TfL launches cyber security apprenticeship scheme

Starting salary of £17,802 for cyber security apprentices

Transport for London has launched a cyber security scheme, aimed at school-leavers who have just completed their studies at sixth-form or college.

The scheme will last for two years, and applicants must have five GCSE A* to C grades, including maths and English language, while science and ICT qualifications will be looked at favourably.

Applicants will also need two A-Levels in any discipline, and must be 18 years of age by 1 September 2017 to be eligible.

According to TfL, the apprentices will contribute to the development and improvement of security processes and procedures at the organisation, as well as supporting the technical leads for specific projects.

They will also help with analysing and evaluating IT security threats, both inside and outside of the network, spotting potential threats and responding to reported security violations, and advising on best practice to ensure IT security.

TfL said that protection was needed for networks, computers, programs, hardware, software and data, and that this list had grown longer thanks to the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT).

"As a cyber security apprentice, you'll work at analyst level role: developing a good understanding of cyber security principles, common data network protocols and IT infrastructure technologies, as well as delivering technical cyber security support. This support includes the security of our fixed, mobile and virtual environments, and the associated data of these environments," said TfL.

"You'll also support and develop the IT security policy, strategy and security procedures for taking into account business aims, legal and regulatory, human rights laws and policy limitations. You'll learn how to carry out technical tasks in the area of access control, network security, incident management, monitoring of network assets and management of critical cyber assets in the IT and operational technology areas."

It added that this may also incorporate any combination of operational security and intrusion detection, threat and awareness intelligence gathering, project assurance, policy and governance implementation, risk management and compliance checking.

Throughout the scheme, apprentices will complete placements in various teams across cyber security, and TfL said it hoped that those involved will develop a good understanding of cyber threats, information security controls best practice, Cyber Essentials, and related legislation such as the Data Protection Act.

Applicants must be able to show a keen interest in technology, whether this has been demonstrated in the classroom, sixth form or at home. They must have a general understanding of cyberspace and an awareness of the technological advancements being made in protecting computer networks, PCs and devices from viruses and hacking.

"When you complete the apprenticeship successfully, you'll have a range of options about where to go next and could include: intrusion detection analyst, malware analyst, threat intelligence, security project management to cyber security policy analyst, all depending on your preference," TfL said.

Applications for the scheme close on Wednesday 19 April 2017. TfL is also accepting applications for an 18-month software developer apprenticeship and a two-year infrastructure technology apprenticeship.

Both schemes also have starting salaries of £17,802. Applicants can only apply for one apprenticeship scheme per year, so between January and August 2017, it will only accept the first application made.

Join Computing in London on 4 May for the Cyber Security Strategy Briefing 2017 for the Financial Sector.

Speakers include Adam Koleda, IT director of insurance firm BPL Global; Peter Agathangelou, associate director of Hamilton Fraser Insurance; and, Dr Kuan Hon, consultant lawyer at law firm Pinsent Masons.

Attendance is free to qualifying IT professionals and IT leaders - register now!