticeships start in September, and with limited availability on some of the programmes, there is still time to place your apprentice with the college. Talk to GC’s award-winning team to find out more and get the ball rolling. You will be supported every step of the way.
employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk/ 0345 1552020
