Determining the right NIS2 junior profile is high on the agenda of many CISOs, Security Managers and HR teams. The Dutch cybersecurity market is growing rapidly. According to the most recent ICT Vacancy Monitor, the number of cybersecurity vacancies in 2024 is up 13% from last year. The demand for well-trained personnel is rising sharply, especially as NIS2 takes digital resilience requirements to a new level. For companies in all sectors, the challenge now is to build not only experienced specialists, but also a strong foundation of junior talent. But what knowledge, skills and personality are really required on your NIS2 team?

Cyber Security Training in 2025: a new standard

The tight labor market means companies must be more creative in finding and developing cybersecurity talent. Junior profiles are increasingly the beating heart of the NIS2 workforce. Most organizations are looking for entry-level graduates with a background in ICT security or computer science, but increasingly, retraining without direct prior education (https://trivian.nl/omscholen-cyber-security-zonder-it-achtergrond/) is also being made possible. This offers unique opportunities for organizations that want to get ahead. The basic question remains: what junior profile do you really need for NIS2 compliance?

What are NIS2 requirements all about?

NIS2 legislation means more than meeting basic security standards. Organizations must demonstrate digital resilience. So your team must not only recognize technical issues, but also have processes, policies and documentation in place. According to Together Digitally Secure, junior profiles are often responsible for risk analysis, incident management and supporting audits. For many organizations, this is the ideal starting point to sustainably strengthen cybersecurity policies.

The risk for companies: no grip on talent, no compliance

What happens if you don't shift gears quickly as a company? Chances are you will fall behind in filling essential roles. The NIS2 legislation even requires organizations to be responsible for the cyber security of their supply chain. This affects not only large companies, but especially SMEs. Without sufficiently trained junior profiles, you quickly find yourself in a bind: incidents may go undetected for too long or policies may not be kept sufficiently up-to-date. This increases the risk of fines, reputation damage and customer loss.

What makes the right junior profile stand out?

Employers cite a number of skills as essential, research by NLdigital shows. For example, they are looking for juniors who can quickly work independently, recognize risks and analyze incidents. Skills such as training and security awareness, access rights management and basic knowledge of encryption and backup policies are also increasingly required. In the context of NIS2, you also see that audit support, management of cybersecurity documentation and ensuring business continuity are important parts of the job package.

NIS2 and your team: what junior profile do you really need?

You make the real difference with people who are more than a list of checkmarks. A strong NIS2 team requires junior employees who not only have knowledge, but also the communication skills to explain policy to colleagues. Professionals who think along in the process, eager to learn, and aware of risks in chain and suppliers (https://www.digitaltrustcenter.nl/ketenbeveiliging-good-practices). Starters with the guts to share signals, ask for help and cooperate in incidents. That's the profile your NIS2 staff should be built on.

Retraining: the solution to the shortage of junior cybersecurity talent

With the explosive demand for talent and the limited supply of traditional ICT graduates, retraining is becoming increasingly interesting. Trivian (https://trivian.nl/) offers retraining programs that allow candidates without prior ICT training to grow into valuable security professionals in a short period of time. Modern Cyber Security Training Programs at Trivian focus on hands-on experience, blended learning and practical assignments focused on current NIS2 requirements. This creates a driven NIS2 team that puts the work directly into practice from day one.

Starter Cybersecurity: hands-on learning for maximum impact

Organizations committed to hands-on training achieve the best results. Trivian does not select participants purely on degree, but on motivation and the ability to learn continuously. Juniors go through a program focusing on risk analysis, incident management, recognizing threats and conducting audits. This lays the foundation for robust digital resilience, just as NIS2 requires.

Unique approach: NIS2 staff develop as teams, not individuals

You make a big difference by building an ecosystem in which junior profiles can learn from senior experts as well as each other. Trivian combines classroom sessions with coaching, peer learning and simulations in realistic work environments. HR and Security Managers see results faster: starters take responsibility, think proactively and are immediately deployable within audits, chain management and policy implementation. This is how you strengthen your NIS2 team structurally.

Practical tips for selection: how to find the right NIS2 junior profile

When selecting your junior NIS2 team member, don't just look at degrees. Measure motivation, collaboration skills and learnability. Ask questions about dealing with incidents, cyber threats and collaboration under pressure. Test analytical ability and willingness to share knowledge within the team. With an appropriate training program, you can then teach the essential knowledge at lightning speed. Invest in the combination of personal skills and practical cybersecurity knowledge.

NIS2 talent is scarce: make yourself attractive as an employer

With a strong training program and opportunities for advancement, you attract the right people who fulfill your NIS2 requirements. Trivian supports companies with tailor-made training, so that you not only attract starters, but also retain them. Work out a career path together and strengthen the resilience and job satisfaction within your team. The result is an agile organization that is ready for the demands of today and tomorrow.

Trivian's strength: quick retraining, immediately employable

Trivian understands the pace of the market and the growing pressure around NIS2 compliance. Retraining cyber security, without prior training, is made possible through modular education and directly applicable learning models. As a result, companies can quickly expand their NIS2 team with talent that understands exactly what is needed: participating in audits, monitoring chain security, supporting incident management and reporting within all levels of the organization.

What does it deliver? More grip, less risk

With the right junior profile on the NIS2 team, you create not only compliance, but more importantly peace of mind. Employees know what's going on, risks are identified and resolved faster, and audits run more smoothly. This gives management and the board the confidence to focus on growth and innovation. With the right talent, your organization stays in control of its digital security.

Get a grip on your NIS2 staff today

Want to know exactly what skills, personality and knowledge your next junior on the NIS2 team needs? Trivian offers the guide for recruiting and selecting entry-level professionals who will make a difference in cyber security. Get your team ready for the NIS2 future with Trivian. Take the initiative now. Contact us and take the step towards structural digital security.