The Next Gen

CyNam student only event at Hub8 to connect, engage and inspire young people with local organisations.

CyNam are so passionate about supporting the next generation of cyber and digital professionals, that’s why we’re thrilled to be an NCSC CyberFirst industry member and have Gloucestershire College as our Academic Sponsor!

These partnerships will enable the development and retention of the next generation of cyber and IT talent within the region. We seek to showcase and connect young people with the opportunities our cyber community has to offer, whilst also providing more local employers with the ability to access the Gloucestershire College’s specialised cyber and IT courses and apprenticeship training. Skilled, experienced professionals in the cyber industry are in high demand and expensive to recruit. But through apprenticeships, employers can grow their own talent in house. With apprenticeship qualifications going all the way up to degree level, apprentices will receive cutting edge training, stay up to date with the latest industry knowledge and gain invaluable experience to help future proof your business. Plus, with the government’s new incentive payment scheme rewarding employers with up to £3,000 for each apprentice hired, there has never been a better time to hire apprentices for your business. All employers are encouraged to make the most of this opportunity and help support our next generation.

Why employers should take on an apprentice or upskill existing staff by using an apprenticeship

Employers, large and small, can expect real, measurable benefits from taking on an apprentice including:
  • Increased productivity
  • Improved staff retention, motivation and morale
  • Business growth and development whilst keeping costs down
  • Filled skill-gaps through bringing in essential new skills and knowledge
The National Apprenticeship Service reports that 86% of employers said apprenticeships developed skills relevant to their organisation and 78% reported improved productivity. Those who have been trained in-house through apprenticeships are highly motivated, committed employees who have the desire to progress within the organisation, reducing staff turnover.
We are big believers in the value of apprenticeships and recognise that the most difficult part can be securing your placement with an employer. Below we have worked with Gloucestershire College to provide a step-by-step guide to help you apply for an apprenticeship. What are the criteria for an apprenticeship?
  • Each apprenticeship programme will have certain entry criteria for GCSE or A-Level grades but industry experience is also taken into consideration
  • Complete a pre-screen interview at Gloucestershire College
  • Pass BKSM Maths and English assessment
  • Employers will have the final decision for which apprentice they employ so you may have to take part in an interview or applicant selection day
What is worth getting when applying for an apprenticeship?
  • Reference from your computer science teacher / work experience placement
  • Work Experience, click here to find work experience opportunities
  • CyberFirst Schools Industry E-mentoring, click here to find opportunities

Step 1 – Write your CV

The purpose of your CV is to summarise yourself to a potential employer, therefore there is certain key information that you need to include following a similar structure as below.
  • Name, address and contact details
  • Personal Profile
  • Education
  • Work experience/skills and hobbies
As this might be your first CV, you should aim to fill one side of A4 comprehensively, but no more than two pages.

Step 2 – Register for an apprenticeship programme with Gloucestershire College

Gloucestershire College has a fantastic range of apprenticeships on offer. Explore the programmes available and apply online via their website so their apprenticeship team has your details and can support you to find an employer. Click here to apply for your programme of choice, or get in touch with their friendly apprenticeship team if you aren’t sure which pathway is right for you via:[email protected]. Once you have applied for a programme with Gloucestershire College, you can then start to look for an employer.

Step 3 – Pre Screen interview at Gloucestershire College and BKSB maths and English assessment

The apprenticeship team at Gloucestershire College will invite you for an interview – either in person or online, to make sure an apprenticeship is the right fit for your career ambitions. It’s also a great opportunity to ask any questions and get top-tips for finding an employer. Your maths and English assessments can be completed online once you have completed your pre-screen interview.

Step 4 – View the apprenticeship opportunities avaliable

The apprenticeship opportunities tab details a range of companies that are currently offering apprenticeships in the region. Gloucestershire College has a live apprenticeship vacancies section on their website, or you can search the government website for all apprenticeship opportunities in the country.

Step 5 – Think about creating a Linkedin Account to connected with the local community!

The  minimum age is 16 to create a Linkedin account. But if you’re over 16 it is a great way to start connecting with business leaders and see what exciting developments and opportunities organisations have.

Step 6 – Research the company / companies you are interested in

Before you apply for an apprenticeship, it’s important to do your research. This will help you to understand more about the company you are applying to and will allow you to ask important questions during your interview to make sure you choose the right opportunities for your career. The more research you do before your apprenticeship starts, the more you’ll be able to engage in conversation with the people you will be working with.  It will also help you create a good first impression. In many cases, apprenticeships often end up resulting in successful careers, so if you enjoy your time there, bear in mind that your efforts could help you secure a permeant full-time job with the company in the future.   If you have a dream company in mind to work for but they currently don’t have any apprenticeship vacancies advertised, try contacting them with your CV and a stand out cover letter!

Step 7 – Write your cover letter

Writing a cover letter is an essential part of almost every job application. A cover letter is necessary even when applying for an apprenticeship. It is an opportunity to sell your skills and abilities. The cover letter needs to detail why you are interested in this specific placement and how it will support your future studies and career. Do not create a generic cover letter and send to multiple companies. Spend time making it applicable to the company you are applying for.

Step 8 – Ask your teacher /employer for a reference

Your teacher / employer will be able to provide a reference to support your application.

Step 9 – Apply to the apprenticeship placement

Before you apply for the apprenticeship vacancy you want, make sure to check your CV and cover letter – asking a teacher or family member is always a good idea.  

Step 10 – Selection process

Some companies might ask you to attend an interview to get to know you more and to ensure you will be getting the best experience, perhaps even tailor the experience more to your interests or skills. This is a good opportunity to ask any questions as well. If it’s your first interview, it’s normal to feel nervous but don’t worry, we can help you feel prepared. Check out Gloucestershire Colleges Apprenticeship Guide for more information.

