IT Cloud Engineer Apprentice

QA; Leeds; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave

Birthday day off

Private health insurance

Workplace pension

Death in Service cover

Job summary

QA is offering an apprenticeship in cloud engineering with a focus on Azure, networking, automation and infrastructure. You will learn through training, mentoring and shadowing, then take on more responsibility as confidence grows. By programme end, you gain a recognised qualification and valuable industry experience.

You’ll join a programme supporting real business systems and projects, working in a collaborative team led by a mentor. 37.5 hours weekly with generous leave and benefits.

Qualifications

• Three GCSEs (or equivalent) with grades 4+ in any subjects.
• GCSE Maths and English at grade 3+ (or equivalent).
• Prospective apprentices must not hold a higher qualification in a similar subject.

Responsibilities

• Learn fundamentals of Microsoft Azure, virtual machines, storage and networking.
• Support routine system administration tasks and user access management.
• Develop understanding of networking concepts including IP addressing, DNS, firewall basics.
• Create simple PowerShell and Python scripts to automate tasks.
• Gain exposure to Git, Terraform and Kubernetes tools.
• Assist with maintenance, updates and cloud-based projects under supervision.
• Work closely with mentor and wider engineering team.
• Communicate progress and ask questions when needed.
• Build relationships across engineering, security, data and product teams.

Skills

Technology interest

Willingness to learn

Communication

Team player

Education

3 GCSEs (4+ in any subject)

GCSE Maths and English 3+

Tools

Git

Terraform

Kubernetes

Job description

Why Join XCM?

• Earn while you learn with no student debt.

• Gain hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure and modern cloud technologies.

• Learn from experienced professionals across engineering, security, data and operations.

• Be part of an exciting cloud transformation programme.

• Clear opportunities for career progression after the apprenticeship.

About the role:

As XCM continues its move to the cloud, you'll develop practical skills in Azure, networking, automation and infrastructure while working alongside experienced engineers.

Initially, you'll focus on learning through training, mentoring and shadowing colleagues. As your confidence grows, you'll take on more responsibility, supporting real business systems and projects.

By the end of the programme, you'll have a recognised qualification, industry-relevant experience and a strong foundation for a career in cloud engineering.

Responsibilities:

• Learn the fundamentals of Microsoft Azure, including virtual machines, storage, networking and identity management

• Support routine system administration tasks, user access management and monitoring activities

• Develop an understanding of networking concepts including IP addressing, DNS, firewalls and VPNs

• Create simple PowerShell and Python scripts to automate tasks

• Gain exposure to tools such as Git, Terraform and Kubernetes

• Assist with maintenance, updates and cloud-based projects under supervision

• Work closely with your mentor and wider engineering team

• Communicate progress, ask questions and seek support when needed

• Build relationships across engineering, security, data and product teams

Technologies you'll learn:

• Microsoft Azure

• Azure Networking

• Entra ID

• Azure Monitor

• Windows Server

• Linux

• Networking (IP, DNS, Firewalls, VPNs)

• PowerShell

• Python

• Git

• Terraform

• Kubernetes

Required skills:

• Interest in technology, cloud computing or IT

• Strong willingness to learn and develop new skills

• Good communication and organisational skills

• Reliable, proactive and able to work as part of a team

The following experience is desirable:

• IT, computing or digital qualifications

• Personal projects, coding experience, home labs or other technology-related hobbies

• Previous work experience, volunteering or customer-facing experience

The entry requirements for this programme are as follows:

• 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 4+ (A-C) in any subject

• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalents) at grades 3+ (D or above)

• Prospective apprentices must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level as this apprenticeship in a similar subject

Working hours:

37.5 hours per week

Benefits:

• 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Birthday day off

• Private health insurance

• Workplace pension

• Death in Service cover

Future prospects:

90% of QA apprentices secure permanent employment after completing: this is 20% higher than the national average.

About QA:

Our apprenticeships are the perfect way to gain new skills, earn while you learn, and launch yourself into an exciting future. With over 50,000 successful apprenticeship graduates, we're a top 50 training provider, dedicated to helping you succeed.