Cyber Security Apprenticeships UK

CYBER SECURITY APPRENTICESHIPS

All you need to know about cyber security apprenticeships and how to become a cyber security apprentice.

"Secure a career with a Cyber Security Apprenticeship" As the world continues to evolve and technology advanced to levels unseen it is paramount that the security of others including personal data and information is kept under tight wraps.

By starting an Apprenticeship in Cyber Security you will be helping towards keeping the devices such as smart phones, laptops and other internet enables technology from being cyber attacked. Many companies across the UK are now investing in Cyber Security easier to prevent information being stolen by hackers.

If you have any questions about how to become an apprentice please feel free to drop us a line: Contact Us

Keep individuals and organisations safe with an Apprenticeship in Cyber Security.

To start a Cyber Security Apprenticeship you need to have previous experience in IT to understand the basic fundamental of how the technology works, most apprenticeships on offer within Cyber Security are a Level 4 (Higher Apprenticeships) and upwards to degree level apprenticeships. You can do an apprenticeship in other IT related topics at the Intermediate and Advanced levels to gain relevant experience and the entry level requirements to start a Cyber Security Apprenticeship.





Cyber Security Apprenticeships


What is Cyber Security?

Cyber Security is the terminology given to the practice of protecting computing systems (hardware) such as your laptop, tablet or mobile phone or any device that connects to the internet. Cyber Security is not to be mistaken for Information Security which is the protection of information assets, but inevitably the end goal for hackers is the same, they are trying to steal information.

Since the introduction of GDPR or The Data Protection Act companies have invested heavily to make their IT systems secure otherwise they could risk heavy fines for data breaches of which could have been protected with Cyber Security measures.

Criminals are always investing and changing they way they implement cyber attacks as information is big business for criminals, in 2018 alone cyber crime is estimated to be worth over £1trillion.

Typical job roles in Cyber Security:

  • Ethical Hacker
  • Security Engineer
  • Response Analyst
  • Cyber Security Consultant

What qualifications can I achieve through an apprenticeship in Cyber Security?

With your apprenticeship training in Cyber Security you can gain a Higher National Diploma or a Bachelors/Masters Degree in Digital & Technology covering the Cyber Security models. 

All Cyber Security Apprenticeships cover the relevant training for you to gain the knowledge and experience required to be able to develop a career in Cyber Security and understand the concepts applied to ICT Infrastructure and the legal requirements to protect both individuals and companies around GDPR and the Data Protection Act.

Other Cyber Security Qualifications/Certifications:

  • CISMP - (Certificate in Information Security Management Principles) 
  • CISS - (Certified Information Security Systems Professional)
  • ISO Accreditation: ISO 27001 - Standard for Information Security
  • Certified Data Protection Practitioner

How long does a Cyber Security apprenticeship take to complete?

A Level 4 Apprenticeship (Higher Apprenticeship) can take between 15-18 months depending on the course you are studying, you can then advance to Level 5. When you have completed your Higher Apprenticeship you will be awarded a Foundation Degree or otherwise known as a Higher National Diploma.

You can then continue in your further education and take on a Degree Apprenticeship and study towards a Bachelors or Masters Degree which will take a further three years.

Available Cyber Security Apprenticeships:

Available Cyber Security Apprenticeships:
Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship -  Cyber Security Technician

This is your starting point for learning all there is to know about cyber security during your training you will be supporting the development of secure measures and promoting the importance of being secure across an organisation.

You will also act as a Helpdesk support for internal issues people are having with the security systems and advising on how to rectify them, reviewing access rights to systems and conduct risk assessments relating to possible cyber security breaches.

Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship - Cyber Security Technologist/Data Analyst

The Level 4 Higher Apprenticeships will focus on areas such as Design Principles, Data Comms and Cyber Security essentials.

The qualifying criteria to be accepted onto a Cyber Security Apprenticeship includes either completing a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Information Technology or obtaining the same level of qualifications 2 A-Levels (one subject area must be Maths) or 96-112 UCAS points.

Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship - Cyber Security Technical Professional Degree

On completion of your Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship you will have gained the knowledge and experience to be able to lead teams and support the design and research of cyber security measures.

You will have gained a full understanding of the legal system requirements needed to be fully conversant with cyber security measures.

