Where will this course lead?

The apprenticeship Standard for Cyber Intrusion Analyst was designed by the industry for apprentices employed in a wide variety of different organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Employers likely to use the new Standard include:
- Large businesses that operate secure operations centres (SOC) or network operations centres (NOC) or cyber incident response services for internal or external clients, each of which may take on hundreds of apprentices a year, where the Apprenticeship pathway is a mainstay of recruitment
- Small and medium-sized specialist cyber security service businesses that operate secure operations centres (SOC) or network operations centres (NOC) or cyber incident response services or related specialist services for internal or external clients, which may employ apprentices as core staff to provide the skills for growth

The actual job role of the apprentice will vary significantly from one employer to the next, and may include for example:
- Cyber Intrusion Analyst
- Secure Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst
- Intrusion Analyst
- Network Intrusion Analyst
- Incident Response Centre (IRC) Analyst
- Network Operations Centre (NOC) Security Analyst

The primary role of a Cyber Security Technologist is to apply an understanding of cyber threats, hazards, risks, controls, measures and mitigations to protect organisations systems and people.

Those focused on the technical side will work on areas such as security design & architecture, security testing, investigations & response. Those focussed on the risk analysis side focus will work on areas such as operations, risk, governance & compliance.

Whether they are focussed on the technical or risk analysis side, all people in this occupation work to achieve required security outcomes in a legal and regulatory context in all parts of the economy. They develop and apply practical knowledge of information security to deliver solutions that fulfil an organisation's requirements.

This apprenticeship is recognised for entry to both IISP and BCS Associate Membership and for entry onto the Register of IT Technicians confirming SFIA level 3 professional competence. Those completing the apprenticeship are eligible to apply for registration.

What will I study?

All apprentices will study the following core units:
- Developing and using a security case
- Organisational context
- Future Trends

Apprentices will complete additional units related to one of two specialisms.

Option 1: Technologist
- Design build & test a network
- Analysing a security case
- Structured and reasoned implementation of security in a network

Option 2: Risk Analyst
- Cyber security risk assessment
- Information security policy and process
- Incident response and business continuity
- Cyber security culture in an organisation

In addition, apprentices will learn underpinning skills attitudes and behaviours including logical and creative thinking skills, analytical and problem solving skills, working independently and taking responsibility, teamwork, communication, maintaining productive, professional and secure working environment.

How will this course be delivered?

These courses are delivered through classroom teaching, practical workshops and online study materials.

You will also be allocated an assessor who will visit you in the workplace to support the development of your vocational skills and End Point Assessment Portfolio.

What qualifications will I get?

Level 4 Apprenticeship Standard: Cyber Security Technologist

How will I be assessed?

On Programme Assessment
Technical knowledge and understanding is assessed on programme through Knowledge Modules. These must be passed before the end point assessment can take place.

End Point Assessment
The final, end point assessment is completed in the last few months of the apprenticeship. It is based on
- A portfolio - produced towards the end of the apprenticeship, containing evidence from real work projects which have been completed during the apprenticeship, usually towards the end, and which, taken together, cover the totality of the standard, and which is assessed as part of the end point assessment
- A project - giving the apprentice the opportunity to undertake a business-related project over a one-week period away from the day to day workplace
- An employer reference
- A structured interview with an assessor - exploring what has been produced in the portfolio and the project as well as looking at how it has been produced An independent assessor will assess each element of the end point assessment and will then decide whether to award successful apprentices with a pass, a merit or a distinction.

How do I get a place on the course?

Employers can receive advice and support from the Employer Services team at Solihull College and University Centre

What are the entry requirements?

Individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include A' Levels, a relevant Level 3 apprenticeship, or other relevant qualifications, relevant experience and/or an aptitude test with a focus on functional maths.
Employers are welcome to engage with our full time learners already studying computing qualifications if they need assistance in recruiting apprentices. Links can be made through the College Employer Services team.

What else do I need to know?

Please contact the College Employer Services Business Advisors for more information about funding and costs.

What can I do after this course?

You may be able to progress onto a degree apprenticeship.