The Next Gen
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 and University of the West of England- UWE Bristol 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
- 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
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:apprenticeshipvacancies@gloscol.ac.uk. 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 available
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 connect 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!
“Our apprentices have gradually taken on responsibility of core business functions that has enabled us to do more. They help us fill skills gaps with their enthusiasm and willingness to learn and provide a fresh, new perspective on work and undertake exciting projects that get the whole team interested!”
“Being a Degree Apprentice is hard work, but is also fulfilling. Helping to expand my opportunities now and in the future.”
“Life as an apprentice for me has changed over the few years I have been one; in the sense that it’s made me get better as a person each, and, every day. Constant engagement between College and Work has made me to develop skills today that I never I would have yesterday.”
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:
Here are the current opportunities available:
Sopra Steria – Level 4 Software Testing Apprenticeship
The Position:
Sopra Steria have an opportunity for a Software Tester apprentice to support one of our National Security accounts within Gloucestershire area.
If you decide to take the first step on the testing career ladder, we will support your decision by offering you an 18-month structured learning programme an real-world experience, leading to a L4 apprenticeship.
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.
Cyber Security Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6) with Gloucestershire College – Applications are open
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.
Sopra Steria- Cyber Level 4 Apprentice
You will assist one of National Security accounts in support of securing our client’s digital estate in Gloucestershire. We will provide you with the skills you need to build a foundation of knowledge, on which you can build and grow. Just a few things you could be helping us with include:
Identify cyber vulnerabilities in systems and ensure security is maintained
Research and investigate attack techniques and recommend ways to defend against them
- Support Cyber security risk assessments, security audits and incident management activities
- Develop information security policies to achieve security outcomes within a defined scope
- Scope Author and present reports in the context of threat actors, cyber vulnerabilities, and mitigation
- Conduct cyber security risk assessments
Sopra Steria– Level 4 DevOps Apprenticeship
You will assist one of our National Security accounts in support of securing our client’s digital estate in Gloucestershire. We will provide you with the skills you need to build a foundation knowledge, on which you can build and grow. Just a few things you could be helping us with include:
Work as part of an agile team, explore new ways of working and rapidly respond to changing user needs with a steadfast focus on the user experience. Understand the importance of continual improvement within a blameless culture
Script and code in one general purpose and one domain-specific language to orchestrate infrastructure, follow test driven development and ensure appropriate test coverage
Provision cloud infrastructure using APIs, continually improve infrastructure-as-code, considering use of industry leading technologies
Apply leading security practices throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Keep up with leading pioneering technologies by continual training and development, self-learning active membership of professional bodies and subscription to relevant publications
Look to automate any manual tasks that are repeated, often using API’s
Software Development Technician Apprentice at North Tower Consulting Limited
You will be working with a friendly and supportive team, with access to software development expertise. This will assist in your development of skills, providing knowledge and technical reviews where needed to help grow.
-
Look to You will be using Angile and DevSecOps development
-
Use of Oracle APEX to design and develop applications
-
Use of Java to design and develop applications
-
Deep support of applications developed
-
User and technical documentations
-
Testing code to identify errors
-
Analysing data to ensure customer requirements are met
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:
- Infrastructure Technician Apprenticeship Level 3
- Digital Marketing Apprenticeship Level 3
- Software Developer Technician Apprenticeship Level 3
- Software Developer Apprenticeship Level 4
- Software Tester Apprenticeship Level 4
- Network Engineer Apprenticeship Level 4
Apply online today.
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.
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
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:apprenticeshipvacancies@gloscol.ac.uk. 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 available
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 connect 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!
“Our apprentices have gradually taken on responsibility of core business functions that has enabled us to do more. They help us fill skills gaps with their enthusiasm and willingness to learn and provide a fresh, new perspective on work and undertake exciting projects that get the whole team interested!”
“Being a Degree Apprentice is hard work, but is also fulfilling. Helping to expand my opportunities now and in the future.”
“Life as an apprentice for me has changed over the few years I have been one; in the sense that it’s made me get better as a person each, and, every day. Constant engagement between College and Work has made me to develop skills today that I never I would have yesterday.”
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:
Here are the current opportunities available:
Sopra Steria – Level 4 Software Testing Apprenticeship
The Position:
Sopra Steria have an opportunity for a Software Tester apprentice to support one of our National Security accounts within Gloucestershire area.
If you decide to take the first step on the testing career ladder, we will support your decision by offering you an 18-month structured learning programme an real-world experience, leading to a L4 apprenticeship.
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.
Cyber Security Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6) with Gloucestershire College – Applications are open
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.
Sopra Steria- Cyber Level 4 Apprentice
You will assist one of National Security accounts in support of securing our client’s digital estate in Gloucestershire. We will provide you with the skills you need to build a foundation of knowledge, on which you can build and grow. Just a few things you could be helping us with include:
Identify cyber vulnerabilities in systems and ensure security is maintained
Research and investigate attack techniques and recommend ways to defend against them
- Support Cyber security risk assessments, security audits and incident management activities
- Develop information security policies to achieve security outcomes within a defined scope
- Scope Author and present reports in the context of threat actors, cyber vulnerabilities, and mitigation
- Conduct cyber security risk assessments
Sopra Steria– Level 4 DevOps Apprenticeship
You will assist one of our National Security accounts in support of securing our client’s digital estate in Gloucestershire. We will provide you with the skills you need to build a foundation knowledge, on which you can build and grow. Just a few things you could be helping us with include:
Work as part of an agile team, explore new ways of working and rapidly respond to changing user needs with a steadfast focus on the user experience. Understand the importance of continual improvement within a blameless culture
Script and code in one general purpose and one domain-specific language to orchestrate infrastructure, follow test driven development and ensure appropriate test coverage
Provision cloud infrastructure using APIs, continually improve infrastructure-as-code, considering use of industry leading technologies
Apply leading security practices throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Keep up with leading pioneering technologies by continual training and development, self-learning active membership of professional bodies and subscription to relevant publications
Look to automate any manual tasks that are repeated, often using API’s
Software Development Technician Apprentice at North Tower Consulting Limited
You will be working with a friendly and supportive team, with access to software development expertise. This will assist in your development of skills, providing knowledge and technical reviews where needed to help grow.
-
Look to You will be using Angile and DevSecOps development
-
Use of Oracle APEX to design and develop applications
-
Use of Java to design and develop applications
-
Deep support of applications developed
-
User and technical documentations
-
Testing code to identify errors
-
Analysing data to ensure customer requirements are met
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:
- Infrastructure Technician Apprenticeship Level 3
- Digital Marketing Apprenticeship Level 3
- Software Developer Technician Apprenticeship Level 3
- Software Developer Apprenticeship Level 4
- Software Tester Apprenticeship Level 4
- Network Engineer Apprenticeship Level 4
Apply online today.
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.
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