UCEN Manchester joins Fortinet Academic Partner Program

New partnership builds on commitment to develop high skilled professionals.

UCEN Manchester has officially joined the Fortinet Academic Partner Program, strengthening its commitment to developing highly skilled cyber and digital professionals. 

The global cybersecurity industry is facing a significant skills shortage, with demand for trained professionals growing at pace as threats become increasingly complex. Through this partnership, UCEN Manchester is expanding its multi‑vendor training offer, complementing existing relationships with the Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy, Cisco Networking Academy and AWS Academy. 

By integrating Fortinet’s industry‑recognised curriculum into its computing programs, students will benefit from access to professional certification pathways, hands‑on experience with enterprise‑level technology and practical skills aligned directly with employer needs. The approach will support students to move confidently from the classroom into higher‑level cybersecurity roles. 

Michael Walsh, Deputy Principal and Dean, said:

This partnership with Fortinet strengthens our commitment to creative and technical excellence in cyber education. By combining rigorous, high-quality technical training with an approach that encourages problem‑solving, innovation and real‑world thinking, we’re equipping students with the skills and confidence employers need - now and in the future. 

To find out more about our courses, visit our School of Computing and Cybersecurity.