talent and development
Developing the skills and talent the cyber sector needs
The UK’s cyber security sector is growing, but the pipeline of skilled professionals isn’t keeping pace. CyNam’s skills and talent programmes exist to close that gap, whether that means supporting an experienced founder with the knowledge they need to scale, connecting a first-time entrepreneur with a mentor who’s been there before, or inspiring a young person in a South West classroom to consider a career in cyber security.
From grassroots education to peer-to-peer founder support, these programmes invest in people at every stage of the journey because a thriving regional ecosystem depends on developing talent from the ground up.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMMES
MENTORING AND PEER NETWORKS
Connect with experienced PROFESSIONALS and peers who understand the challenges you’re facing.
Working in cyber and technology can be isolating. CyNam’s Mentoring and Peer Networks programme pairs people with seasoned entrepreneurs, executives, and specialists and brings them together in peer groups where shared experience becomes a genuine resource.
The programme offers one-to-one mentoring relationships, facilitated peer learning circles, and topic-specific support groups covering areas like career development, product-market fit, fundraising, team building, and scaling. All mentors volunteer their time because they’ve been through it themselves and want to give back.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
anyone
working in or around the cyber and technology sector
When you apply, you’ll be matched with a mentor based on your background, goals, and current challenges. Relationships are structured but flexible — typically a one-hour session per month, with the option to adjust. Peer circles meet regularly in small groups of six to ten people, facilitated by a CyNam team member or experienced mentor.
- A sounding board for tough decisions — learn from people who’ve faced the same crossroads
- Accountability — regular check-ins help you maintain momentum and follow through
- A broader network — mentors frequently open doors to their own connections
- Community — the peer groups reduce the isolation that can come with working in a fast-moving sector
There is no cost to participate as a mentee or peer circle member.
Leave with connections to investors who are the right fit for your business
gain visibility via promotional marketing to our database of over 5000 industry professionals
CyberFirst South West
Building the next generation of cybersecurity talent across the South West of England.
CyberFirst South West is a regional hub of the National Cyber Security Centre’s CyberFirst programme. It connects schools, students, educators, and employers across the region through competitions, courses, activities, and resources designed to inspire young people to pursue careers in cybersecurity.
The UK faces a serious and growing shortage of cybersecurity professionals. CyberFirst South West exists to address that gap, building a skilled regional talent pipeline, reaching students who might not otherwise consider the sector, and helping to strengthen the UK’s national cyber capability from the ground up.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Schools
Bring cyber into your curriculum and connect your students with employers.
students
Explore a career in cybersecurity through competitions, courses and hands-on workshops.
employers
Engage with emerging talent and help shape the next generation of cyber professionals.
- Competitions — including the national CyberFirst Girls Competition and regional challenges that put skills into practice
- Courses and taster days — hands-on cyber security learning designed for students with no prior experience
- Classroom resources — curriculum-linked materials for educators to bring cyber security into their teaching
- Employer engagement — connecting local businesses with students and graduates entering the workforce
- Inspires young people — engaging, hands-on activities that make cyber security accessible and exciting
- Builds regional talent — creating pathways from education into employment for South West employers
- Drives diversity — actively reaching students who are underrepresented in the cyber sector
- Strengthens national security — developing the next generation of professionals the UK needs
Contact Charlotte directly at charlotte.s@cynam.org to find out how your school, organisation, or business can get involved.
Leave with connections to investors who are the right fit for your business
gain visibility via promotional marketing to our database of over 5000 industry professionals
Our partners
GETTING INVOLVED
CyNam is your Gloucestershire-focused cyber and tech network, welcoming SMEs, large organisations, investors, local and central government representatives, and everyone in between. With a wide variety of activities running throughout the year, CyNam has something for everyone. Engage with CyNam by attending events, signing up for regular updates, and becoming part of one of our many programmes. If you are interested in supporting Cheltenham and Gloucestershire’s flourishing cyber and tech ecosystem, don’t hesitate to contact us to explore sponsorship opportunities, too.