Lancashire’s cyber skills pipeline enjoyed a further boost recently with the opening of a new training hub at Burnley College.
The Security Operations Centre, a dedicated cyber security suite where students can experience simulated cyber-attacks and respond using cutting-edge equipment, was officially opened this month by Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office.
Technology students led Ms Oppong-Asare through several cyber exercises centred around about personal, national and commercial security. In addition, media students took the opportunity to interview her about the future of cyber security, and how today’s students can help shape its future.
Minister Oppong-Asare, said: “I was delighted to visit Burnley College and open the new Security Operations Centre. The state-of-the-art facility is an investment in the future security of Lancashire and the whole of the UK, helping to train the next generation of cyber security professionals.”
Burnley College has also been awarded Gold CyberFirst status – a government initiative to nurture and develop the very best young talent in the field of cybersecurity. Commenting on the award, the Minister added: “I congratulate Burnley College on being awarded a gold CyberFirst award for their commitment and dedication to cyber education. It’s a real achievement and testament to the staff and students.”
Principal at Burnley College, Karen Buchanan, said of the visit: “The Security Operations Centre at Burnley College is a testament to our dedication to fostering innovative solutions and training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
“The Minister’s visit underscores the importance of our work with companies of all sizes to train their employees, ensuring a more secure future for everyone. Our new facility is a beacon of innovation and partnership.”
Linda Dean, managing director of the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology (IoT), also attended the event at Burnley College (which is a member of the IoT’s network of local colleges).
She said: “The visit was an opportunity to demonstrate how institutions in Lancashire are coming together to help learners secure the skills they need to take into businesses.
“From speaking to IoT students, I know they’re really keen to take their skills to employers because they’re the generation that has grown up with this. Similarly, businesses have told me that they don’t have these skills, so the opportunity for this Security Operations Centre to make a difference to businesses in the region is really powerful.”
The Minister also met with education providers from across the region who are implementing cyber courses and skills programmes from primary to degree-level, and heard from representatives of the Lancashire Cyber Partnership (LCP) about the anticipated impact of the incoming National Cyber Force HQ which will be sited in central Lancashire.
