Nationwide partners with CAPSLOCK for cyber training scheme

Nationwide has announced a collaboration with CAPSLOCK to establish a dedicated cyber security training scheme as part of its Technology Development Programme.

The partnership is a significant move for Nationwide, which has trained over 300 graduates and career changers in IT through the programme over nearly ten years. This marks the first time Nationwide has engaged a dedicated cyber skills partner, focussing on providing practical, industry-related cyber education.

Nationwide is seeking to foster greater diversity within its cybersecurity operations and contribute to the development of the UK's national cybersecurity capabilities.

CAPSLOCK, a cyber training organisation based in the UK, will support Nationwide by onboarding, training, and allocating new entrants into cybersecurity roles over sixteen weeks. Trainees will achieve Certified Cyber Security Practitioner qualifications upon completion.

The training curriculum offered by CAPSLOCK engaged participants in a team-oriented, problem-solving environment simulating real-world cybersecurity challenges. The course included risk management, technological processes, and strategic impact skills, alongside culture building, resilience, and business continuity.

The programme aims to equip Nationwide's cybersecurity efforts and plans are underway to expand upskilling opportunities further in 2025.

David Boda, Chief Security and Resilience Officer at Nationwide, expressed the need for diverse perspectives in cybersecurity, stating: "There's always something new to learn when you work in cyber, but this makes staying ahead of the threat landscape challenging. You need different perspectives if you want to succeed. We feel that companies like Nationwide have a responsibility to help develop the UK's cybersecurity skillset. That's why we've partnered with CAPSLOCK – to bring more diversity not just into the company but into the UK cyber industry as a whole."

Dr Andrea Cullen, CEO and Co-founder of CAPSLOCK, emphasised the importance of diverse experiences and backgrounds in cybersecurity resilience: "To combat threat actors, you must be able to think like one. That's why the UK's cyber resilience relies heavily on diversity of experience, background and thinking. The values of Nationwide's development programme align strongly with our own. Learners don't need to have a technical background. They can be graduates and career changers with a passion for cyber and valuable transferable skills from other life experiences. This is a vital part of the CAPSLOCK ethos and why we're proud to support Nationwide in strengthening its cyber workforce."

This initiative seeks to address the dual challenges of recruiting skilled personnel for cybersecurity roles and fostering a workplace culture that prioritises cybersecurity, diversity, and ongoing education.