Cyber Security Apprentice

You will be involved in assisting in monitoring network traffic and using SIEM tools (e.g. FortiSIEM, Microsoft Sentinel) to detect suspicious activity and triage security risks and supporting incident reporting and response, including risk assessments and vulnerability scans.

Role

  • Assist in monitoring network traffic and using SIEM tools (e.g. FortiSIEM, Microsoft Sentinel) to detect suspicious activity and triage security risks.
  • Support incident reporting and response, including risk assessments and vulnerability scans.
  • Gain hands-on experience managing firewalls, antivirus, endpoint security, patching, and software updates.
  • Collaborate with IT, Legal, and other departments to ensure a unified security approach, including third-party risk assessments.
  • Monitor and respond to the IT Security Queue (CVE updates, service requests, incidents, bulletins).
  • Assess and manage tickets, ensuring priority issues are resolved within 48 hours.
  • Handle walk-up incidents and participate in major incident responses.
  • Support the ICT security incident response process and maintain the ICT Risk Register.
  • Manage security dashboards (SIEM, FortiMail, FortiConsole, SOPHOS, Windows Defender).
  • Oversee job assignments and SLA performance across teams.
    Support projects aligned with the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF).
  • Assist in updating and maintaining IT security policies and procedures.
  • Support strategic projects.

Training

Why choose our Cyber Security Engineer Level 4 apprenticeship?

The Cyber Security Engineer apprentice can help to design, build and test secure networks, security products or systems to help protect your organisation against cyber threats.

QA is a market leader in cyber security training, with a state-of-the-art immersive cyber gamified learning, giving apprentices a hands-on learning experience in simulating a real cyber threat.

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 Security Engineer 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

Tools and technologies learned:

Apprentices will learn to use Project Ares, Python, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft PowerShell, Linux and AWS.

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
Days and shifts to be confirmed.
Expected Duration
1 Year 8 Months
Positions Available
1
Closing Date
Monday, 3rd November 2025
Start Date
Monday, 10th November 2025

Desired Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Number skills
  • Team working
  • Driving licence & own vehicle

About the Employer

Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council
At Trafford Council we are EPIC! We EMPOWER – We inspire and trust our people to deliver the best outcomes for our customers, communities and colleagues. We are PEOPLE CENTRED – We value all people, within and external to the organisation and give those around us respect. We will act with honesty and integrity in all that we do and create an environment that enables everyone we work with to thrive and succeed. We are INCLUSIVE – We are committed to creating an environment that values and respects the diversity and richness differences bring. We COLLABORATE – We build relationships, collaborate; treat people as equal partners and work together to make things happen. Trafford is a lively, prosperous place to put down roots and build a career. The council and Trafford schools employ around 8,000 people, who are central to making the area great. In return for their commitment, the council offers its employees development opportunities, as well as a fair and flexible workplace. The council is a Living Wage Employer.
Company
Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council
Location
Town Hall, Talbot Road, Manchester, England
Employment Type
Higher Apprenticeship
Salary
£25,989 a year
Posted
Company
Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council
Location
Town Hall, Talbot Road, Manchester, England
Employment Type
Higher Apprenticeship
Salary
£25,989 a year
Posted