An apprenticeship is a job in which you learn and acquire experience, and, at the same time, you’ll get paid.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a job in which you learn and acquire cyber security experience, and, at the same time, you’ll get paid. You can be eligible to become an apprentice whether you’re just beginning your career or if you wish to upskill in your current position. Apprenticeships offer a fantastic means to start your career in the cybersecurity industry. As an apprentice, you are a full-time employee. You have an employment agreement and obtain all other employee benefits such as annual leave. Apprenticeships are funded from contributions made by the UK government and by the employing company. You’ll require to be well organised to deal with the competing demands of the job as well as learn at the same time. At the end of an apprenticeship, you’ll have the right abilities, knowledge and expertise needed for your chosen career. Cyber Security Apprenticeships There are 3 Cyber Security Apprenticeships: Cyber Security Technician Level 3 Cyber Security Technologist Level 4; Choice of 3 pathways:
  • Cyber Security Risk Analyst
  • Cyber Security Engineer
  • Cyber Security Defender & Respond
Cyber Security Technical Professional at Level 6 Additional details of these and various other relevant apprenticeships are available on the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education website. Criteria To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you require to meet the criteria. For instance, in England, you must:
  • be 16 or over
  • not already be in full-time education
  • At least 50% of your working hours must be in England
Different options and criteria apply for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. More handy web links: If you are a learner seeking an apprenticeship, you can apply here. If you are a company seeking to take on apprentices, please visit the gov.uk website.
Funding And Apprenticeship Levy

If you’re an organisation with a pay bill of less than £3m (non-levy paying). The government will pay at least 95% of tuition fees for any apprentice. You could get extra financial help, depending on how many people you employ and your apprentice’s personal circumstances. You could get a £1,000 support payment from the government if one of these applies for your apprentice:

  • is under 19 when they start the apprenticeship
  • is under 24 and a care leaver when they start the apprenticeship
  • has a local authority education, health and care plan
  • If you employ fewer than 50 people and your apprentice is under 19 at the start of the apprenticeship, the government will pay all of the tuition fees and give you the £1,000 support payment.

If you’re an organisation with an annual pay bill of £3m+ (Levy Paying).

If your apprenticeship levy pot covers the course costs, you will not need to make any additional payments. If the pot has been exhausted, the government will pay at least 95% of the fees. You can also get a £1,000 support payment from the government if one of these applies to your apprentice:

  • is under 19 when they start the apprenticeship
  • is under 25 and a care leaver when they start the apprenticeship
  • has a local authority education, health and care plan

For more information about the Apprenticeship levy see this article on The Specialists Hub: Apprenticeship Levy Explained.

Apprentices are full-time employees. They are entitled to a wage, statutory holidays and paid time off to study. You will need to pay a minimum starting salary of at least £12,000, although some employers pay significantly more. If your apprentice is under 25, you do not have to pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions.

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