Landing a Cyber Security Apprenticeship (in 2024)

Cyber security is the defence of computer systems, networks, devices & data from unauthorised access and exploitation. It affects everyone: businesses, governments, even you at home. 

The world of cyber is a constant battle between the people working in cyber security and the people trying to exploit the defences. For this reason, companies are always looking for fresh blood to take up the fight.

Cyber security apprenticeships might just be some of the most fun and exciting jobs on the market right now.

Jump straight to Cyber Security jobs

Why should I be interested in a career in Cyber Security? 

We live in a constantly connected world where the value of both public and private data is ever-increasing. Cyber security helps to keep this data infrastructure safe.

Not only are careers in cyber security often well paid (Senior Security Architects can net upwards of £65,000 a year) but the roles also span across a wide range of industries and interests. 

In this guide, we are going to take a look at some of the biggest providers of cyber security apprenticeships in the UK.

Could one of these routes be your perfect stepping stone into the industry?

Cyber Security Apprenticeships with The UK Government

GCHQ

We start off with the UK government’s lead security agency, known as Government Communications Headquarters or GCHQ. Based in Cheltenham, GCHQ recruits budding cyber fighting apprentices to come and work in its huge underground headquarters, known as “The Doughnut”! 

Working with the National Cyber Security Centre, GCHQ apprenticeships help protect the nation’s data from attack while also earning a degree. Recruits have a starting salary of £18,920, with the chance to nab a full-time job at the end of their apprenticeship.

Other routes into government security include working with HMRC and the defence of their important financial data. On completion of this you will gain a Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist qualification.

To stay up to date on the latest cyber security vacancies from GCHQ, including their degree apprenticeship schemes, you can register for our email alert.

GCHQ Cyber First Careers

How do I get a degree apprenticeship?

Media & Digital

Channel 4

Media and digital make up a decent portion of the cyber security recruitment sphere. With traditional media moving ever more digital, security has become an important part of ensuring digital products are safe and secure.

Channel 4 offers a number of different apprenticeship opportunities, including cyber security (level 4). This role will not only get you fully qualified as a cyber security professional but also land you a foot in the door of a prestigious media organisation. 

Browse all apprenticeships from channel 4.

BBC

The BBC are another organisation that has taken its products digital in the last decade. They are looking for cyber security apprentices to help maintain and promote all aspects of information security across the organisation.

The cyber security roles available for apprentices are split into two different specialisations. These include:

Cyber Security Technologist – Applying an understanding of cyber threats, hazards, risks, controls, measures and mitigations to protect organisations’ systems and people.

Cyber Intrusion Analyst – Detecting breaches in network security for escalation to incident response or other determined functions. 

View the full roster of BBC apprenticeships.

Telecoms

BT

Telecom providers have always been at the forefront of the fight for cyber security. For example, BT offers a fantastic integrated cyber security qualification, that lets you earn a degree while working and earning full time.

Throughout the course of your apprenticeship, you’ll gain a wealth of invaluable experience. You’ll also be taught key concepts such as security, identity, confidentiality, integrity, availability, threat, vulnerability, risk and hazard and how they relate to each other.

Recruitment drives happen a few times a year, so keep an eye out for when applications open back up.

Virgin Media O2

Virgin Media O2 are a new face to the Cyber Security apprenticeships world, having only recently added cyber security apprenticeships to its roster in 2022 (along with some other great schemes, like digital marketing and DevOps).

The cyber team at Virgin Media O2 is responsible for the security, resilience, reliability, observability, and operability of their core platforms. They say that ‘People who thrive in our team are those who love a challenge, constantly evaluating and questioning and, above all, love to launch a product that solves real problems, at scale.’

FInd out more about BT apprenticeships.

Banking

Lloyds Banking Group

Keeping your money and financial data safe is kind of a big deal.

Lloyds have apprenticeships across a number of security roles, from strict cyber security to data analysis. They also boast a wide range of entry criteria, from intermediate (level 2) apprenticeships, all the way up to degree apprenticeships.

Lloyds recruitment window is currently on hiatus, but you can register your interest to be alerted when new roles are opened.

Santander

Santander describes their apprenticeship programme as “The full package”, offering the chance to develop a career within financial crime detection, including cyber security and technology learning paths.

They take on a number of apprentices across their corporate and commercial banking infrastructure, including a highly regarded financial crime apprenticeship.

The next application window opens in January, but you can register your interest now by joining their talent network

Defence

Leonardo

If you haven’t realised by now, cyber security is big business. In the defence sector, this can mean huge teams of professionals dedicated to the safety and security of highly confidential data and information.

As one of the largest defence contractors in the world, Leonardo is a big player in the sector. By offering a number of cyber security opportunities, they hope to attract new young talent to the defence industry.

BAE Systems

BAE Systems is home to a very highly rated apprenticeship scheme. In the last few years they have expanded their range and now offer apprenticeships across cyber security, cyber engineering and digital and technology solutions.

Subscribe to our email alert to be notified when the BAE Systems apprenticeship window opens.

Other ways into cyber security

If you know you definitely want to work in cyber security, but don’t yet have a strong opinion about the company or industry you want to work in, there are some other ways to kick on with your learning journey.

Because cyber is such a growing industry, there are several apprenticeship providers who have decided to “cut out the middleman” and recruit budding cyber professionals directly. Providers like QA, Baltic, and Escalla can help you get a foot in the door of the industry and will help to find you a place within a company that matches your desires.

Securing a future in cyber

Well there we have it, a quick rundown of some of the best ways into the cyber security industry as an apprentice. Whether you decide to choose a specific employer, industry, or training provider, we hope this guide has given you a head start on making the right choice for your future career.

As always, if you have any questions or need further advice, check out the rest of our industry and job focus guides in our discovery section.