Cybersecurity Training and Education in Ireland – Where do I start?
There is a global shortage of cybersecurity professionals and with data breaches and ransomware attacks on the rise, the industry is crying out for quality individuals to fill the roles. In Ireland, the recent Cyber Ireland Skills Survey reported that nearly half of all cybersecurity roles are currently unfilled. The colleges are churning out plenty of new graduates, but it will take years to fill the gaps. This presents the perfect opportunity for those returning to the workforce or who want a change in career direction. If you are someone who wants to move into the industry and bring your professional and life experience with you, how do you do it? What pathways are open to you?
The good news is, there are a plethora of quality, affordable (or free) courses to get you started on your move in to an exciting, well-paid, sought-after role. Check out the details of each provider regarding start times, certification, cost and if it’s online or classroom based.
Springboard +
https://springboardcourses.ie/
A national and EU backed upskill initiative offers a range of undergrad and postgrad courses in sought-after areas. Courses available include many in cybersecurity and are level 7, 8 and 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. These courses are free to jobseekers, returners or previously self-employed and those in employment only pay 10% of the course fee. May be too late for this year, but keep an eye for courses starting in January or September 2022.
Further Education & Training Course Hub
The FETCH Hub is where you can find and apply for courses available on the national further education and training sector. Search the term ‘cyber’ and you will find a range of courses both online and class-based including CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA CASP+. The Hub also provides access to the national network of Adult Education Guidance supports if you need help in finding the right course your needs.
Ecollege
I often refer to Ecollege as the ‘best kept secret’ in Irish education as it is such a fantastic resource to anyone wishing to upskill, especially now as all courses are free to aid those impacted by the current Covid pandemic. This online college is backed by SOLAS and the courses are available to those over 18 years and living in Ireland. Don’t keep this one to yourself, register for a course and pass it on.
FIT - Associate Apprenticeship - Cyber Security
https://fit.ie/course/fit-ict-associate-apprenticeship-cyber-security/
Facilitated by FIT (Fast Track to Technology), this is an excellent option for school-leavers or adult learners who wish to ‘earn while they learn’. Suitable applicants receive 6 months training prior to being placed with an organisation to learn on-the-job while completing their studies.
ICT Skillnet & CISCO
https://www.ictskillnet.ie/training/ict-skillnet-cisco-networking-academy/
ICT Skillnet have joined forces with CISCO to offer the CISCO Networking Academy training courses. These courses are a great place to start if you are new to cyber security as their courses are self-paced and include quality video content.
https://www.ictskillnet.ie/training/masters-of-science-in-cybersecurity
ICS SkillNet and NCI offer this Masters of Science in Cybersecurity. This is a grant aided course so outstanding value for eligible candidates working in private or commercial semi-state organisations in the Republic of Ireland. Intake in in January 2024, applications open
https://ictskillnet.ie/course-category/cybersecurity/
ICT SkillNet offer a range of subsidised cybersecurity and emerging technology courses for groups and individuals.
EC-Council Essentials Series
https://codered.eccouncil.org/essentials-series-bundle/
The Essential Series includes three free courses, each covering essential skills in Network Defense, Ethical Hacking, and Digital Forensics. This introductory course series is designed for today's entry-level careers in information security, network defense, and digital forensics and is ideal for learners aspiring to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
ICTTF – International Cyber Threat Task Force
https://community.icttf.org/courses
Paul C Dwyer and his team have put together excellent professional courses for those working and wanting to progress in the cyber security industry. Some course are available in conjunction with ICT Skillsnet and the Irish Computer Society. Check each course for details. ICTTF also offer a ICTTF Cyber Security Bootcamp for Women which is free for participants and offers an excellent foundation for women who want to learn more about cyber security.
ITAG – Innovation Technology AtlanTec Galway
https://itag.ie/events/cyber-security-analyst-bootcamp/
ITAG have offered short course such as Cyber Security Analyst Bootcamp for Jobseekers. Fantastic opportunity for jobseekers to upskill quickly to gain the skills and support they need to start a fulfilling and well-paid career. Keep an eye out for upcoming courses.
Skills For All
https://skillsforall.com/course/introduction-to-cybersecurity
CISCO is also behind the Skills For All courses which offer a selection of entry-level cybersecurity courses which are free, online and student-paced. This is an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about cybersecurity and securing themselves or their organisation.
Returners & Returnships
https://cyberireland.ie/bring-women-back-to-the-cyber-industry/
Returners are those who are returning to working outside the home after a break of two years or more. There are many reasons for breaks in our careers such as travel, sickness, caring responsibilities, family needs etc. For whatever reason, those returning should be provided with specific supports to up-skill, build confidence and ease them back to a rewarding role and workplace community. This blog post details the supports available to returners in Ireland.
Cyber Skills
Irish university collaborative initiative to address the skills shortages in the cybersecurity sector. Offering a range of paid courses for those who have some technical skills but wish to upskill or reskill in cybersecurity. Courses are delivered online and Cyber Skills are currently accepting applications/
ISC2 - Certified in Cybersecurity
https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cc
Limited offer from certification giant ISC2. Launch your cybersecurity career with ISC2's Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) program, offering free online self-paced training and exams globally. You can seize this limited-time opportunity to join a field with limitless global prospects, no experience necessary.
UCD Professional Academy
https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/
UCD Professional Academy offer a range of short professional courses covering a wide range of popular topics, including a Professional Diploma in Cybersecurity, the one I created and deliver. There is also a Professional Diploma in Ethical Hacking available. Courses are delivered completely online with regular intake. UCD Professional Academy offer an attractive corporate discount, often with 50% off eligible group bookings.
Fortify Institute - EC-Council Certified Cybersecurity Technician Scholarship
https://www.fortifyinstitute.com/certified_cyber_technician
Fortify Institute is proud to present an exceptional opportunity for aspiring cybersecurity professionals: the EC-Council Certified Cybersecurity Technician Scholarship. Available exclusively for a limited time, this scholarship significantly reduces the cost of certification to just €199. This initiative aims to make cybersecurity education more accessible to those keen on forging a career in this critical and fast-evolving field. The certification course offers comprehensive training in cyber security, information security, cloud security, and ethical hacking, tailored to equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the industry. Whether you're looking to kickstart your career in cybersecurity or enhance your existing skills, this scholarship provides an affordable pathway to becoming a certified professional, endorsed by EC-Council.
Cyber Ireland Course Finder
https://cyberireland.ie/course-finder/
This article has focused on courses offered outside of the traditional colleges, however, for a list of courses offered by Irish colleges and universities check out Cyber Ireland’s course finder.
So, what’s stopping you? Take the first step today to gaining an exciting, specialised, well-paid career which can take you anywhere.
