Announcement: Support Scheme for Apprentices

by Ben Hansford

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a new bonus scheme for employers to be paid up to £2000 to support young employees aged 16-24, and specifically, apprentices. The following explores how to apply for this scheme, and the current status of apprenticeships on an international scale. 

Firebrand Sprint | Webinars & 1-Day Accelerated Courses

by Phoebe Savvides



The demand and growth of the tech-world has only accelerated during these troubling times, with everyone from certification bodies, to training providers and employers understanding the need for staff to get properly certified. But which certification? We’re introducing Firebrand Sprint: your new source for webinars and 1-day accelerated training to make sure you get all the information you need before investing in an IT certification.

The Lockdown Lessons We Must Remember When Rebuilding the Workplace

by Mike Brown

In this guest post by one of Firebrand’s leading instructors and all-round cloud expert, Mike Brown identifies the latest rules of working from home, the benefits and future of hybrid-working, and how the pandemic has accelerated the necessity for the cloud.

7 tips to win with Online Instructor-Led Training

by Dr Richard Diston

Training is changing. Being in a classroom understandably isn't top of many people's list of things to do right now. Online Instructor-Led training is a viable alternative if you follow these seven tips.

Test, Test, Test!

by Graham P. Hunter


Working from home will play a big role in the 'new normal' after COVID-19, and remote learning arrangements require change from certifying bodies, too. In this post, Graham Hunter, Vice President of Skills Certification, EMEA of CompTIA, recounts how CompTIA has recognised this need, and gives tips on how to prepare for a remote exam.

Firebrand UK Training Centre to Reopen

UPDATE: 26 MAY. Read on for the most up-to-date information on the opening of Firebrand’s training centre, how this will affect you and the relevant terms and conditions.

14 Reasons to be Kind

by Natalie Wilson

It's a tumultuous time for us all, and the time more than ever to focus on our mental health. A note to our apprentices, and to everyone else who is in need of a helping hand: it's Mental Health Awareness week, so we've collected a list of ideas to help you stay positive, optimistic, and healthy. 

What certifications can I get online?

by Phoebe Savvides


As digitisation accelerates due to COVID-19, IT skills are more important than ever. And now you can achieve many certifications from your home, thanks to the effort of certification entities and testing providers. These are the certifications you can get completely online.

We Need to Talk About the Future

by Robert Chapman

We’re going through the most challenging time in a generation, and the risk of failure is higher than ever. And not just failing as a business, but failing as humans. I’ll argue that this need not happen, and we can emerge from this better and stronger.

10 Ways Companies Can Make a Difference During the Pandemic

by Thiago Earp

We humans are wired to try and help others in times of distress. Companies are just a bunch of humans working together - and together humans can make a disproportionate difference. Read on for examples and ideas to inspire you to make a difference, too.

Cyber crime in the time of COVID-19

by Phil Chapman

Criminals take advantage of their surroundings, and cybercriminals are no different. With coronavirus looming and internet activity at a record high, here’s some advice from our law enforcement and cybercrime expert Phil Chapman.

10 Ways to Earn Money During the Coronavirus Lockdown

by Thiago Earp

If the lockdown has left you out of work, furloughed, or in need of a few extra quid at the end of the month, the internet is here to help. We have compiled a list with good ways to earn money and stay sane during this period. Read on!

Thank You, Techies

From all of us here at Firebrand, an open letter to every worker in the tech industry.

10 Unexpected Microsoft Easter Eggs

Are you up for a tech-savvy Easter egg hunt? Release your inner digital rabbit and come hunt the most incredible and unexpected Easter eggs laid by Microsoft.

10 Legendary Easter Eggs in the Tech Industry

by Thiago Earp

Even if everything points to an Easter holiday spent indoors, all is not lost. Again, technology comes to the rescue with these legendary Easter Eggs, hidden right behind your screen. Read on and let the hunt begin!

Firebrand Apprenticeships | Coronavirus updates

Read on for the most up-to-date information on Firebrand Apprenticeships for apprentices and employers during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Introducing Online Instructor-Led Training | Firebrand OIL

Please head to this page for more information.

At Firebrand, we are committed to helping you achieve your certification as fast as possible, and we’re determined to keep this promise throughout these difficult times. In an effort to accommodate students who are presently unable to attend classes, we are offering an online alternative for attending courses during this period. One way or another, we’ll get you certified.

Coronavirus | Updates and Actions

UPDATE: 23 MARCH. Read on for the most up-to-date information on Firebrand’s operations and actions during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Cybersecurity and coronavirus: keeping your business safe

by Philip Blake

Measures to mitigate the outbreak of COVID-19 have led to an unprecedented increase in remote working across the board. Our guest author Philip Blake, European Regional Director at EC-Council and cybersecurity expert, outlines key challenges and tips for staying secure while away from the office.

Scrum vs Six Sigma: which one is right for you?

by Thiago Earp


If you can’t decide whether to use Agile Scrum or Lean Six Sigma for your next project, we’re here to help. This article compares both methods to help you settle the debate.

10 Best Cybersecurity Certifications in 2020

by Firebrand Training

Discover the 10 best cybersecurity certifications in 2020 and how they can help you advance your career and upskill for the digital economy.

What are Azure Blueprints (and how can they help with compliance)?

by Mike Brown

In this Firebrand Q&A video, Mike Brown, cloud expert and instructor at Firebrand, explains what are Azure Blueprints and how they can help with compliance.

Microsoft MCSA, MCSD, MCSE certifications now to retire in January 2021

by Firebrand Training


UPDATE March 26, 2020: The retirement date for MCSA, MCSD and MCSE exams has been pushed to January 31, 2021. The change gives students an extra six months to achieve certifications. 

Dozens of Microsoft certifications were due to retire on June 30, 2020. The retirement of MCSA, MCSD and MCSE is a move towards role-based certifications. Here's what it means.

Best Microsoft Business Apps in 2020

by Firebrand Training

Microsoft is an enterprise applications titan. But beyond the time-tested Windows OS and Office suite, their tool offerings grow so fast it may be hard to keep up. We compiled a list with the top Microsoft apps that will help you grow your business in 2020. 

Top Cloud Computing Jobs by Salary 2020

by Alex Bennett

Companies across the board increasingly rely on cloud services. With great demand, comes great profitability, as we show in this list of top cloud jobs by salary.

What Is the Digital Support Technician Apprenticeship Standard?

by Ben Hansford

Launched in 2019, the Digital Support Technician Apprenticeship Standard was created to accelerate technology adoption into the workforce. But how does it work?

Top 10 Cloud Certifications for 2020

by Alex Bennett

Which certifications will get you those coveted high-paying jobs in the cloud computing industry? Here’s our list of cloud certifications on the rise in 2020.

State of the cloud: a look at cloud computing in 2020

by Mike Brown

From overcoming security challenges to integrating edge computing into the cloud, to data detectives, here’s what’s in store for cloud computing in 2020.

New tech hubs in Europe: best cities for IT jobs

by Gillian Seely

Where IT is concerned, the biggest city doesn’t always equate to the highest concentration of innovation or the best job scene. The best cities for tech jobs in Europe can surprise you. Here’s how digital jobs are changing Europe’s landscape.

8 Tips to Save Money in Azure

by Mike Brown

Does cloud computing help you save costs? In most cases, the answer is a resounding yes. But going cloud is just step one. Here’s how you can save costs in Microsoft Azure.