The Skills Development Scotland ‘DESAP‘ report describes the need for Cloud and Cybersecurity skills for Scottish businesses.
In particular they highlight:
- Only 3 in 10 businesses are fully equipped with cyber security skills.
- Only 1 in 3 businesses engage in ecommerce.
- Only 1 in 5 businesses feel fully equipped with digital technology skills.
In short Scotland is punching well below it’s weight when it comes to our businesses participating in the modern digital economy, and therefore efforts to boost adoption are critical.
Cloud computing, applications and cybersecurity are the building blocks required for this participation, and so developing those skills is the core objective for our digital skills strategy, achieved through delivering the required educational support. Key providers in Scotland include:
- The Abertay Cyberquarter, a new £18m cybersecurity research and development centre housed within Abertay University.
- Glasgow Clyde College offers an HND in Cybersecurity and Robert Gordon a Cyber Security BSc.
- CodeClan delivers bespoke Amazon AWS training and The Skills Academy Microsoft Azure courses.
AWS re/Start
An especially important factor is making these courses accessible to key social groups, via fast-tracking route to work pathways. For example:
re/Start is implemented by local partners. In Scotland the first provider is Dundee and Angus College, where their course is provided via 12 weeks, online and face-to-face delivery.
Excellent to see our @AWS re/Start programme featured on @STVDundee. Given challenges in the labour market right now & the skills gaps in #digital & #Tech, it's vital that a joined up approach is taken to provide opportunities to upskill/reskill in a focused, responsive way. 💜💙 pic.twitter.com/JshIeqq940
— Simon Hewitt (@shewittDA) January 31, 2023