Cyber security technician
Level 3 · AdvancedDigital 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Cyber Security Technician apprenticeship trains you to monitor, protect, and respond to cyber threats affecting an organisation's networks, systems, and data. You will develop hands-on skills in security monitoring, basic incident response, and the configuration of security tools in a security operations or IT support environment. This Level 3 qualification is an entry point into the cyber security profession and leads naturally to more advanced technical apprenticeships.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Core networking concepts - TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls, and VPNs
How to monitor security alerts using SIEM and logging tools
Common cyber threats - phishing, malware, ransomware, and social engineering
Incident response procedures and when and how to escalate security events
Basics of cryptography and secure configuration of systems
Legal and regulatory frameworks including GDPR and computer misuse law
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Monitor security dashboards and SIEM tools for alerts and suspicious activity
Investigate potential incidents and document findings in incident logs
Configure and check firewall rules, antivirus, and endpoint protection tools
Support users affected by phishing, malware, or account compromise incidents
Carry out basic vulnerability scanning and report findings to senior staff
Assist with patching and hardening workstations, servers, and network devices
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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