Firebrand Training

Discover how AI is revolutionising apprenticeships! From personalised learning to smarter admin tasks, find out what industry leaders like Richard Parker and Darren Coxon have to say.

Ready to embrace the future?

https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/interesting-read-the-role-of-ai-in-apprenticeships?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic+social&utm_campaign=AI%3A+Revolutionising+the+future+of+apprenticeship

Firebrand's highest discount EVER for Black Friday!

30% off all courses booked TODAY ONLY: https://firebrand.training/uk/black-friday-sale-23?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=black+friday

To take advantage of this offer, book your course today and attend the course by 23 March 2024.

Network giant Cisco has recently acquired SPLUNK SERVICES UK LIMITED, a cybersecurity and analytics company, for $28 billion in cash.

According to Reuters, “the deal is meant to strengthen Cisco's software business and capitalise on the boom in artificial intelligence;” it is also this year’s most significant technology transaction.

According to a recent interview by The Wall Street Journal, Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins and Splunk CEO Gary Steele stated that “AI [is] central” to this deal, which they aim to “open the path toward cybersecurity and IT platforms that are more predictive and simpler for organisations to use.”

An early adopter of predictive AI, Cisco is now incorporating generative AI to problem-solve.

“Our customers have threat intelligence coming from multiple vendor platforms…Independently, they look fine, [but] when you correlate those [through AI]—we would then say, ‘Based on what we see happening at three different places of your infrastructure, we think someone is going to try to initiate a ransomware attack or something,’” Cisco CEO, Chuck Robbins said.

“We think about AI as human-in-the-loop, though. You are not just going to let an AI agent reconfigure your network…But how do you leverage AI to understand those next steps and help the user be that much more sophisticated in how they can perform those actions?” added Splunk CEO Gary Steele.

https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/interesting-read-cisco-and-splunk-ceos-talk-ai-and-cybersecurity?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=cisco+

Last Tuesday, we celebrated World Mental Health Day to raise awareness about this critical issue and drive positive change.

This year's theme, set by the World Foundation of Mental Health, is ‘Mental health is a universal human right.’

At Firebrand, one of our core values is Care — we care about what we do, our community, our learners, our partners, and our team of colleagues worldwide.

The mental health of everyone involved with Firebrand is very important to us, and perhaps nowhere is this more clear than in how we support our learners' mental health on Apprenticeships and Skills Bootcamps programmes.

We offer a range of one-to-one support, from a cup of tea and a chat to signposting and more formal referrals to mental health organisations such as Mind or The Mix.

This support includes:
- Learning Mentors both on the Firebrand side and at the learners' workplace, keeping them on track with programme requirements,
- Success Coaches who help learners orient themselves and carefully plan their careers,
- Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), tech experts whom learners can reach out to for specialised help,
- Tutors who can help learners develop their Maths and English skills to the requirements of their programme,
- Learning Support and Welfare mentors who can lend a sympathetic ear to complex issues and help our learners stay on track,
and more.

With the right help and support, most of our learners go on to achieve their programmes and continue to life-changing careers in IT.

https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/world-mental-health-day?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=world+mental+health+day

Congratulations to our 2023 FTFL (Free Training for life) winner!

2024 entries are opening soon...

https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/congratulations-to-the-winner-of-free-training-for-life-2023?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ftfl

October is European Cyber Security Month (ESCM). Let's find out more about it.

What is ECSM?
Since 2012, ECSM has been raising awareness about prudent and responsible use in the cyber space. Since then, the action month has been a regular pan-European format.

ESCM encourages people to engage with Cyber Security issues and to take action themselves. By raising Cyber Security awareness, individuals and businesses can effectively mitigate risks posed by both unintentional mistakes and malicious intent.

What is Cyber Security?
This field encompasses protecting systems, networks and programs from digital attacks. Cyber attacks typically aim to access, alter or destroy confidential information, extort funds or disrupt normal business operations.