Become an Apprentice We've highlighted the top 7 reasons why you should become an apprentice and kickstart your career through the apprenticeship route. Find out more Apprenticeship Levels There are four main types of apprenticeship levels, knowing which one you qualify for is important before you make your application. Find out more Apprenticeships Explained Not quite sure what an apprenticeship is and how an apprenticeship will help you with your career development. Find out more Become an Apprentice
Register as an Apprentice! To start building yourself a career in Cyber Security we suggest you register with us, the UK's leading website for apprenticeship jobs.

After you have registered you can find and apply for as many Cyber Security Apprenticeships as you like. You can also set up an apprenticeship alert to have any new utility apprenticeship job opportunities emailed directly to you saving you time in your search.
Register

Apprenticeship Levels

Intermediate Apprenticeships

Intermediate Apprenticeships

Intermediate Apprenticeships are your entry level into the world of apprenticeships more commonly known as a Level 2 Apprenticeship. Level 2 apprenticeships offer an excellent route into further education post 16, as an alternative to staying on at school, whilst receiving on the job training and studying towards a nationally recognised qualification.

During your intermediate apprenticeship you will study part-time with a college or a training provider, 20% of your training, towards an NVQ Level 2 and knowledge based qualification such as a BTEC, together these qualifications are the equivalent to 5 GCSE's grades 9 - 4 (A* - C on the old grading system). You will also receive a Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English if you don't already have them.

An Intermediate Apprenticeship is great for learning work related skills as apposed to being given more responsibility. This level of training will make you work ready and train you in the hands on skills required to undertake the responsibility of the task and give you the employability skills you need to be successful.

Qualifying Criteria

There is no formal qualifying criteria for a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship however some employers may ask for a minimum of 2 GCSE's to be able to join their apprenticeship programme.

 

Advanced Apprenticeships

Advanced Apprenticeships

Advanced Apprenticeships or commonly known as Level 3 Apprenticeships are the equivalent to doing 2 A-Levels and are the next level from an intermediate apprenticeship. Level 3 apprenticeships are great for you to start once you have completed your GCSE's and have attained the correct grades to be able to start at this level.

Starting at the advanced level even if you already have A-levels enables you to gain on the training, of which some employers prefer you to have before starting a Higher or Degree apprenticeship.

Just like an intermediate apprenticeship you will be required to spend at least 20% of your time studying with a college or training provider to be able to achieve the qualifications. On completion of you r apprenticeship you will achieve the equivalent of 2 A-Levels in the form of an NVQ Level 3 and a knowledge based qualifications such as a BTEC diploma.


Qualifying Criteria

To qualifying for a Level 3 advanced apprenticeship many employers ask for a minimum of 5 GCSE's which must include Maths and English, this is why an intermediate apprenticeships gives you these qualifications on completion. Although an advanced apprenticeships is the equivalent of 2 A-Levels some employers may add A-Levels as their requirement at this level also.

Find companies advertising advanced apprenticeship jobs on our website.

Higher Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships are your Levels 4 and 5 qualifications and enable you to study towards a HNC or HND respectively whilst at Level 5 you can also attain a foundation degree which is great if you want to continue in your studies towards a bachelors degree.

During your higher apprenticeship training you will be required to studying part-time with a training provider, college or university which along with your on the job training will enable you to train towards a Level 4 or 5 NVQ and BTEC diploma along with their respective HNC or HND qualification. Higher apprenticeships can take up to four years to complete.

As a higher apprentice you will be given a lot more responsibility which may include managing people or teams or even responsible for managing projects. You will be supported by your employer along side your mentors and tutors making sure to advise and guide you along the way during your apprenticeship programme.

Qualifying Criteria

To qualifying for a higher apprenticeship you will need to have achieved and completed at least a Level 3 Apprenticeship or have 5 GCSE's grades 9-4 which must include Maths and English and 2 A-Levels.

Find companies advertising higher apprenticeship jobs on our website.

Degree Apprenticeships

Degree Apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships were introduced in September 2015 and have been receive with open arms both by employers and apprentices alike. Also known as Level 6 or 7 apprenticeships the degree level apprenticeship enables you to study towards a Bachelors or Masters degree.

You can start a degree apprenticeships straight after your advanced apprenticeship level or alternatively if you want to gain more on the job training before the Level 6 programme you can overlap from a higher apprenticeship programme. Many employers are now partnering with leading universities across the country to offer degree level apprenticeships to help advance your learning opportunities.


