PUPILS from a Highland school are being given the opportunity to find out about apprenticeships in one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors – cyber security.

A group from Grantown Grammar School are in Forres today for an event hosted by digital transformation group Atos, in partnership with Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to raise awareness of the growing career opportunities in the field.

They will hear from Atos staff about their own experience providing cyber security apprenticeships, with a Q and A session to follow. The pupils will also attend a live demo with the company’s existing apprentices.

SDS key sector manager for digital skills, Claire Gillespie, said: “It is all about encouraging employers to make the most of all the fantastic opportunities that apprenticeships can create and to equip them with the information they need to be able to get involved. For the pupils of Grantown Grammar, today’s demo with the Atos apprentices will be a great chance for them to step into the shoes of a cyber security apprentice and ask any questions that they may have.”

The event comes on the last day of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, the annual campaign that aims to raise awareness by illustrating how they can work for businesses, individuals and the economy.

Gavin Thomson, who heads Atos in Scotland, Ireland and Wales, said: “Atos takes great pride in offering highly skilled apprenticeships for young people across Scotland, especially in areas like cyber security where there is a need for more skilled professionals.

“Our new apprentices have added a new, fresh dimension to all our operations in Scotland and across the rest of the UK, and we value highly their work, dedication and skill.

“Digital technology is constantly changing and that means we are always looking for talented individuals to join our team and we are actively encouraging more women and people from diverse communities to consider roles in this area to take advantage of the many opportunities on offer.”