Cyber resilience in the future of work

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs 2025 report highlights that Ireland faces a 76 per cent transformation barrier due to skill gaps in the labour market, significantly higher than the global average of 63 per cent. Skill gaps are the biggest barrier to business transformation, with 63 per cent of employers identifying them as a major challenge over the 2025-2030 period. To address this, 85 per cent of employers plan to prioritise upskilling their workforce, with 70 per cent expecting to hire staff with new skills.

How Cyber Skills is closing the gap

Cyber Skills is tackling this challenge by offering practical, industry-focused education that ensures professionals are workplace-ready. Funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 3, Cyber Skills is a collaboration between Munster Technological University (MTU), Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), and the University of Limerick (UL). It provides online, flexible, university-accredited micro-credentials and job role-specific pathways to help professionals upskill and reskill in cybersecurity. Learners can benefit from the HEA HCI Pillar 3 Micro-Credentials Learner Fee Subsidy, which provides an 80 per cent reduction on course fees, making cybersecurity education more accessible.

To meet specific workforce demands, Cyber Skills has developed targeted programmes in partnership with industry and government agencies. One example is a programme designed with two regional councils to support information security roles in small IT departments, such as those found in regional county councils and small businesses. This initiative equips learners with both technical skills, such as vulnerability analysis, and managerial skills, including AI for cyber resilience and cyber policy and process management. With direct relevance for SMEs and all 31 local authorities, this programme strengthens organisations’ ability to handle evolving cybersecurity challenges.

Cyber Skills Project Manager Jacqueline Kehoe highlights the growing industry shift: “By working closely with partners such as Dell, Mastercard, and government agencies, Cyber Skills ensures that its programmes align with industry needs. More companies now view cybersecurity as a core business strategy rather than a niche IT concern. This shift underscores the importance of developing a cybersecurity workforce capable of protecting Ireland’s businesses and public services.”

Cybersecurity careers: Technical and non-technical pathways

Cybersecurity is no longer just about prevention; it is about resilience and recovery. As businesses strive to protect their digital assets, the demand for skilled professionals is growing across multiple domains.

For technically skilled professionals, career paths include:

• IT networking and engineering
• Cloud security
• Secure software development
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) roles

For those cross disciplinary roles, opportunities exist in:

• Risk management
• Legal and compliance
• Incident response management
• Cybersecurity communication and education

“The NIST NICE framework defines 52 cybersecurity roles, and that is probably not even all of them,” Kehoe adds.

Hands-on cybersecurity training: The Cyber Range

A critical component of Cyber Skills’ approach is its investment in a national Cyber-Range infrastructure made possible by initial funding from the HEA. The Cyber Range provides a safe, cloud-based environment where learners can gain practical experience in cyberattack and defence scenarios.

Key features:

• Real-world training: Students take on both attacker and defender roles to understand security vulnerabilities.
• Customisable exercises: Instructors tailor training modules to specific skills and industry challenges.
• Live progress tracking: Educators monitor student performance in real time, offering feedback and guidance.
• This hands-on experience ensures that graduates are workplace-ready, equipped with the skills to handle real-world cybersecurity threats.

The future of cybersecurity education in Ireland

With regulations such as NIS2 and DORA coming into effect, businesses must act now to remain compliant and secure. Cyber Skills offers industry-driven education to equip professionals with expertise in security threats, risk assessment, and data protection.

For those new to cybersecurity, the Higher Diploma (HDip) in Cybersecurity Operations, offered through Springboard, provides an ideal entry point. Designed for individuals without a technical background, it covers network security, threat detection, and compliance-helping professionals transition into the cybersecurity workforce.

Killian O’Leary, a tech recruiter and coach at The Berkley Group, shares his experience as a student of Cyber Skills’ Certificate in Digital Operational Resilience at MTU: “With a full-time job and two kids, professional development can sometimes take a back seat. Self-discipline and time management are key. The Cyber Security Risk Frameworks course, excellently delivered by Gillian O’Carroll through Cyber Skills, has been hugely worthwhile. It aligns perfectly with my passion for cyber and learning and provides invaluable insights into resilience, risk management, and the evolving DORA regulations.”

Technology and human skills: A balanced approach

The Future of Jobs 2025 report highlights that the fastest-growing skills include Big Data, AI, networks, cybersecurity, and technology literacy. However, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, agility, curiosity, and lifelong learning are also expected to be highly valuable over the 2025-2030 period.

With skill gaps being a major challenge for businesses, effective reskilling and upskilling initiatives are essential for talent retention and attraction. Cyber Skills addresses this demand by providing micro-credentials—small, accredited courses designed to meet the needs of learners, enterprises, and organisations. These courses upskill and reskill SMEs, ICT professionals, public sector organisations, and individuals, equipping them to navigate an evolving digital landscape. With the HEA HCI Pillar 3 Micro-Credentials Learner Fee Subsidy, a micro-credential that was €800 is now €160.

Killian O’Leary reinforces the importance of acting now: “The demand for cybersecurity professionals is growing fast. Now is the time to gain the skills that employers are looking for.”

Securing Ireland’s digital future

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and cybersecurity education must adapt accordingly. Cyber Skills continues to expand its offerings to include AI security, cloud security, and threat intelligence, ensuring professionals are prepared for future cybersecurity challenges.

As the digital economy grows, so too does the need for a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce. While Ireland faces significant skill gaps, initiatives like Cyber Skills are bridging the divide through flexible, industry-focused education. By investing in skills today, Ireland is positioning itself as a global leader in cybersecurity, ensuring its workforce is prepared to tackle the challenges of the future.

Take the next step in your career. Upskill or reskill in cybersecurity.

Apply now at www.cyberskills.ie