Cyber Security Apprentice

About Simply Backbone:

We’re a growing Managed Security Service Provider on a mission to make workplaces more secure, modern, and resilient. What makes us different? Our culture. We live by five values that guide everything we do:

Be Fast. Stay Curious. Always Growing. Get It Done. Go Further.

Our Service Operations team is the heartbeat of what we do. We’re the people on the front line, keeping our customers secure and connected. Whether it’s spotting a threat, fixing an issue, or finding a smarter way of doing things, we’re united by one goal: delivering an exceptional customer experience with speed and precision.

Responsibilities:

  • Be fast: Monitor alerts and events using tools like Microsoft Sentinel and PRTG, spotting issues before they become problems.
  • Stay curious: Triage security and infrastructure incidents, follow playbooks, and keep things moving to resolution.
  • Go further: Be a calm, clear communicator — keeping customers in the loop and building trust during incidents. Spot opportunities to make things faster, smarter, and better through AI and Automation.
  • Always growing: Dive into threat intelligence, security tools, and triage techniques, sharpening your skills every day.
  • Get it done: Work with engineers and senior analysts to protect customers and improve processes.

Desirable skills:

  • A genuine passion for IT, networks, or cybersecurity (bonus points if you geek out over Microsoft tech).
  • Great communication skills — you’re comfortable talking to people and explaining what’s going on.
  • A problem-solving mindset — you like to figure things out and won’t give up easily.
  • The ability to stay cool under pressure and juggle multiple tasks.
  • An appetite for learning and growing — both for yourself and for the team.
  • As is past working experience in a technical team or role.

Bonus points if you've dabbled in things like:

  • Networking basics (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP).
  • Windows/Linux systems or firewalls.
  • Security tools (SIEM, antivirus, vulnerability scanners).
  • Scripting (PowerShell, Python).
  • Cloud platforms (Azure, AWS).

Entry requirements:

  • an A-Level in ICT
  • OR an International Baccalaureate at Level 3 ICT
  • OR an A-Level 3 apprenticeship in a similar subject
  • OR a BTEC Extended Diploma in IT (180 credits)

You may also have a combination of qualifications and experience which demonstrate the minimum foundation needed for the programme. In this instance you could still be considered for the programme.

If you hold international equivalents of the above qualifications, at the time of your application you must be able to provide an official document that states how your international qualifications compare to the UK qualifications. 

For more information please visit the UK ENIC website.

Working hours: 37.5 hours per week, 9am – 5:30pm.

Benefits:

  • A career starting point in one of the most exciting industries out there.
  • A competitive salary (up to £25K based on experience).
  • 25 days annual leave growing over service term to a maximum of 30.
  • Real, hands-on experience from day one.
  • Mentorship and support from experienced security professionals.
  • The chance to grow with a fast-moving company and make a real impact.
  • A culture where your curiosity, energy, and ideas are valued.
  • Healthcare, pension and cycle-to-work scheme on successful passing of probation.

Future prospects:

90% of QA apprentices secure permanent employment after completing: this is 20% higher than the national average.

About QA:

Our apprenticeships are the perfect way to gain new skills, earn while you learn, and launch yourself into an exciting future. With over 50,000 successful apprenticeship graduates, we're a top 50 training provider, dedicated to helping you succeed.

Interested? Apply now!

Please be advised that this advert may close prior to the closing date stated above if a high number of applications are received. If you are interested in this vacancy please apply below as soon as possible.

Job Details

Company
QA
Location
Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom
Employment Type
Full-Time
Salary
£25,000 per annum
Posted