Last month, the Prime Minister announced a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Opportunities Action Plan, to use AI to deliver a decade of National Renewal. For National Apprenticeship Week, we spoke to Digital Route Panel members Sarah Hague and Dr Matthew Forshaw. Read on to learn why AI and Cyber Security apprenticeships are now more important than ever. Sarah is Chief Operating Officer at BlackDice Cyber, a start-up specialising in enterprise grade cyber defence solutions to telecoms operator subscribers. Matthew is Senior Advisor for Skills to The Alan Turing Institute, and a Reader in Data Science at Newcastle University. His work in data and AI skills includes working with the Government on the skills commitments of the National Data Strategy and National AI Strategy, and as College of Experts member to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). ## **Why, as an industry leader, are you passionate about developing apprenticeships in your sector?** **Sarah:** Cybersecurity is essential for protecting critical infrastructure and citizens. It is evolving constantly, particularly with the pace of AI adoption. More aspects of life are becoming digitised and connected to the internet. This increases the opportunity for attacks. Fighting cybercrime and building resilience, requires investment in skills training. Apprenticeships can play a significant role in addressing skills gaps. They lower barriers to entry and widen the talent pool. Small and medium sized businesses often cannot afford to invest in full-scale cybersecurity programmes. Apprenticeship programmes can be a cost-effective way to build in-house cyber capabilities. **Matthew:** For the UK to lead the way in the safe and ethical adoption of AI, it must have an AI workforce which is as diverse and representative as the general population. I am passionate about democratising access to training across all levels of education. I see apprenticeships as a powerful mechanism to achieve this vision. I am particularly passionate about apprenticeships' competency-based approach. This gives clarity into the skills needed by industry. ## **Where do you see the value and benefit of apprenticeships in AI and Cyber Security?** **Matthew:** The impact of artificial intelligence will be felt across all sectors of UK industry, from healthcare to manufacturing. It will drive transformation in public services. Many roles will involve using AI technologies. We must equip the workforce will the skills to be able to make use of these tools. **Sarah:** At BlackDice, we currently have three apprentices working across software development, software testing, and cyber security . They are critical members of our team. We give them exciting and meaningful projects to work on, so in turn they can develop relevant skills. Our apprentices have contributed to our mission from day one. They work at the forefront of cyber security technology and deliver crucial work every day. They have all accepted full-time employment on completion of their programmes. We hope they will go on to inspire our next intake, who will continue our work to protect businesses and families all over the world. For me, apprenticeships aren’t just training people for jobs, they’re preparing them for meaningful, impactful careers. ## **How is your work on IfATE’s digital route panel contributing to the skills pillar of the government’s National Data Strategy, and the National AI Strategy?** **Sarah:** Being part of IfATE’s Digital Route Panel has been an incredible opportunity to shape the future of skills training. One of the key areas we focus on is embedding data literacy into every standard. Understanding, analysing, and using data isn’t only for tech roles anymore. Everyone benefits from asking, “What data will help me make better decisions?” and “How do I communicate these insights clearly?” By building these skills into apprenticeships, we’re preparing people to work smarter and create real value in their roles. Being a member of a route panel provides an amazing opportunity to ensure that all standards and qualifications will give people the skills they need to contribute to the advancement of their respective sectors and professions. **Matthew:** Recently I have collaborated with IfATE colleagues to support IfATE officials and trailblazer groups to understand AI skills needs for their industries. This builds on my work at The Alan Turing Institute to develop the UK’s AI Skills for Business Competency Framework, in collaboration with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Innovate UK’s BridgeAI programme. I’m looking forward to continuing to support IfATE colleagues to maximise the opportunity to embed AI skills across all sectors. The strength of employer voice is crucial in fast-paced areas such as Artificial Intelligence. ## **How is AI supporting the cyber security industry? How can the two industries work together using apprenticeships?** **Sarah:** AI is reshaping cybersecurity as both a powerful ally and a potential risk. AI has the potential to significantly enhance cyber security resilience, for example, in threat and anomaly detection and response. To leverage the potential of AI, we need skilled people who understand the technology, can manage its risks, and know how to apply it ethically. AI technology and use cases will evolve at a pace quicker than we can update qualification standards. We need to make sure that ethics, transparency and bias are embedded in all standards and qualifications. These principles will help apprentices think critically about how and why AI should be used. Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should! **Matthew:** Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising cybersecurity by enabling real-time threat detection, predictive analysis, and automated responses to cyber threats. Meanwhile, these same technologies also present significant cybersecurity risks. Generative AI chatbots have the potential to be used to scale up phishing attacks by impersonating humans, and AI-generated audio or video _‘deepfakes’_ have already been used to commit financial fraud and undermine information security. Cybersecurity professionals must be adept not only in the effective application of AI technologies to perform their work, but also to effectively foresight emerging threat models enabled by AI. Rapid paces of development will emphasise the need for ongoing professional development, and effective foresighting to identify these emerging risks. Many of these skills vary by sector and organisational settings, and it is essential that individuals have the opportunity to develop practical skills. Apprenticeships are ideally suited to equip the future cybersecurity workforce. ## **What would you say to encourage someone considering a career in a digital field to pursue an apprenticeship in software development or cyber security?