Cyber Security Degree-level Opportunities, Backed by Innovative Technology Company, Boxxe

Course Tutor Richard Hind says: “Research published by the UK National Cybersecurity Centre suggests that more than half of UK businesses have a cyber security skills gap, while ​other figures reveal that over 70% of large UK companies have been the victim of a cyberattack over the past 12 months. It is thought the cyber security job market will continue to grow throughout the 2020s. So, this is the ​perfect time to start developing a career in this rapidly expanding industry.”

Students studying the Foundation Degree will have the use of a new cyber security lab, ​designed and configured by boxxe (formerly SBL) in York, with whom the College has a fruitful partnership. The company is known for its national security work, and has provided the Ministry of Defence with world-leading security solutions for the last thirty years. The company is passionate about developing new talent in the industry and has regularly provided inspirational presentations at the College on diverse subjects around artificial intelligence, they have also sponsored student competitions and organised ‘Technology Day’ events. Building on their successful relationship with York College, boxxe intend to develop real world case studies and establish links with cyber security vendors and industry specialists to support the new Foundation Degree course, they also have apprentices at York College and the company employs former York College Digital Technologies students.

CEO of boxxe, Phil Doye, said: “Our mission with the boxxe Community is to make technology human – that is, to help every individual and organisation to recognise and fulfil their potential through the use of technology. The work we have done with York College, and the result of that work – the first Foundation Degree in Digital Technologies with Cyber Security in the UK – is a huge stepping stone towards addressing a national skills shortage and nurturing future talent.”

Amy Gadd, Head of Yorkshire & Humber Institute of Technology (YHIoT) is delighted to see the degree course up and running: “York College remains the lead partner for the YHIoT which is helping to bring together industry and education in a mutually collaborative way. One key area of focus is on digital skills, which includes cyber security, across a number of different industry sectors.

With the demand for digital skills growing in the region, the need for which has been highlighted by the pandemic, it is really important that we work with industry closely to ensure that people have the right technical skills for today’s job market. The YHIoT is working closely with key business in the region to help shape and develop the curriculum for what regional employers need not just today but for the future. boxxe are a fantastic partner for York College and we look forward to working with them further as part of the YHIoT in the future.”

There are still a few places available on the Foundation Degree in Cyber Security starting in September, and for people already in employment who are looking for a part-time route, York College offers the BCS Level-4 Apprenticeship - Cyber Security Technologist.

For more information, click here.