IT Cloud Engineer Level 3 Apprenticeship - XCM

QA Limited; Leeds; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; 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 Limited in Leeds invites you to start a cloud engineering apprenticeship, earning while you learn and gaining hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure. You'll train with mentors, shadow engineers and work on real business systems as you progress.

By the end you'll have a recognised qualification and a strong foundation for a career in cloud engineering, with opportunities for progression across engineering, security, data and operations.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Learn fundamentals of Microsoft Azure, including virtual machines, storage, networking and identity management.
• Support routine system administration tasks and monitoring activities.
• Develop 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 and seek support when needed.
• Build relationships across engineering, security, data and product teams.

Skills

Interest in technology

Willingness to learn

Communication skills

Teamwork

Job description

Start your cloud engineering career with XCM!

Earn while you learn, gain hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure and build valuable skills with a recognised apprenticeship and supportive team.

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.