** **Sarah:** If you want a career where you can make an immediate impact, solve real problems, and stay ahead of the curve, cybersecurity and software development are the perfect fields. There’s no better way to get started than through an Apprenticeship. Apprenticeships set you up for long-term success, with opportunities to specialise and advance. From week one, you’re applying what you learn to real-world challenges, and gaining practical skills that employers value. With the rise of AI, connected devices, and digital services, demand for these roles will only grow. Beyond technical skills, these roles teach collaboration. You’ll not only build expertise but also open doors to diverse career paths across many sectors.  Software developers and cyber security analysts are not just found in tech companies. ## **What would you say to encourage apprentices and employers to consider learning about AI, using AI, and incorporating AI into their skills training plans?** **Matthew:** Rapid advances in AI technology have accelerated the need for proactive upskilling for all individuals across organisations. There is a need for employees to be able to critically assess the potential impacts of AI on their current and future roles, and to support leaders to undertake their governance responsibility around the introduction of AI technologies. Artificial Intelligence, applied correctly, offers the potential for organisational and personal productivity benefits. I would encourage employers and apprentices alike to see apprenticeships as a valuable bridge between industry and academic practice. ## **_Further information:_** * IfATE's route panels bring the employer voice to the very heart of our work. Route panels members are outstanding employers who are experts in their industries. They work with us to ensure technical education meets the skills needs of their sectors, now and in the future. * Learn more about apprenticeships * Explore your career options with our digital route Occupational Maps

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (10-16 February), Rebecca Jones, a member of IfATE’s Apprentice Panel, shares her journey as an environmental practitioner degree apprentice at WSP. The apprentice panel brings together apprentices from a wide range of backgrounds, across all 15 of our routes. These apprentices’ experiences and views help inform all areas of our work, including IfATE’s environmental and climate change skills strategy. The strategy aims to ensure that technical education contributes to meeting environmental and climate change goals. Read on to discover how Rebecca’s apprenticeship is directly contributing to the UK’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, and why Rebecca thinks choosing an apprenticeship was the best decision for her career. ## What inspired you to pursue an environmental practitioner degree apprenticeship rather than a traditional university degree? I always knew that I wanted to work in the environmental sector as I wanted to do something that would positively impact the world around us. I chose the apprenticeship route because I didn’t know which specific career path I wanted to follow. This route has given me the opportunity to work in a variety of earth and environment sectors such as Ecology, Landscape Architecture, and Hydrogeology. This has helped to define my interests and give me a better understanding of what kind of work I enjoy the most. Attending university on block release has also been a great opportunity for me to connect and collaborate with other degree apprentices from different businesses who are following the same career path as myself, which has been insightful. ## What key skills have you developed through combining practical work experience with academic study? Becoming effective at time management has been crucial when~~in~~ ~~completing~~ balancing university assignments alongside fulfilling work commitments.  I believe completing a degree whilst working full-time has enriched my experience compared to the average university student. With my apprenticeship, I have been able to see first-hand how what I have learned at university can be directly applied to my job role. ## How does your apprenticeship directly contribute to the UK's net zero ambitions for 2050? In my role at WSP, I’m already contributing to the UK's environmental goals. A key part of the job is advising businesses and organisations on how they can reduce their environmental impacts. It is important for consultants to keep up to date on the latest environmental policies so we can provide accurate information to clients. I am currently based in the Landscape Architecture team where I have had the opportunity to implement the 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirement. BNG could help to achieve net zero by preserving and enhancing existing habitats as well as creating new ones which could help to reduce pollution. ## How do you see the role of environmental practitioners evolving as we move towards a net zero future? I think there is currently a focus on complying with environmental regulations.  Moving forward, I predict there will be a greater emphasis on driving innovation and developing sustainable solutions across all environmental sectors, as well as future-proofing by taking a more proactive approach in anticipating and mitigating potential environmental risks. This could involve conducting thorough environmental impact assessments, developing robust strategies to combat climate change, and promoting preventative measures. ## What opportunities do you see for future apprentices in the environmental sector? I believe the demand will grow for people to work in the environmental sector, to help achieve goals such as: * achieving net zero * protecting biodiversity * reducing pollution * mitigating and adapting to climate change * promoting sustainable resource management ## What's been the most challenging and most enjoyable aspects of your apprenticeship? Deadline pressures can sometimes be challenging but I am surrounded by a supportive team which definitely helps with that. But overall, I love my job! I have had the opportunity to try a variety of career paths, giving me a wide range of knowledge to take forward. Experiencing so many options has helped me decide what to specialise in. As someone who enjoys learning, an apprenticeship was the perfect route for me as you are essentially paid to learn! ## What are you most proud of from your apprenticeship journey? I don’t think I give myself enough credit, but completing a degree alongside work is hard, so I am very proud of myself for taking on that challenge. I have also received great feedback from my colleagues which makes me feel valued and motivated to achieve even more than I already have. ## Further information: * Read the environmental practitioner level 6 occupational standard * View all apprenticeships in the agriculture, animal care and environment route * IfATE expects all standards and qualifications to take green into account. The Green Toolkit provides guidance to help. It includes both general and route-specific guidance on green skills. It also includes information on how IfATE classifies "green jobs".