University joins Fortinet Training Institute’s Academic Partner Programme to strengthen cyber skills pipeline

The University of South Wales (USW) has joined the Fortinet Training Institute’s Academic Partner Programme, providing students with access to globally recognised cyber security training and certification opportunities alongside their studies.

Fortinet is one of the world’s leading cyber security companies, providing integrated cyber security solutions that protect organisations, networks, applications, and users, from cyber threats.

Through its Academic Partner Programme, Fortinet works with universities and educational institutions around the world to help address the global cyber skills gap, giving students access to industry-recognised training and certification pathways.

The partnership, the first of its kind in Wales, will enhance the learning experience for students studying cyber security and digital forensics at USW, enabling them to develop practical skills using technologies and training aligned to current industry needs.

It will also strengthen links between academia and industry, helping ensure graduates are equipped with the knowledge and experience employers are seeking.

Students will benefit from access to Fortinet’s training resources and certification programmes, while the University will be able to further enhance its cyber security teaching environment through a closer relationship with one of the sector’s leading technology providers.

The agreement is also expected to provide the University with access to Fortinet technologies at significantly reduced cost, supporting future investment in specialist teaching facilities, and is further strengthened by the involvement of Chris Parker MBE, Director of Government Strategy at Fortinet UK, who was recently appointed as a Visiting Professor of Cyber Security at USW.

With more than 30 years’ experience across military, government, and corporate sectors, Chris brings significant expertise in cyber security governance, resilience, and industry collaboration. His role at the University is helping to strengthen links between students, academics, and industry, ensuring teaching and research remain closely aligned with the evolving needs of employers and the wider cyber security sector.

The new partnership builds on USW’s long-established reputation as a national leader in cyber security education.

In 2016, the University launched the National Cyber Security Academy (NCSA) at its Newport Campus, creating an innovative model that combines academic study with real-world industry projects. Over the past decade, the Academy has grown from an initial cohort of 16 students to around 90 students each year, with more than 500 graduates now working across the cyber security sector.

USW's cyber programmes have also received widespread recognition, including being named Cyber University of the Year at the National Cyber Awards for four consecutive years between 2019 and 2022.

The University is also recognised by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education, and has achieved Gold-standard status for its cyber education provision.

Students studying cyber courses benefit from access to specialist facilities, including dedicated cyber laboratories, a Security Operations Centre, digital forensics environments, and opportunities to work on live projects with industry partners.

USW’s cyber courses are designed in collaboration with employers, helping students develop both the technical and professional skills required for successful careers in the sector.

Rhys Driscoll, Co-Director of USW’s Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security, said: “Joining the Fortinet Academic Partner Programme is another important step in ensuring our students graduate with the skills, experience, and industry awareness needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving cyber security landscape.

“Fortinet is a globally recognised leader in cyber security, and access to its training and certification resources will give our students valuable exposure to technologies and practices used by organisations around the world.

“This partnership not only enhances the student experience, but also strengthens our ability to align teaching with industry demand. By working closely with leading organisations such as Fortinet, we can continue to provide practical, career-focused education that supports both our students and the wider cyber security skills agenda.”