The International Cyber Expo in London proved to be a dynamic gathering for cyber security professionals, innovators, and educators alike. The Velocity Academy team was thrilled to participate in such a jam-packed event, where the energy and ambition of the cyber security sector were unmistakable. The expo offered a platform for industry leaders to share their insights on the rapidly evolving threat landscape and the ever-increasing demand for skilled professionals.
Recent high-profile cyber security incidents affecting companies like Marks & Spencer, Jaguar Land Rover, and Co-Op have underscored the urgent necessity for robust cyber defences and a continuous influx of new talent. These events highlight that cyber threats are not only persistent but are growing in sophistication, making the development of future-ready talent an absolute priority.
At the expo, Velocity Academy had the invaluable opportunity to connect with a diverse range of organisations, including Natwest, G4S, Lego, HMRC, and the London City Police. Each of these industry leaders brought unique perspectives to the ongoing challenges in cyber security, particularly regarding the recruitment, upskilling, and retention of cyber talent.
Our discussions revealed a shared concern: the pressing need to bridge the skills gap in cyber security. Many organisations are seeking innovative solutions to ensure their teams are prepared to meet current and future threats head-on. The appetite for practical, work-based learning solutions—such as apprenticeships—was clear, and we were able to share how our tailored programmes can help organisations build their internal talent pipelines effectively.
Beyond engaging with employers, the Velocity Academy team spoke with a large number of individuals from the London area who are eager to launch their careers in cyber security. The enthusiasm and drive displayed by these aspiring professionals were inspiring, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing the next generation of cyber experts.
Our advisors provided comprehensive careers advice and guidance on entering the cyber security sector, emphasising the value of apprenticeships as a launchpad for new talent. We are now proud to have a substantial cohort of candidates ready to begin their journey via our cyber security apprenticeship programmes. Organisations interested in harnessing this wave of fresh talent are encouraged to reach out and discover how they can benefit from this motivated pool of future professionals.
A highlight of the event was the keynote delivered by Velocity Academy’s founder, Ben Newbould, on the Diversity & Skills stage. Ben’s talk, ‘Securing the Future: How Businesses Can Build a Cybersecurity Talent Pipeline with the Apprenticeship Levy,’ addressed some of the most pressing challenges our partners face in the current landscape.
Ben shared real-world examples of how Velocity Academy has helped organisations leverage the Apprenticeship Levy to fill critical cyber security skills gaps. By investing in structured apprenticeship pathways, businesses are not only meeting regulatory and operational demands but are also future-proofing their teams. Ben’s insights resonated with attendees, igniting conversations about diversity, inclusive hiring, and the need for a proactive approach to talent development in cyber security.
I have loved every part of my Marketing apprenticeship with Velocity Academy. Paired with hands on experience at JCB, a leading construction and agricultural equipment manufacture and the outmatched guidance from the Velocity team, I achieved a distinction for this course.
We have chosen to continue, and expand, our partnership with Velocity Academy due to outstanding working relationship we’ve built together. From the very beginning, Velocity have shown exceptional flexibility in accommodating our evolving requirements, often going above and beyond to tailor their delivery to our operational needs, always putting the wellbeing of the learners first. Velocity Academy have delivered consistent quality in both teaching and customer services (namely Lee and Emma) making them a trusted partner in delivering apprenticeships to our employees.
My experience with Graham at Velocity Academy has been nothing short of exceptional. His professionalism, expertise, and commitment to finding the right apprentices have been very impressive.
Once the candidates were selected, the transition to getting them on board was remarkably quick and seamless. Graham efficiently handled all the necessary paperwork and administrative tasks, making the onboarding process hassle-free.
I would recommend their services to anyone in search of apprentices who will make a positive impact on their business. Our apprentices are excelling in their roles and continuously developing their skills.
Velocity Academy sourced a fantastic Apprentice Developer on our behalf and we couldn’t have been happier with the service. Regular check-ins, guidance and support from the start and genuine care were put into the recruitment process from Velocity, which meant they came up trumps with a cracking candidate. They have been outstanding. Thanks Velocity!
