Cyber Threat Detection & Response Apprentice

We’re looking for a Cyber Threat Detection & Response Apprentice to join our growing team and gain hands-on experience in identifying and responding to cyber threats. This is your chance to learn from industry experts and develop practical skills in a dynamic, supportive environment.

Role

  • Assisting in monitoring network traffic and security alerts to identify potential threats.
  • Supporting investigations into security incidents, gathering evidence and documenting findings.
  • Using Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools to detect and analyse suspicious activities.
  • Collaborating with the cyber security team to respond to incidents and implement mitigation strategies.
  • Helping maintain and update incident response documentation and procedures.
  • Contributing to threat intelligence reviews and sharing findings with stakeholders.
  • Preparing reports and presentations on security incidents and trends.
  • Staying up-to-date with emerging cyber threats and technologies.

Training

Why choose our Cyber Defender & Responder Level 4 apprenticeship?

The Cyber Defender & Responder apprentice will use investigation techniques and analytics skills to defend against and respond to cyber incidents within the network environment.

QA's exclusive partnership with Circadence Corporation, the pioneer of the hands-on gamified learning platform Project Ares®, allows us to uniquely incorporate hands-on scenario training into our cyber security apprenticeships. The Project Ares platform offers a totally immersive experience, using automated features to support skills adoption with an in-game advisor, Athena, who advises our players through scenario-based challenges. The platform scenarios replicate the unpredictability and escalating levels of complexity that cyberattacks can present. It drives high levels of engagement through leaderboards and badges, elements used widely in the gaming world.

QA’s Cyber Defender & Responder Level 4 apprenticeship programme enables the apprentice to:

  • Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills in a safe, but realistic environment
  • Apply all of the acquired skills throughout the programme, with added scoring of players and opponent actions with replay for object assessment
  • Take part in hands-on training and active-learning models that increase retention rates by 75% so that cyber apprentices can prepare for real-world challenges
  • Complete Functional Skills in English and maths, if required

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

Apprenticeship Standard
Cyber security technologist (2021) (level 4)
Training Provider
QA LIMITED
Working Week
Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm with 30 minutes lunch break.
Expected Duration
1 Year 8 Months
Positions Available
1
Closing Date
Monday, 22nd December 2025
Start Date
Monday, 5th January 2026

Desired Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working

About the Employer

Specialist Network Operations
Specialist Network Operations Ltd (SNO) is a trusted provider of network managed services, specialising in monitoring and managing large-scale fibre optic networks. Established in 2017, we’ve expanded into Managed IT Services for SMEs, delivering cloud-first solutions powered by Microsoft technologies like M365 and Azure. Our mission is to keep networks secure, efficient, and future-ready.
Company
Specialist Network Operations
Location
HOLLIS HOUSE, MAESBURY ROAD, OSWESTRY, England
Employment Type
Higher Apprenticeship
Salary
£20,000 a year
Posted
Company
Specialist Network Operations
Location
HOLLIS HOUSE, MAESBURY ROAD, OSWESTRY, England
Employment Type
Higher Apprenticeship
Salary
£20,000 a year
Posted