North East businesses urged to shape future cyber talent

A pioneering new cyber security apprenticeship programme is launching in the North East calling on more regional employers to get involved in shaping the UK’s future cyber talent.

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

Building on the success of the original PlanBEE apprenticeship launched in 2016, this award-winning, 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 is designed and delivered by Gateshead College, with initial support from Northumbrian Water Group, CyberNorth and InfoSec Advisory, who have worked together to shape its launch and ensure it responds directly to employer needs.

Phil O’Neil, Head of Department for Digital Technologies, Gateshead College, said: “PlanBEE Cyber is a practical solution to a real challenge – building the next generation of cyber professionals, especially in a sector where demand is growing but access to training remains uneven. By enabling multiple businesses to share the responsibility and benefit of 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 helping to shape future skills.

Anthony Smith, Head of Cyber Security at Northumbrian Water Group, said: “We’re proud to be part of this partnership and to help get PlanBEE Cyber off the ground. It’s not just about developing talent for our own organisation – it’s about contributing to a stronger, 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 to more businesses, particularly those who couldn’t previously commit to an apprentice full time. It’s a smarter, more collaborative way of growing local cyber talent – and we’re proud the North East is leading the way.”

Employers interested in joining the programme can find out more at: https://www.gateshead.ac.uk/courses/planbee/planbee-employers/planbee-cyber%20sponsors/