Cyber Security Apprenticeships

Start Your Career With Cyber Security Apprenticeships

ByAndrew Lugsden

Cyber security apprenticeships can be a great way to get started in the cyber security industry at an early age. Gaining knowledge, and experience at the same or higher level than graduate courses, to advance your job prospects while also being paid for your time.

If you are considering ways to approach the cyber security industry and are unsure where to get started with your training and education the following post will provide some details on apprenticeships.

More information is also available on how to start a career in cybersecurity, and determining if cybersecurity is the best career path for you.

Table of Contents

    Are There Any Apprenticeships Available For Cyber Security?

    Apprenticeship options for cyber security

    There are many opportunities available to begin an apprenticeship within the UK working in the security industry.

    Depending on the level, there can be varying entry requirements, time to complete the program, and an increasing set of cyber security knowledge to learn.

    Apprenticeships in the UK are structured into different levels, up to level 7:

    • Level 2 is considered the equivalent of a GCSE course
    • Level 3 is on par with an A-level qualification
    • Levels 4 to 7 can be seen as similar to a Foundation Degree
    • Levels 6 and 7 can also be seen as similar to a bachelor’s or master’s degree depending on the specific course.

    What Are The Benefits of Cyber Security Apprenticeships?

    Depending on the specific apprenticeship, you can receive an education in cybersecurity which is similar to that of a degree-level qualification, while also receiving the following benefits:

    • Working as an employee and receiving a wage
    • Getting paid holiday time throughout the year
    • Working alongside people with years of industry experience
    • Gaining specific hands-on training in Cyber Security while studying
    • Receive dedicated study time toward cybersecurity while working

    What Are The Requirements For An Apprenticeship?

    Requirements for Apprenticeships

    In England, there are a few requirements to join an apprenticeship program.

    • You should be 16 or over
    • You should be living in England, and
    • You should not be in full-time education

    In addition, individual programs may have further entry requirements, such as GCSEs, A-Levels, or education/qualifications on a similar subject within cyber security, and expressing an interest in the cyber security industry.

    The rest of the world also has similar programs. For example, the US has its own apprenticeship programs for Cyber Security with its own set of requirements:

    • You need to be a US citizen
    • You need to be able to hold a security clearance when working for the government
    • You need to be enrolled in a Degree program with a declared major in Cyber Security or an IT-related field
    • You need to demonstrate strong communication skills

    What Will You Learn During An Apprenticeship?

    Benefits and education of an apprenticeship

    Each cybersecurity program will have its own specific curriculum and there can be variations based upon whether you are looking to work towards defensive security or offensive security testing.

    A training program should provide you with the skills needed to progress your career, tackle new challenges, and advance into more senior cyber security jobs.

    Your program can cover a range of potential topics such as:

    • The applicable legal and regulatory considerations for cyber security
    • Responding to potential security risks or vulnerabilities
    • Testing systems for security weaknesses
    • Managing Security Compliance standards and audits
    • Data Security and Encryption Standards
    • Network technology, authentication systems, and digital assets
    • Monitoring Systems and Event Management for security incidents and cyber threats

    How Long Will The Cyber Security Apprenticeships Last?

    Different courses can last varying amounts of time and can change with the level you apply for.

    Courses can typically take 1 to 5 years to complete, depending upon the level, allowing you to gain years of industry experience while also being paid for your time and opportunity to study.

    How Much Can You Earn During An Apprenticeship?

    Different programs will have varying salaries that they pay, but as an apprentice, you will be entitled to at least the national minimum wage, as well as paid time for training and studying and paid holiday time.

    For apprentices in the UK, there is a minimum hourly wage of £6.40 which will apply if you are under 19 or are over 19 and in your first year as an apprentice.

    However, after your first year of being an apprentice, and if you are 19 and over, as a minimum you will receive the National Minimum Wage based on your age.

    For 18 to 20 years old this is £8.60 and for 21 and over it’s currently £11.44.

    Where Can You Find Cyber Security Apprenticeships?

    The following programs are currently available in the UK, however, they may have limited positions and timeframes for applying to the programs.

    • The UK Government provides a list of programs for multiple companies, which can be found here.
    • Some individual companies also have their own programs that they advertise, such as Cyber Security Apprenticeships with Amazon.
    • Later in the year, the UK government will also provide a list of further Cyber Security programs here, so it should be bookmarked and checked when they provide an updated list.

    Available programs are also on offer from several training and recruitment companies as well as other companies and institutes:

    • QA provides training and recruitment services to many different companies.
    • Sky provides its own apprenticeship program in the UK.
    • Firebrand provides digital training services for many areas including cyber security.
    • AngloAmerican is currently working on a mining project in the UK towards sustainable farming.
    • Althaus is an organisation focused on closing the digital skills gap through training services.
    • Severn Trent is an organisation that provides water and wastewater services across the UK.
    • Energus provides a training and conference center within Cumbria.
    • Estio is a dedicated apprentice training group focused on learning.
    • B2W Group is a collection of companies providing training, recruitment, and coaching services.
    • The NHS has an apprenticeship program allowing work within the UK’s National Health Service.
    • The Development Manager focuses on education and developing careers within digital technology.

    Conclusion

    Becoming a cyber security apprentice

    While a university degree in cyber security can be one method to start your career path, a degree is not the only option to start working in the security industry.

    For those that would prefer a different route, combining working and studying, while getting paid, an apprenticeship program might be the route for you.

    For those who miss out on cyber security apprenticeships but still want to move into the cybersecurity industry, training resources are also available, with some free training available as well as paid-for certifications.

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