CYBER SECURITYHIGHERAPPRENTICESHIPF R O M I T T E C H N I C I A N T O S K I L L E D I N F O R M A T I O N

S E C U R I T Y P R O F E S S I O N A L

Apprenticeships

Rated Ofsted outstanding:

We are the first IT apprenticeships business to be rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in all 3 of the following categories: Outcomes for Learners; Quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment; Leadership and Management.

Partnerships with leading global businesses:

We’re the leading apprenticeship provider for Microsoft, Oracle, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Cisco.

Proven career progression:

Our programmes are designed with progression routes built-in, which has led to 92% of QA apprentice graduates securing permanent employment after completing. That is 20% higher than the national average.

There are lots of apprenticeship providers out there but we think we out-perform them all - here’s some of the reasons why:

WHY CHOOSE QA?

You will be earning while learning:

100% of QA apprentices have jobs from day one of their apprenticeship. Not only will you not have any university debt (an extra £27,000 in your pocket) you’ll also be earning up to £250 per week.

QA Cyber Labs

Get hands-on learning experience in our state-of-the-art QA Cyber Labs, simulating a real cyber threat in a secure physical environment. Work in teams to rehearse incident response, conduct digital forensic investigations and undertake security operations.

We’re award winners and so are our apprentices:

We have won the coveted Learning Awards Apprenticeship Programme of the Year award twice and our apprentices have won the Microsoft Apprentice of the Year award 3 times in the last 5 years.

You should choose a career in Cyber Security if…

You have an interest in:

Outwitting cyber-criminals Solving technology problems Preventing cyber disasters Our Cyber Security Higher apprenticeship combines high-quality classroom training with on-the-job experience to develop your real world skills in information security.

The programme gives you the qualifications, skills and technical grounding needed to stop cyber-crime, decrypt data and untangle malware.

Programme duration

18-24 months

Approximately 13% of training during the programme takes place at a QA learning centre, with the remaining 87% completed in the workplace.

in workplace in classroom

PROGRAMMEOVERVIEW

What qualifications will I gain?

• Higher Apprenticeship Cyber Security Technologist Level 4 (equivalent to first year of degree study)

Stepping up to Cyber

Our IT Systems & Networking and our Software & Web Development Level 3 apprenticeships gives you essential IT skills before you specialise in the cyber field.

With QA’s Cyber Security Higher programme you could go on to become a…

• Cyber Security Specialist • Security Analyst • Cyber Operations Manager • Penetration Tester • Information Security Officer • Information Security Auditor

PROGRAMMEINFORMATION

Cyber Security

IT Systems& Networking /Software & Web

Development

IT Foundation

Level 4Level 3

Cyber Specialist

Entry requirements:

• You are aged 16-24 • You are passionate about a career in IT • You have A-Levels in ICT, an Advanced Apprenticeship in a similar subject or an international Baccalaureate at level 3 in ICT

How is the programme structured?

The programme is made up of four components, ensuring you have a rounded,in-depth understanding of fundamental principles, techniques and technologies.

• Knowledge modules • Portfolio • Project • Interview

1. Knowledge modules introduce you to Information Security theory, at a local QA Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ learning centre.2. The portfolio showcases your work (from real work projects) to show the application of knowledge, skills and behaviours you have learnt. 3. The project allows you to apply your skills to solve a business-related problem. 4. Finally, an end-point assessment interview will assess the contents of your portfolio and project focusing on the standard of your work and how you have completed it.

Your QA Skills Coach will support you throughout your programme providing you with a single point of contact for any questions or help you need - including help developing your portfolio, adjusting to the world of work, and expert advice around the government’sPrevent Agenda and safeguarding.

The apprenticeship knowledge modules are taught in the classroom, giving you the essential skills which you can apply in the workplace.

• Module 1: Networking Principles Part 1 Understand the principles of network architecture, network operations, network security, troubleshooting and industry standards.

• Module 2: Networking Principles and Practical Networking Part 2 Understand network design and network performance.

• Module 3: Open Source Intelligence Find key pieces of intelligence on the Internet and World Wide Web, explore and understand tools and websites available for investigating cyber security intelligence.

• Module 4: Technical Security Fundamentals Understand the IT security threats faced by a modern network and the techniques used to lessen these threats.

• Module 5: Malware Analysis Understand the types of malware currently in use on the Internet, how malware is distributed and created, and the strategies used for corrupting systems.

KNOWLEDGEMODULES

• Module 6: Cryptography and Encryption Develop a strong base of knowledge in cryptography and encryption, including the history, principles and uses of encryption.

• Module 7: Implementing Key Management Understand the fundamentals of key management. • Module 8: Cyber Security Operations Understand the techniques for assessing and managing cyber risk through effective security methods.

• Module 9: ISO27001: 2013 Foundation Understand the requirements and principles of workplace security protocols and identify the threats, vulnerabilities and risks associated with assets.

• Module 10: Building a Security Case Source and analyse a security case and describe what threats, vulnerability or risks are lessened.

• Module 11: Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing Understand threats including system hacking, cloud computing threats, and hacking webservers, wireless networks, mobile platforms and web applications.

• Module 12: Capture the Flag Cyber Workshop The interactive workshop allows you to practically apply the skills you have learnt in a safe simulation environment.

KNOWLEDGEMODULES[CONTINUED]

SUPPORT FROM DAY ONEA dedicated resourcer will be your point of contact when you first apply. They will give you all the information you need to know and will spend time getting to know you and your interests to make sure they match you up with the right role.

Once you have started your apprenticeship, a QA Technical Skills Coach will visit you every 6-8 weeks to guide you through your apprenticeship plan, help you with your workplace units, teach you about the workplace environment and provide feedback for each unit. They will also be there as your point of contact for any questions or help you need — such as adjusting to the world of work, or help balancing your studies with work activity.

You will also meet a number of QA Tutors who are knowledge experts in their subject areas and will be delivering the theoretical side of your apprenticeship programme in our QA training centres. They are on-hand to prepare you for assessments, and provide you with feedback — supporting you for the end point assessment of your apprenticeship which will be a project and an interview.

Additional support from QA

We also have a dedicated Learner Services team on hand to support you with:

• Managing your finances • Updating your CV • Applying for council housing, rents and mortgages • Dealing with relationship problems

Find out more about our range of IT, Tech and Digital apprenticeships including Degree

apprenticeships

0345 074 7825 apprenticeships.qa.com apprenticeships@qa.com

V 2.0 DECEMBER 2016

Awards 2014EducationInvestor