North East businesses urged to shape future cyber talent

Delivered by Gateshead College with support from CyberNorth, PlanBEE Cyber brings together businesses from across the region to develop early-career talent through a flexible, rotation-based model.

Building on the success of the original PlanBEE apprenticeship launched in 2016, this award-winning and industry-led programme is now being extended to tackle the UK’s urgent cyber security skills gap.

Unlike traditional apprenticeships, PlanBEE Cyber enables apprentices to complete placements across multiple employers, building a broad and practical understanding of the sector. The programme has been designed by Gateshead College, with initial support from the Northumbrian Water Group, CyberNorth and InfoSec Advisory, who have worked together to shape its launch and ensure that programme responds directly to employer needs.

Practical solution 

Phil O’Neil, head of department for digital technologies at Gateshead College, said: “PlanBEE Cyber is a practical solution to a real challenge: building the next generation of cyber professionals, notably in a sector where demand is growing, but access to training remains uneven. By enabling multiple businesses to share the responsibility of, and the benefits to be derived from training an apprentice, this model lowers the barrier to entry and opens up opportunities for a wider range of organisations.”

Cyber security is one of the UK’s fastest-growing tech sectors. Demand for skilled professionals has more than doubled in the past two years, yet many SMEs still struggle to access training due to the specialist nature and breadth of the skills required.

PlanBEE Cyber’s shared apprenticeship model directly addresses this challenge, offering businesses of all sizes – including SMEs – the chance to benefit from work-ready talent, while in tandem helping to shape future skills.

Stronger cyber ecosystem 

Anthony Smith, head of cyber security at the Northumbrian Water Group, stated: “We’re proud to be part of this partnership and to help PlanBEE Cyber start its journey. It’s not just about developing talent for our own organisation. It’s also about contributing towards a stronger and more resilient cyber ecosystem across the North East.”

Danielle Phillips, CEO of CyberNorth, added: “The traditional apprenticeship model wasn’t working for most SMEs. This flexi-job approach opens the door for more businesses, particularly so those who couldn’t previously commit to an apprentice full-time. It’s a smarter and more collaborative way of growing local cyber talent. We’re proud that the North East is leading the way.”

*Employers interested in joining the programme can access further details online at https://www.gateshead.ac.uk/courses/planbee/planbee-employers/planbee-cyber%20sponsors/