Level 4 Cyber Apprenticeship scheme

It’s an exciting time to join government cyber security. Our unique apprenticeships will give you lots of new opportunities. You’ll get to develop your skills, whilst playing an important role in ensuring security across government.
We are looking for dynamic and motivated people to join the rapidly-growing Government Security sector. Here, they will develop their skills to become a cyber-professional of tomorrow!
The Government Security Cyber Apprenticeship (Level 4) is an excellent entry route into the Government Security Profession. It is for those who are interested in the realm of cyber security and are leaving studies or looking for a career change.
These are exciting, challenging and stimulating jobs working across government departments and agencies. You'll be managing digital networks and information security risks on high-profile projects. All of which can have an impact on all aspects of life in the UK., You will have a significant role in identifying, managing and mitigating risk and threats to national security. On-the-job experience and training will help you to develop advanced technical skills and behaviours. These are needed to prevent cybercrime and promote good cyber hygiene within the government.
This is a two year programme. It will not only see you complete a Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist Higher Apprenticeship, but will also enable you to:
+ Learn the fundamental skills you need to begin your career as a security professional.
+ Develop the knowledge and skills required to equip you to be a future cyber security specialist. This includes incident response, risk management and digital forensics.
+ Tackle topics such as ethical hacking, cyber security fundamentals, threats and vulnerabilities.
+ Gain invaluable experience by learning challenging theory and immediately applying this on-the-job.
+ Be supported by experienced mentors and managers who will guide you through your apprenticeship.
To support your development, the programme takes a work-related approach. In this, you will develop in-depth knowledge and understanding. You will be able to apply technical skills and behaviours in cyber security within the government. Your learning, personal and professional development will be facilitated through a structured programme. This will be supported by a range of learning, classroom and work based learning experiences.
The apprenticeship will also help you build a foundation level of knowledge in critical areas of Cyber Security. Setting you up for a successful and rewarding career.
Responsibilities
During the apprenticeship some of the responsibilities you may have will be to:
+ Contribute towards the team identifying any risks associated with taking specific technical actions.
+ Provide security risk advice, guidance and support to the business.
+ Provide technical security input into business projects and programmes. This is to ensure early understanding of security assurance processes and obligations.
+ Provide technical input into business change documentation and processes.
+ Contribute technical input. Part of the organisation's security monitoring and detection analysis regime.
+ Lead small monitoring teams in the design, development and enablement of automated monitoring processes.
+ Provide support to the team in dealing with organisations response to an incident. This includes liaising with operational teams and applying security policies.
+ Carry out digital forensics.
+ Carry out open source intelligence and contribute work investigating cyber security intelligence. This includes collaborative working with the Security Operations Centre.
+ Support the business to deliver cryptography and encryption. Look to expand knowledge of emerging concepts and trends. Using this knowledge to ensure appropriate management systems are applied.
+ Support the creation and delivery of documentation required to support Cyber Security activities applying the ISO27001 Information Security Standard wherever appropriate.
+ Assist with department security education and awareness., We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
+ During your apprenticeship you will be required to balance your day to day tasks and formal learning. How will you deal with competing priorities to ensure both your work and your learning are kept on track?
+ Cyber Security is constantly evolving and changing, you will undoubtedly experience this during your apprenticeship. Tell us about a time when you had to deal with change and how you made effective decisions during this process?, You will be asked to complete some background information which will include some diversity questions - which are for monitoring purposes only and will have no bearing on selection outcomes.
The application process for the scheme is made up of several stages:
Online test
After submitting your basic details you will be invited to complete the Civil Service Judgement Test. Please ensure you complete the online test as early as possible.
Please note if you encounter any issues with the online tests you must contact us no later than 1pm on Tuesday 8th October 2024. Any queries received after this time may not be acknowledged.
Full application
If you pass the Civil Service Judgement Test you will then be invited to complete a full application. This will consist of you answering three statements, explaining:
+ Your motivation for applying (750 words)
+ How you will manage your work and studies (250 words)
+ How you deal with change and your decision making skills (250 words)
And uploading your full qualification details.
Assessment Centre
If you pass the above stages, you will then be invited to undertake a virtual assessment centre. The assessment centre will involve an interview and a 5 minute presentation and will reflect some of the key elements of the apprenticeship role.
The anticipated timetable is below. Whilst we’ll endeavour not to change these dates, they are indicative only and could be subject to change. If you are unable to meet these timeframes, please let us know by contacting securityprofession.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Please ensure you quote the job title and reference number in your email.
Expected timeline (subject to change)
Expected sift date – w/c 14th October 2024
Expected interview date/s – 19th November - 13th December 2024.
Interview location - Virtual
Reasonable adjustments
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should contact: securityprofession.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'contact point for applicants' section.
Please note that this role requires SC clearance, which would normally need 5 years’ UK residency in the past 5 years. This is not an absolute requirement, but supplementary checks may be needed where individuals have not lived in the UK for that period. This may mean your security clearance (and therefore your appointment) will take longer or, in some cases, not be possible.
Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
Any move to Cabinet Office from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
A reserve list will be held for a period of 6 months, from which further appointments can be made.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

+ Be a UK National.
+ Hold a current United Kingdom (UK) Passport, and NI number.
+ A GCSE in Maths and English at Grade C/Level 4 or above OR A Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English., A GCSE in Maths and English at Grade C/Level 4 or above OR A Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English.

Alongside your salary of £27,750, Cabinet Office contributes £8,039 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
+ Learning and development tailored to your role.
+ An environment with flexible working options.
+ A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
+ A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and employer contributions of 28.97%.
+ A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30.