Building Future-Ready Cybersecurity Talent Together!

Last week, the event “Is Education Ready for the Cybersecurity of the Future?” brought together stakeholders from education, industry, and government to explore how learning pathways can better align with the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. During the session, Mira van Benthem – Wilderom (HSD Innovation Liaison) addressed the connection between education, the labor market, and cybersecurity practice from a lifelong learning perspective. Insights from the Human Capital Agenda Security, IT Verband Zuid-Holland (#ITVZH), and labor market research conducted within the Cadmus Project Talent programme revealed several clear trends shaping the future workforce.

Research and field experience point to several important developments:

• Continuous learning throughout one’s career is essential

• Networking and collaboration are critical success factors

• Cybersecurity challenges are multidisciplinary and cross-border

• Career pathways are not always transparent

• Future demand does not yet fully align with current training offerings

These findings underline the urgency of strengthening the connection between education and professional practice.

Developing future-ready programmes

The event also highlighted the ongoing development of the International Cyber Security Summer School (ICSSS). The programme’s strength lies in its modular structure, organized around clear themes and learning pathways, with a strong emphasis on peer learning. While the foundation remains consistent, the programme is designed to adapt to new technological and market developments. In recent years, for example, an SME-focused learning pathway has been integrated, in line with the objectives of ITVZH.

Current steps in further development include:

• Smart reuse of existing modules, serious games, and platforms

• Increased focus on competency development

• Greater visibility of practical applications within thematic areas

• Stronger alignment with the cybersecurity labor market

Collaboration as a driving force

The conference was organised in collaboration with the Dutch Innovation Community, the Dutch Cyber Warfare Community, the Centre of Expertise Cyber Security, and the Dutch Innovation Factory. Cybersecurity is not only about technology, it is about people. Addressing today’s and tomorrow’s challenges requires professionals from diverse disciplines who can think across boundaries and collaborate effectively. By working together, stakeholders are strengthening the foundation for the next generation of cybersecurity talent.

The IT Verband Zuid-Holland programme aims to tackle the growing talent shortage for SMEs in South Holland and is a collective effort of WE-IT Zuid-Holland, Dutch Innovation Factory, Security Delta and IT Campus Rotterdam.