The increasing data volume and the trend of more people working and networking from anywhere have resulted in sophisticated attack methods. Organisations, people, processes and technologies must complement each other to build effective protection against cyberattacks. An effective Cyber Security program comprises people, processes, and technology solutions that work together to reduce the risk of business disruption, financial loss, and reputational damage.

According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) 2023, 74% of all security breaches are due to human weaknesses. Human error, misuse of privileges, use of stolen credentials, or social engineering — people play an important role in cyber attacks.

Read on here: https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/escm-european-cyber-security-month?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=escm

A recent study by HR and finance experts, MHR finds that UK companies have delivered nearly 29 million hours of employee training to tackle the UK skills gap.

The study confirms earlier findings by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) revealing that companies face the highest level of recruitment difficulties on record.

Read more here: https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/interesting-read-addressing-uk-skills-gap-will-cost-businesses-13-billion?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=skills+gap

Get the knowledge you need to secure your cloud infrastructure in just 6 days.

This accelerated CCSP course will give you the cloud security skills you need to manage cloud environments and purchased cloud services.

https://firebrand.training/uk/courses/isc2/ccsp-certification?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ccsp

At Firebrand, our ISO-standard courses are accredited and provided in partnership with PECB, a personnel certification body that, unlike IRCA, in addition to auditors, also has the authorisation to assess consultants and other professionals worldwide.

https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/course-faq-are-firebrand-pecb-courses-accredited-by-irca?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=course+faq

The world's leading member association for Cyber Security professionals, ISC2 has changed the spelling of its name this week, from (ISC)² to ISC2.

According to ISC2, this was done in order for the name to be “more easily understood” and “more accessible” to audiences and search engines around the world. ISC2 has more than 500,000 members worldwide.

The change does not impact the content of any ISC2 certifications (CISSP, CCSP, CGRC, CSSLP, SSCP, CC) other than their logos being refreshed for consistency.

According to ISC2, “With the need for qualified and certified Cyber Security professionals growing exponentially, we’re facing new challenges...Our vision remains; A safe and secure cyber world.”

ISC2 was established in 1989. Their first certification, the world-recognised CISSP, was launched in 1994.

https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/isc-2-rebrand-to-isc2?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=isc2+rebrand

Looking to upskill or reskill into IT? Get certified this summer and enjoy 23% off our accelerated courses with our IT summer sale.

At Firebrand, we specialise in accelerated training that gets you certified in half the time. Don’t hit the pause button on your career this summer—take a break from the noise and focus!

https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/summer-sale-save-up-to-23-on-it-training-courses?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=summer+discount

Did you know you could train with us for free, for life?

Sign up here: https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/win-free-ai-courses-for-life?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free+ai+training+courses

The first OpenAI/ChatGPT training course!

This accelerated OpenAI/ChatGPT Embedding and Development within Microsoft course, is an introduction to the Development and Integration of OpenAI and ChatGPT into a business environment.

Book Here: https://firebrand.training/uk/courses/microsoft/openai-chatgpt-embedding-and-development-within-microsoft-certification?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=chatgpt+courses

Sometimes, people enter the world of tech by being open to opportunities at the right time. Michael Ashford says he “fell into tech by accident.”

Learn more about his story here: https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/learner-testimonial-business-analyst?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=learner+testimonial+

We had a great day yesterday at the Work Hounslow Job and Careers Fair promoting our Skills Bootcamps.

This event offered an excellent showcase of training programmes, job openings, apprenticeships, and internships, providing employment opportunities specifically designed for Hounslow residents and businesses.

Firebrand was happy to support this initiative and had an amazing time speaking to prospective learners in person!

Combining on-the-job and classroom instruction, Apprenticeships are an excellent way to learn while you earn.

Check out our latest vacancies: https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/the-latest-apprenticeship-vacancies-opportunities-in-cambridgeshire-and-kent?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=apprenticeship+vacancies

Ready to combat 21st-century financial crime head-on?

