Cyber Security Apprentice

Network Plus; Worsley; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Plus is seeking a Cyber Security Apprentice in Worsley to join a small IT security team. The role supports day-to-day cyber security work while working toward the Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist apprenticeship standard over approximately 24 months.

The apprentice will learn by doing, handle security alerts, investigations and routine tasks, and gradually take on more complex work as competence grows, with hybrid working considered after initial training.

Qualifications

• Genuine and demonstrable interest in cyber security and technology, and a commitment to completing the apprenticeship.
• Willingness to learn, ask questions and develop technical knowledge and skills over time.
• Good analytical, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with a logical and methodical approach.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical matters clearly.
• Ability to follow documented processes and record information accurately and thoroughly.
• Strong attention to detail, good organisational skills and the ability to work to deadlines.
• Professional, ethical and trustworthy approach when handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and take guidance from others.

Responsibilities

• Learn alongside experienced Cyber Security colleagues to understand how security operations, engineering and risk activities are delivered in practice, taking on greater responsibility as the apprenticeship progresses.
• Support the monitoring, triage and investigation of security alerts and events using SIEM and other security tooling, escalating where required.
• Assist with security incident investigation and response, ensuring findings, actions and outcomes are documented accurately.
• Support vulnerability management activities, including scanning, remediation tracking, validation and follow-up.
• Help identify, analyse and communicate cyber threats, attack techniques and vulnerabilities, and contribute to suitable controls and mitigations.
• Contribute, under guidance, to the secure configuration, testing and hardening of networks, endpoints, operating systems and security tools.
• Support risk, governance and compliance activities, including work aligned to recognised standards and frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST and Cyber Essentials.
• Develop practical skills in scripting and automation to support security tasks and investigations.
• Help maintain security documentation, policies, procedures, knowledge articles and internal guidance.
• Assist with reporting and summaries relating to incidents, vulnerabilities, risks, trends and system health for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Support cyber security awareness activities and user communications, recognising the human dimension of security.
• Complete all study, coursework, off-the-job training and assessments required by the apprenticeship, and take an active part in team meetings and knowledge-sharing.
• Occasional flexibility may be required to support planned maintenance, projects or business requirements outside standard working hours.

Skills

Interest in cyber security

Willingness to learn

Analytical thinking

Clear communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Job description

Cyber Security Apprentice

Department: IT

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Worsley

Compensation: GBP 16,224 - GBP 25,776 / year

The Cyber Security Apprentice will support the day-to-day work of the Cyber Security team while working towards the Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist apprenticeship standard. The apprenticeship typically runs for around 24 months and combines practical, on-the-job experience with structured study, leading to an end-point assessment. The role is designed to build the knowledge, technical skills and professional behaviours needed to apply an understanding of cyber threats, hazards, risks, controls and mitigations to help protect the organisation's systems, data and people.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong interest in technology and cyber security who is keen to build a career in the field through a practical, work-based apprenticeship. In the early stages the apprentice will spend much of their time learning alongside experienced colleagues - understanding how security alerts, tickets, investigations and operational tasks are handled - before taking on more complex and independent work as their knowledge, competence and confidence grow.

Working as part of a small Cyber Security team, the apprentice will work closely with other IT teams, including the IT Service Desk, Infrastructure and other technical colleagues, and will carry out their work to the required security outcomes within a legal and regulatory context. The role is expected to be office-based during the initial training period, with hybrid working considered once the apprentice is suitably trained and able to work effectively with less direct supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn alongside experienced Cyber Security colleagues to understand how security operations, engineering and risk activities are delivered in practice, taking on greater responsibility as the apprenticeship progresses.
• Support the monitoring, triage and investigation of security alerts and events using SIEM and other security tooling, escalating where required.
• Assist with security incident investigation and response, ensuring findings, actions and outcomes are documented accurately.
• Support vulnerability management activities, including scanning, remediation tracking, validation and follow-up.
• Help identify, analyse and communicate cyber threats, attack techniques and vulnerabilities, and contribute to suitable controls and mitigations.
• Contribute, under guidance, to the secure configuration, testing and hardening of networks, endpoints, operating systems and security tools.
• Support risk, governance and compliance activities, including work aligned to recognised standards and frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST and Cyber Essentials.
• Develop practical skills in scripting and automation to support security tasks and investigations.
• Help maintain security documentation, policies, procedures, knowledge articles and internal guidance.
• Assist with reporting and summaries relating to incidents, vulnerabilities, risks, trends and system health for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Support cyber security awareness activities and user communications, recognising the human dimension of security.
• Complete all study, coursework, off-the-job training and assessments required by the apprenticeship, and take an active part in team meetings and knowledge-sharing.
• Occasional flexibility may be required to support planned maintenance, projects or business requirements outside standard working hours.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• Genuine and demonstrable interest in cyber security and technology, and a commitment to completing the apprenticeship.
• Willingness to learn, ask questions and develop technical knowledge and skills over time.
• Good analytical, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with a logical and methodical approach.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical matters clearly.
• Ability to follow documented processes and record information accurately and thoroughly.
• Strong attention to detail, good organisational skills and the ability to work to deadlines.
• Professional, ethical and trustworthy approach when handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and take guidance from others.

Desirable

• Previous experience in an IT Service Desk, Help Desk or Technical Support role.
• Basic understanding of networking concepts such as IP addresses, ports, protocols and firewalls.
• Awareness of common cyber security threats such as phishing, malware, ransomware and unauthorised access.
• Use of learning platforms or personal projects such as TryHackMe, Hack The Box, home labs or similar.
• Any relevant IT or cyber security qualifications or certifications.

The successful candidate will complete the Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist apprenticeship, with structured mentoring and on-the-job training and dedicated time set aside for off-the-job learning as required by the apprenticeship. Future progression opportunities may be considered subject to business requirements and individual performance.

Salary and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary based on experience along with a full benefits package.

Network Plus is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

We are Armed Forces-friendly. We welcome applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel, reservists, armed forces veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.

We understand that privacy and the security of your personal information is extremely important. By applying for this role, you agree to the terms of our privacy policy.