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Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) is delighted to announce the launch of Cyber Professionals in the Classroom, a refreshed and fully updated resource designed to strengthen the connection between Scotland’s cybersecurity professions and schools across Scotland. This new resource builds on and replaces the original Cyber Skills Resource Catalogue, first created by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and Digital Skills Education in 2020. The cyber sector has transformed dramatically in recent years. New programmes, teaching tools, and industry led initiatives have emerged at pace, and the original catalogue could no longer reflect the breadth of opportunities now available. Employers and teachers needed a clearer, more current, and more accessible guide—and this project set out to deliver exactly that. This project has been funded by the Scottish Government seeking to raise awareness of cyber security careers and highlight routes into these careers. Clare El Azebbi (Head of the National Cyber Resilience Unit) at the Scottish Government commented: ‘The aspiration of the Scottish Government is that Scotland has a flourishing cyber security industry and research community and a skilled cyber security professional workforce. To this end, we are endeavouring to strengthen the talent pipeline by increasing uptake of cyber security learning and qualifications, expanding access to apprenticeships and vocational routes, and promoting diversity and inclusion at all levels. The Scottish Government and its partners are committed to raising awareness of cyber security careers, promoting clear and accessible routes into cyber security roles, and fostering the growth of a dynamic cyber security workforce capable of adapting to the demands of a rapidly changing world’. Why this refresh matters Cybersecurity is one of the UK’s fastest growing digital fields, and the demand for talent continues to rise. Recent reports highlight the scale of the opportunity—and the challenge: - The UK cyber workforce now sits at around 349,000 people, yet there remains a shortfall of more than 93,300 workers across the sector. Cyber security skills in the UK labour market 2025 - GOV.UK - Cyber is the UK’s fastest growing IT occupation, with the number of cybersecurity professionals more than doubling from 28,500 in 2021 to 65,000 in 2024. UK Cyber Security Employment Trends Report 2024 | Socura - The workforce remains less diverse than the wider digital sector, with women making up just 17% of cyber professionals in 2024—down from 23.8% in 2021—and ethnic minority representation at 19% overall. UK Cyber Security Employment Trends Report 2024 | Socura These figures underline the importance of early engagement. Schools need support from industry to help young people understand cyber careers, build confidence, and see themselves represented in the sector. Employers have a vital role to play—and this refreshed resource makes it easier than ever for them to get involved. A research driven update for a fast moving sector driven update for a fast moving sector To ensure the new resource reflects the current landscape, DYW carried out a detailed research and mapping project, reviewing the full range of cyber education materials developed since 2020. This work identified: - Newly developed classroom resources - Updated national cyber programmes - Practical tools to help cyber professionals engage confidently with teachers The result is a resource that brings together the most relevant and accessible materials in one place. Accessible, visible, and built for sustained engagement To maximise reach and ease of use, the refreshed resource is now fully embedded on DYW.Scot. It will also be promoted through: - The DYW Employer Led Regional Groups - National and local partner networks This ensures long term visibility and ongoing support for employers who want to play an active role in developing Scotland’s future cyber talent. A simple, effective menu of options for employers The Cyber Professionals in the Classroom resource offers a clear menu of engagement options, giving employers straightforward ways to connect with their future workforce. Whether an organisation is taking its first steps into school engagement or looking to deepen existing partnerships, the updated suite makes it easy to get involved. Designed as readymade, off the shelf activities, the resources support organisations of every size to deliver high quality, meaningful experiences for young people. This approach is especially valuable for: - SMEs - Microbusinesses - Individual volunteers These groups often want to contribute but may not have the time or capacity to design activities from scratch. The refreshed suite removes barriers and provides practical, classroom ready tools that make engagement simple, achievable, and impactful. Building Scotland’s future cyber workforce Cybersecurity skills are essential across every sector, and Scotland’s young people deserve opportunities to explore them with confidence. By modernising and expanding the original catalogue, DYW is helping ensure that classrooms reflect the realities of today’s digital world—and that employers have a clear, accessible route to inspire the workforce of tomorrow. The new Cyber Professionals in the Classroom resource is an invitation to industry: share your expertise, support teachers, and help shape Scotland’s next generation of cyber professionals. This project is supported by:  Comments are closed.
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