Firebrand Training's ACAMS courses are your gateway to gaining the knowledge and certification necessary to become a certified anti-money laundering specialist.

By enrolling in our ACAMS courses, you'll enjoy exclusive benefits such as unlocking new job opportunities, improving job performance and salary prospects, and gaining access to a global network of AML professionals.

Book Here: https://firebrand.training/uk/courses/acams?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=acams+courses

US Cybersecurity firm EC-Council has published its annual Certified CISO Hall of Fame report.

The report is based on an extensive online survey conducted among Certified Chief Information Security Officers (C|CISOs) from a diverse range of industries.

Read more here: https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/interesting-read-ec-council-ciso-hall-of-fame-report-2023?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ec+council+report

Exciting news! We’ve been notified that we are included in this year’s Top 50 Best Training Providers on RateMyApprenticeship.co.uk.

The rating is solely based on reviews from our learners. Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback! We’re thrilled you’ve had a great experience with us.

https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/firebrand-shortlisted-for-ratemyapprenticeship-best-50-training-providers-2023?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=apprenticeship+shortlist

With the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), tech professionals have an increasing number of areas they can specialise in to take their careers to the next level.

Here are the top 5 Machine Learning specialisations for tech professionals in 2023.

https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/top-5-machine-learning-specialisations-for-tech-professionals?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Top+5+Machine+Learning+specialisations

Our very own Sean Rafter giving a talk at the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT Digital Skills Event Digital Skills Network Event – Reading!

Discussing how organisations and training providers should harness AI and ChatGPT to cultivate and enrich apprenticeship training. Recognising the warnings and caution towards assessment but embracing for learning and develop stronger diverse education through technology.

Microsoft certifications are your direct route to keeping pace and proving your knowledge. Every certification is proven through one (or many) challenging Microsoft exams, verifying your skills and enabling you to stand out among peers and colleagues.

With certification paths across every job role and skillset, you’ll find the right training for you within Microsoft’s massive certification portfolio.

Get certified in just days, not weeks, when you sit your official exam at the end of your accelerated course. Why wait?

https://firebrand.training/uk/courses/microsoft?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=microsoft+courses

We're proud to partner with ITP, The Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP) Professionals, to support the upskilling of their members’ digital talent and reduce the UK digital skills gap.

Read more here: https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/firebrand-partners-with-itp-to-support-digital-upskilling?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=firebrand+partners+with+ITP

PRINCE2® 6th Edition Foundation & Practitioner is one of our most popular courses. Could it be right for you or your team?

Read here: https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/firebrand-partners-with-itp-to-support-digital-upskilling?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=cyber+crime+course+spotlight

At Firebrand, we are proud to be the official provider of Cyber Crime Training for police officers and staff throughout the UK appointed by the NPCC National Cyber Crime Programme.

One of the courses we offer is the Firebrand Cyber Crime Protect (Cyber Aware) course. Could it be right for you?

Find out: https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/course-spotlight-firebrand-cyber-crime-protect-cyber-aware?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=cyber+crime+course+spotlight

Data Science is a complex field that combines Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, and domain knowledge to analyse, interpret, and make data-driven decisions.

Here are the 10 most popular Data Science careers and their responsibilities. Perhaps one of them is right for you?

https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/could-data-science-be-for-you-10-popular-careers?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=data+science+careers

At Firebrand, we're proud to be an official Microsoft Solutions Partner for Business Applications (Dynamics 365 and Power Platform), Data & AI (Azure), and Infrastructure (Azure).

Microsoft certifications have always been very popular with our learners, but which are the most popular of all this year?

https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/our-8-most-popular-microsoft-courses?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=microsoft

Our Head of Data/AI Curriculum, Sean Rafter weighs in on Meta's court decision.

Read here: https://firebrand.training/uk/blog/opinion-meta-hit-with-record-13-bln-fine-over-data-transfers?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=meta+blog