Just like studying at university a degree level apprenticeship takes between 3 to 6 years to complete you will achieve this by on the job training with your employer and training provider and then part-time study at the designated university for your apprenticeship course.

Qualifying Criteria

To qualifying for a degree apprenticeship you will need to have at least Level 3 qualifications of 2 A-Levels, NVQ and BTEC or have completely the advanced apprenticeship. Level 6 and 7 are also a natural progression from a higher apprenticeship.

Find companies advertising degree apprenticeship jobs on our website.


Frequently asked Questions about Cyber Security Apprenticeships

Where can I find an apprenticeship in Cyber Security?

Use our quick and easy search function to find an apprenticeship in cyber security then register to become an apprentice.

Do I have to have previous experience in Cyber Security?

You don't need to have previous Cyber Security experience, if you did the chances are you are already qualified. However you will need to have previous experience in the technology world such as Hardware and Software to be able to understand how the systems work.

You can gain this experience by completing an IT apprenticeship at the Intermediate and Advanced Levels.

FAQs about Cyber Security Apprenticeships
Who recruits apprentices in Cyber Security?

Cyber Security Apprenticeships are offered by many of the leading organisations in Defence, Banking and online retail companies to name a few.

Any company that holds a large amount of information will surely have a cyber security division.

How long does a Cyber Security apprenticeship take to complete?

A cyber security apprenticeship takes between 3 - 6 years to complete depending on the level you are studying. Most cyber security apprenticeships start at Level 4 and 6.

How much will I be paid as a Cyber Security apprentice?

The average salary for a cyber security apprentice in the UK ranges between £18,000 - £26,000 depending on where you live in the UK.

Do I have to do an apprenticeship to become a Cyber Security consultant?

No you don’t. You can become qualified as a cyber security consultant by completing courses that offer the relevant qualifications such as CISMP or CISS this can be done through an employer or a training company.



What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a form of further education which offers on the job training for you to gain a nationally recognised qualification whilst studying part-time with an apprenticeship training provider, college or university through workshops or classroom training.

Apprenticeship training has to be delivered by a registered apprenticeship training provider which can also be an employer-provider, where the employer you are training through are on the register of training providers to be able to deliver their own training requirements. If an employer acts as an employer-provider they will usually employ a number of people such as Apprenticeship Assessors, Mentors and Managers to support you through your apprenticeship programme.

During your apprenticeship you will receive a salary and all the other benefits permanent employees receive. An apprenticeship job is only for a specified time as stipulated at the beginning of your apprenticeship training which can last anything from 12 months to 5 years.

To find our more about apprenticeships please refer to our What is an Apprenticeship? guide.

Why should you start an apprenticeship?

If you are considering your post 16 options you probably wouldn't have considered an apprenticeship a few years ago and would be struggling or worrying what to do when you leave school. It is a legal requirement for you to now stay in some form of further education until the age of 18 and you now have three options A-Levels, College or an Apprenticeship.

You can start an apprenticeship at the age of 16 through the Intermediate or Advanced level apprenticeship programmes across many industry sectors from Construction, Technology or even Marketing. There are no entry requirements for the intermediate apprenticeship, however you will need at least 5 GCSE's at grade 4 (previously C grade) or above to qualify for the advanced apprenticeship. On completion of the intermediate you will gain the qualifying criteria for a level 3.

The best reason for starting an apprenticeship is on completion of each level you will receive a nationally recognised qualification from an NVQ all the way up to a degree level apprenticeship such as a Bachelors or Masters.

 

How can you become an apprentice?

There are a number of ways to become an apprentice so we thought we would list them for you:

  • Register with websites like ourselves, there are others available.
  • Apprenticeship Job Fairs are great for meeting employers and training providers.
  • Contact training providers in your area, a simple Google search "Training providers near me" will give you the information you need.
  • Contact your local colleges or universities or visit their websites to see if they offer apprenticeship training.
  • UCAS promote apprenticeship opportunities on their website on behalf of employers.

and finally......

  • Do some research on apprenticeships and find a topic or industry that you would like to start an apprenticeship in and then research local companies in those sectors and visit their websites to see if they offer apprenticeship training and apply directly with them.




Cyber Security Apprenticeships with QA.


Cyber Security Apprenticeships
FAQs about Cyber Security Apprenticeships