The programme was developed by Gateshead College, CyberNorth, and local industry partners to address the sector’s skills shortage, while providing a flexible and collaborative approach to workforce development.
The Higher Apprenticeship Cyber Security Technologist focuses on key areas of cyber defence, risk management, incident response, and network security. It combines study with working for leading companies in the cyber security field.
A second group of PlanBEE Cyber apprentices will start in January 2026, gaining hands-on experience working on major projects in the North East’s rapidly growing cyber sector.
Benefits:
How does the PlanBEE Cyber programme work?
PlanBEE Cyber is a shared apprenticeship scheme with apprentices employed by NEAC (Gateshead College) as the Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agency.
Apprentices undertake multiple work placements over two years, hosted by different employer ‘sponsors’. By rotating between businesses, they gain a breadth of experience and insight into the diverse challenges and opportunities in the cyber security field.
From day one, apprentices become valued members of the team, spending four days a week working and one day at college.
Throughout the apprenticeship, apprentices develop a wide range of technical and behavioural skills, including problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication, all of which are critical for success in the cyber security sector.
On completion of the programme, employers are able to fill skilled cyber security vacancies with PlanBEE Cyber graduates.
“At Northumbrian Water Group we believe that the future is shaped by the talent we nurture today. That’s why we are committed to championing apprenticeships like PlanBEE Cyber. We strive to reflect the communities we serve by building a workforce that is as diverse, dynamic, and forward-thinking as the world around us and PlanBEE Cyber embraces this. Together, we’re not just building careers we’re shaping a better future for our business and our community.”