4 Benefits of choosing Cyber Security Apprenticeship

If you're looking to get started with a career in cyber security there are several options available to earn the qualifications employers want, including dedicated cyber security university courses and a range of professional certifications you can study towards while working in other IT roles.

However, if you want to hit the ground running, one of the best options for furthering your new career is likely to be a cyber security apprenticeship. These combine classroom learning with hands-on, practical experience and can give you a great headstart when it comes to finding a full-time position you can turn into a long and fruitful career.

Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular option for both employers and career starters. Government research shows, for example, that businesses generally have a positive attitude to apprenticeships within their cyber security teams. 

Senior professionals view them as a good opportunity to fill gaps within their teams, as well as improve the diversity of the profession by attracting individuals who may not otherwise have considered a career in the cyber security field, and come in with fewer assumptions about the work. 

There are several key reasons why you might want to consider an apprenticeship ahead of other options. Here are four of the most important.

1. Start working straight away

While there will be some classroom learning as part of your apprenticeship, one of the main advantages over a purely academic course is that you can get out into the field and start working much more quickly. This ensures you're putting your education to good use immediately, making it much easier to see how theory translates into real-world situations. For many people - especially those who are practical learners - this offers a far better way of building up their skills.

2. Earn while you learn

Another key factor that results from you getting out into the workforce quicker is that you can start earning while still in education. This will no doubt be especially valuable if you're just starting out in your career. Exactly how much you can earn will depend on the employers and the scheme, but around £18,000 to £26,000 a year is to be expected for those on an apprenticeship scheme.

3. Be part of a team

Another benefit of an apprenticeship is you'll be working alongside skilled and experienced professionals on a day-to-day basis. Not only does this help you build up your teamwork skills from day one, you'll also have a direct, personal connection with your supervisor, who can act as a mentor. Colleagues can also answer any questions you may have and share strategies one-to-one, which isn't always possible with a professor or lecturer who may have many other students to divide their attention.

4. Develop a broader range of skills

Research from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport indicates another key benefit of cyber security apprenticeships from an employer's perspective is that people who come into the field via this route often have stronger 'soft' skills compared with those from a purely academic background. Attributes such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and collaboration take time to develop, and if you're working alongside fellow professionals earlier, you'll get more opportunities to hone these precious skills.

If you want to learn more about cyber apprenticeships or see what opportunities are available, browse CyberSecurityTrainingCourses today.