10142250CyberSprint: Fast Track to the FutureClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKCyberSprint's mission is to address the cybersecurity skills gap in the East Midlands and create a cyber-resilient workforce capable of protecting local businesses, organisations, and critical infrastructure from cyber threats. The project is led by De Montfort University (DMU), alongside key stakeholders: * East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster (EMCSC) * Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership * Leicestershire Careers Hub * Specialist Awareness Security Information Group (SASIG) * Barclays Eagle Labs * Digital Planning Limited * East Midlands Chamber (bringing the Local Skills Improvement Plan group (LSIP) and Collective Intelligence Skills Observatory (CISO)) * Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISEC) * The Chartered Institute of IT (BCS) The CyberSprint brings together cyber stakeholders to work in a new way to deliver a scalable toolkit to provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities for employers, cyber practitioners and new learners. Traditional cybersecurity programmes often target individuals with technical backgrounds, CyberSprint brings cross-sectoral approach, offering training to non-technical professionals working in fields such as law, psychology, finance and business. This inclusive model ensures that a diverse range of participants acquire practical cybersecurity skills that can be readily applied in the workplace. To ensure industry alignment the toolkit will embed the CIISEC Skills Framework, equipping learners with industry-recognised qualifications. BCS will be updating its RoleModelplus to give employers visibility of cyber-roles and employees progression pathways to future cyber careers In partnership with the Leicester Career Hub's Digital Accelerator Programme, CyberSprint will also integrate cybersecurity education into the curriculum of 93 schools and colleges across the East Midlands, fostering early awareness and engagement with cybersecurity challenges among young learners. CyberSprint also enables adult skills development via the Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership to deliver cybersecurity bootcamps and sector-based work programmes. These programmes will provide training for career changers, part-time workers, and those in full-time employment, offering a wide range of entry points into cybersecurity careers. The project emphasises diversity and inclusion, aiming for 30% participation from underrepresented groups, including 20% from the BAME community, ensuring that the cybersecurity workforce of the future reflects the diversity of the region. The digital inclusion initiatives of CyberSprint will also provide greater access to disadvantaged communities, creating a pathway to careers in cybersecurity for those who might otherwise be excluded. The CyberSprint model is designed for scalability, with plans to expand beyond the East Midlands to the West Midlands and eventually nationwide, creating a national model for cybersecurity training that can be replicated across the UK.