Cyber security apprenticeships
Build future-ready cyber capability by developing existing employees and bringing in new hires, with levy-funded training
Give your business the skills it needs to protect against emerging cyber and AI security threats. Our apprenticeships give teams the capability to secure networks, respond to attacks and monitor for risks and breaches.
Backed by expertise and endorsed by over 4,000 global clients, QA is the most trusted leader in applied cyber security training.
Cyber security apprenticeship programmes
Designed by experts and trusted by organisations across the UK, our cyber security apprenticeships empower your teams to face present and emerging threats.
Ways to learn
Apprenticeship
Get started with cyber apprenticeships
Skilling that works for you
Our programmes are designed to fit around the needs of both learners and the businesses.
- Apprentices spend around 80% of their time in their day-to-day role, applying new skills in a real working environment, while the remaining time is dedicated to structured learning, workshops and development activities.
- This means that organisations get the benefit of learners adding continuous learning and capability throughout the length of the programme.
- We also work with businesses from a range of different sectors to deliver cyber security solutions tailored to your needs and industry challenges.
Closing cyber skills gaps
As AI transforms the threat landscape, organisations need stronger cyber security skills than ever before. A recent QA survey found that 39% of employees have received no training on AI-powered cyber threats, leaving businesses exposed to increasingly sophisticated attacks.
Cyber security apprenticeship programmes give businesses a cost-effective way to close their skills gaps and the capability to protect against the threats of the future.
Empower your cyber and IT teams
Our cyber security programmes are suitable for any business that wants to build cyber capability in their IT, cloud, infrastructure, digital and technology teams.
We design our programmes with your business in mind. This means empowering all learners to strengthen their knowledge of present and emerging threats, develop awareness of compliance and champion the reduction of business risk.
They not only support those in a variety of roles, but also support career pathways into roles such as Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Engineer and Cyber Security Consultant.
Fund your skills programmes
Cyber security apprenticeships can be funded through the Growth and Skills Levy, helping organisations upskill existing employees or develop new talent in critical cyber roles.
Levy-paying employers can use available funds to cover training costs, while many non-levy employers can access significant government funding support, making it a cost-effective way to build long-term cyber capability.
Support every step of the way
Get in touch and one of our cyber security experts will help you identify the right programme for your business needs. We'll guide you through funding options, recommend the most suitable programmes and support the onboarding process to get your programme up and running quickly.
Why QA?
Apprenticeships expertise, assured.
Through expert guidance and innovative tech, we offer unrivalled support at every step of your journey.
From onboarding to completion, businesses benefit from dedicated support teams, AI-powered learning assistance, live chat, employer portals and real-time progress visibility, ensuring apprentices stay engaged, supported and on track to deliver impact.
Client stories and testimonials
“We highly recommend apprenticeship programmes to any businesses that have yet to explore this opportunity.”
“Apprenticeships are a good opportunity for individuals looking to make a career in IT. We see apprenticeships as investing in young people. We like the idea of growing our own talent within the company. This gives them a good grounding on learning, and gives us time to make sure they are the right people for our company.”
“We’re creating a level playing field with QA. We can bring employees in from stores and build up their foundations in data. We have amazing opportunities in our technology team, like consumer analytics.”
“We’ve been blown away with the quality of the candidates that have been put in front of us. If these candidates are representative of the level of the capabilities that are coming out of the schools in Scotland I think we are in an extremely good place as a nation and a tech nation for the future.”
“We chose QA because of their ability to tailor apprenticeship programmes to suit our specific needs.”
“We did not expect apprentices to move into core roles so quickly!”
Build skills that drive change
For over 40 years, our training programmes have helped businesses and individuals to grow and drive digital transformation.
- The trusted training partner of 3,500+ global organisations
- Our apprenticeships have a 98% learner success rate and an 80% increase in employee retention
- Skills powered by industry-leading partnerships with Microsoft, AWS and NVIDIA
- Collaborate with a team of in-house experts to tailor skills programmes to the needs of your organisation
Talk to us
Fill out the form below and one of our experts will be touch shortly. Or give us a call: 0113 220 7150 (England) | 0141 226 1335 (Scotland)
Cyber security apprenticeship FAQs
What is a cyber security apprenticeship?
A cyber security apprenticeships is completed through a combination of on-the-job working and instructor-led and self-paced learning. In fact, learners spend most of their time learning in their current role, at their desk.
For organisations, this is a huge advantage, as apprentices are able to apply their skills in real-time and make a business impact as they learn. With a QA cyber security apprenticeship, learners are able to hear from industry experts and specialist trainers with their own cyber experience and accreditations.
Ultimately, it's the most cost-effective way for organisations to build capability in cyber security.
What skills do cyber security apprentices learn?
Cyber security apprentices develop a blend of technical and professional skills, including threat detection, risk management, security operations, network security, incident response, vulnerability management, cyber governance, compliance and secure system design.
Many programmes also cover emerging areas such as cloud security, AI-related risks and security awareness, helping organisations build resilience against modern cyber threats.
What comes next after a cyber security apprenticeship?
Once a learner has completed a cyber security apprenticeships, there are many ways they can continue to bolster their skill set and progress in their career.
Depending on the programme, learners may also have the opportunity to gain industry-recognised cyber security certifications that further support career progression and professional development.
A cyber security apprenticeship can open pathways into roles such as Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Engineer, Cyber Security Consultant, Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst, IT Security Specialist and Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) professional.
Where does QA offer cyber security apprenticeships?
QA delivers cyber security apprenticeships across England, Scotland and Wales, supporting employers in major regions including London, the South East, Midlands, North of England and Scotland.
Demand for cyber skills continues to grow nationwide, with the UK cyber security workforce reaching approximately 145,900 people and cyber job demand increasing year-on-year. More than half of UK businesses also report technical cyber skills gaps, highlighting the need for continued investment in cyber talent.
How do cyber security apprentices benefit businesses?
Cyber security apprenticeships help organisations address critical skills shortages, strengthen cyber resilience and reduce reliance on external recruitment.
With 57% of businesses reporting basic technical cyber skills gaps and AI-driven threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, developing internal cyber capability has never been more important. Apprenticeships create a sustainable pipeline of talent while helping businesses improve security, compliance and operational resilience.
What level of cyber security apprenticeships are available?
QA offers cyber security apprenticeships at Level 4, aligned to the Cyber Security Technologist apprenticeship standard, providing learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to perform in operational cyber security roles.
Level 4 programmes are ideal for employees looking to build specialist cyber expertise and establish a foundation for future progression into more advanced technical, consultancy or leadership-focused positions.