M&S Sponsors Cyber College Cymru at Cardiff & Vale College to Upskill Students in Cybersecurity

Marks & Spencer (M&S) is taking a proactive role in addressing the UK’s cyber skills shortage by sponsoring Cyber College Cymru at Cardiff & Vale College. Through this partnership, M&S’s Cyber Security team will deliver a series of hands-on workshops, equipping students with essential skills for a successful career in cybersecurity.

Building Future Cybersecurity Talent

As part of the sponsorship, M&S Cyber Security professionals will work with a cohort of 21 students at Cardiff & Vale College, delivering ten weekly workshops throughout February and March.

The workshops will focus on:

• Windows & Linux investigations
• Network security fundamentals
• Incident response training
• Microsoft Security & ethical hacking challenges
• Challenge days simulating real-world cyber incidents

Industry Leaders on the Impact of the Initiative

“The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is greater than ever. M&S is proud to sponsor Cyber College Cymru and contribute to addressing this critical need. By providing hands-on training and real-world insights, we aim to equip students with the practical skills they need to succeed and prepare for rewarding cybersecurity careers.”

– Steve Cottrell, Chief Information Security Officer, Marks & Spencer

“Cardiff and Vale College is delighted to partner with M&S on the Cyber College Cymru workshops. This partnership gives students access to industry expertise, ensuring they gain the latest cyber skills. M&S’s involvement will boost learners and staff, impacting the UK and Wales, and supporting growth in the Cardiff Capital Region.”

– Sharon James-Evans, Principal, Cardiff & Vale College

“The Cardiff & Vale College teaching team and M&S cyber team have launched this year’s programme and will help build a skills pipeline for the future. The technical workshops are a student highlight, showing excellent progress, and the real-world insight from M&S is going to maximise the programme’s impact on our young people enrolled on the course.”

– Mike Halliday, Programme Lead, Cyber College Cymru

By investing in education and upskilling future professionals, M&S and Cyber College Cymru are playing a crucial role in strengthening Wales’s cybersecurity talent pipeline and supporting the wider Cardiff Capital Region.