Graduate - Cybersecurity

Jobtrain; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Health & wellbeing schemes

Generous annual leave (26–31 days)

Job summary

National Highways is offering a Cybersecurity Graduate Programme in Manchester, starting September 2027, with a salary of £30,000 and a three-year development path. You will work within a specialist cybersecurity team, gaining hands-on exposure across systems and services and preparing for a permanent cybersecurity role after completion.

Applicants should be on track for an undergraduate degree in Cybersecurity or related field, be eligible to work in the UK, and be able to attend a residential

Qualifications

• Positive mindset and proactive approach to work.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively.
• Willingness to think critically to solve problems.

Responsibilities

• Develop as part of a cybersecurity team to safeguard digital and OT systems.
• Gain hands-on experience across business systems, control room architecture and roadside equipment.
• Contribute to projects that strengthen cyber risk awareness and security across information and services.
• Learn from experienced professionals and grow into a cybersecurity professional.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Critical thinking

Education

Undergraduate degree in Cybersecurity or related Digital/Technology subject

Job description

Cybersecurity Graduate

Salary: £30,000

Programme start date: September 2027

Location: Manchester

Connect the country. Shape your future. Start your career journey with us.

Ready to build your career in cybersecurity and help protect the digital landscape that keeps our roads moving? On National Highways’ three-year Cybersecurity Graduate Programme, you’ll develop as part of our specialist team, helping to safeguard the digital and operational technology that supports our roads and keeps our organisation running securely.

From business systems and office technology to control room architecture and roadside equipment, you’ll gain hands‑on experience of managing cyber risks across a large and complex organisation. You’ll also contribute to projects that help our people understand cybersecurity risks and strengthen our security across systems, information and services.

Working alongside experienced cybersecurity professionals, you’ll develop your technical knowledge, explore different areas of the profession and learn how to respond to new and evolving threats.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have built the knowledge, skills and experience to continue your career with us as a cybersecurity professional, helping keep the systems and services that millions of people rely on every day secure.

What You’ll Get in Return

If you're ready to invest in your development and excited to help shape the future of transport, we’ve got your back.

Our graduate programme offers a mix of hands‑on experience, workshops, and real‑world learning. You’ll have a dedicated manager, support from experienced mentors, and flexible work arrangements to help you thrive. You’ll also be part of our Early Careers community, connecting with peers, sharing ideas, and building your network. And when the programme wraps up, we’ll help you land a permanent role in the business.

As well as a competitive salary and plenty of career development support, you’ll also enjoy a fantastic employee benefits package which includes a generous pension scheme, annual leave starting at 26 days (rising to 31 days with service), access to health and wellbeing schemes, discounts and cashback on shopping, going out and more!

What You’ll Need to Succeed

You’ll need to bring a positive mindset, take ownership of your work and be ready to adapt when things change. We’re looking for people who can communicate effectively, work collaboratively and think critically to solve problems. If you’re curious and keen to learn, you’ll be ready to grow with us.

To be eligible for our graduate programme, you must:

• Hold or be on track to achieve before 27th August 2027: An undergraduate (e.g. BA, BSc) degree at 2:2 or above in Cybersecurity or a related Digital or Technology subject.
• Be able to attend our residential induction in Birmingham from 6th - 9th September 2027.
• Have the unrestricted Right to Work in the UK for the full duration of the three‑year programme. Due to the salary levels of the programme and the permanent role that graduates will transition to at the end of the programme, we cannot offer sponsorship for individuals that don't have the Right to Work in the UK.
• Live, or be willing to relocate, within one hour’s travel of the office location listed on this advert and be able to attend the office at least 2 days per week, in line with our hybrid working policy. We are unable to offer relocation support, so please consider carefully how you will meet this requirement before applying.

Your Journey to Joining Us

Assessment Centres will run in January and February 2027, and we’ll let you know soon after whether you’ve been successful.

All offers to the programme are conditional on successfully passing both our pre‑employment checks and programme enrolment process before the programme starts. Pre‑employment checks include Right to Work, references and criminal record/DBS checks. During programme enrolment, we’ll check that your education and qualifications meet the programme entry requirements, working with our training providers and professional body partners where applicable. If we cannot verify the information you provided in your application, or you do not meet the requirements of either process, your offer may be withdrawn.

About Us

Our strategic road network is vital to connecting the country, carrying a third of all traffic and two-thirds of freight. Every single day, National Highways get millions of people to where they need to be as efficiently and safely as possible along more than 4,500 miles of motorways and major A roads. We bring people together, keep businesses moving and help communities to stay connected.

We’re constantly innovating to stay ahead of the curve in building and operating our roads, investing in both the right projects and the brightest talent to help shape our future. And that's where you come in!

Why You Should Join Us

At National Highways, we believe in building a connected country. We’re passionate about creating an inclusive, collaborative culture where all our people feel empowered, valued and enjoy greater wellbeing to achieve this.

If you share our values of safety, passion, teamwork, ownership, and integrity, you’ll thrive as part of our team.