Step 11 – You got it!

Congratulations, you got the job!  The company will be in contact with you and your training provider to discuss next steps. Well done! Well done!

GET INVOLVED AND FIND OUT MORE

Gloucestershire College offers a fantastic range of cyber and digital apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers. In fact, apprenticeship qualifications range from Level 1 to 8 meaning apprentices can study advanced courses and even achieve a degree level qualification. Many businesses are investing in apprenticeships for their senior managers so they can learn the essential skills needed to contribute to business growth. There is no age limit for apprenticeships, so anyone aged 16+ can become an apprentice to continue their professional development. Gloucestershire College have several cohorts start dates throughout the year and if demand is high will put on additional cohorts. Another common misconception is that you have to wait until September to take on an apprentice, not true! Apprenticeships include:

GET INVOLVED AND FIND OUT MORE

Here are the current opportunities available:

A CyberFirst Degree Apprenticeship allows undergraduates to earn whilst they learn, ready for a job with GCHQ.

The CyberFirst Degree Level Apprenticeship is a three-year apprenticeship where you’ll get exposure to some of the world’s most cutting-edge technologies along with practical insights into the innovative ways we use them to provide cyber security to the UK government, industry and our citizens.

Successful applicants will earn while they learn with a starting salary of circa £20K and gain a recognised degree over the three-year programme.

Applications for the September 2021 intake are now open.

Find out more and apply
CGI – Find out more about our apprenticeship opportunities

You can take control of your career from day one. We are growing and we’re financially strong. We have the capability to support the most ambitious careers, in whichever direction you wish to go. You will have the opportunity to experience a number of roles within CGI, which lets you shape your career around your own professional interests.

Our degree apprenticeships give you the opportunity to pursue a range of BSc (Hons) degree courses covering IT and Business Management.

You’ll either study virtually, or attend university once a week, to get the best experiences from both student life and a great working environment.

 

 

Find out more and apply
Cyber Security Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6) with Gloucestershire College – Applications are open for September 2021 start!

Apply now for Gloucestershire College’s flagship Degree Apprenticeship programme in collaboration with the University of the West of England, accredited with Tech Industry Gold. Apprentices can earn a UWE Bristol BSc (Hons) Cyber Security Technical Professional Degree right here in Gloucestershire, in our new world-class £3million cyber facilities in Cheltenham, within easy reach of work or home.

 

Apply online today to become an apprentice and our expert Business Hub team can help you find a local employer. Our degree apprenticeship programme is also open to employees working within cyber or IT who are looking to advance their career and study towards a degree.

 

Apply online today.

Find out more and apply
Cyber Security Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) with Gloucestershire College – Apply now to become an apprentice

If you’re looking for your way into the cyber industry, we’ve got the key. Open to anyone aged 16 or over, Gloucestershire College’s Cyber Security Technician Apprenticeship Level 3 covers detecting threats, maintaining and managing security within an organisation, configuring firewalls and much more to provide the essential skills you’ll need for a career in cyber. Our Level 3 apprenticeship is a great pathway for our degree programme too.

Apply online today to become an apprentice and our expert Business Hub team can help you find a local employer. Our next apprenticeship cohorts are starting in March and July 2021.

Apply online today.

Find out more and apply
EDF Energy – Cyber Security Apprenticeship – Barnwood, Gloucestershire

During your apprenticeship you’ll develop your skills within Information Security, such as: building networks and digital systems, writing programs, analysing malware, identifying threats, undertaking risk assessments, designing secure systems and managing intrusion responses.

When not studying, you’ll have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of work-based activities to build up your cyber security skills:

Support Security Incident and Event Management activities
Support Architectural reviews of proposed changes to our IT environment including service, process and platform changes, outline and detailed requirements validation, analysing key design decision points and giving opinion on design recommendations
Support Development Operations to ensure proposed changes are secure by design
Support Network / Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Security and Security Enablement activities, e.g. Data Loss Prevention, Email, Endpoint Security, etc.
Support Governance, Risk and Compliance activities across the organisation, including our Enterprise Information Security Management System, Risk Assessment and Management, Supply Chain Security and Security Audits and Assessments.
Maintain and develop awareness of current information security technology and threats to help protect our IT systems
Learn about other areas of the business through short projects and secondments
You’ll get plenty of support along the way. We’ll create a professional development plan with you and your assessor to ensure that all the required components of your training are completed and demonstrated in a final portfolio of work-based projects. You’ll also be backed by your EDF mentor, line manager and buddy throughout the apprenticeship.

Find out more and apply
IT and digital apprenticeships with Gloucestershire College – Find the right path to start your career

Awarded ‘Gloucestershire’s Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year 2020,’ Gloucestershire College can provide fantastic apprenticeship opportunities thanks to our great links with employers and wide variety of programmes on offer. If you are 16 or over, explore our IT and digital apprenticeships below and apply online today. Our Business Hub team can support you to find an employer to kickstart your career:

 

Apply online today.

Find out more and apply
We’re thrilled to support the NCSC CyberFirst Initiative and the CyberFirst Schools initiative that runs within Gloucestershire. We’re thrilled that so many of our Gloucestershire schools are CyberFirst Schools, if you’re interested in becoming one, click here.

What is CyberFirst?

CyberFirst is a programme of opportunities to help young people aged 11 – 17 years explore their passion for tech by introducing them to the fast paced world of cyber security. CyberFirst covers a broad range of activities: a comprehensive bursary scheme to financially support undergraduates through university and a degree apprenticeship scheme; a girls’ only competition and thousands of free places on CyberFirst courses at UK universities and colleges. Find out more

CyberFirst Opportunities: