Key Takeaways
- Earn £24,000 per year while studying for a Level 4 Cyber Security Engineer Apprenticeship.
- Gain hands-on experience in cloud assurance and cyber security, with a permanent role upon completion.
- The 24-month programme starts on Monday 6 September 2027, with applications closing on Wednesday 17 February 2027.
- Requires A-Level in ICT or equivalent, plus 5 GCSEs including English and Maths.
- Hybrid working options available in Crawley.
About the Role
As a Cloud Assurance and Cyber Security Apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge in cyber security, particularly focused on security operations and safeguarding cloud platforms. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the security and integrity of critical systems while gaining exposure to government-level security operations.
What You Will Learn
- Cloud Security Monitoring: Assist in monitoring and maintaining the security of the Thales adopted public cloud infrastructure (e.g., Azure, Google Cloud) in compliance with government security guidelines.
- Incident Response: Support the reporting, investigation and analysis of security incidents and potential breaches within classified environments, helping to resolve issues swiftly.
- Security Auditing: Help perform regular audits of cloud-based systems to ensure compliance with security protocols and government regulations.
- Risk and Vulnerability Assessments: Participate in identifying vulnerabilities within cloud services, maintaining Risk reporting mechanisms and proposing mitigations to improve security posture.
- Compliance & Governance: Assist in ensuring that the Thales cloud environments comply with government policies, such as GDPR, NCSC guidelines, and other relevant frameworks.
- Collaboration with Development Teams: Work alongside cloud architects, developers, and engineers to ensure security is integrated into all stages of development, from design to deployment.
- Training & Development: Engage in continuous learning and development, including completing certifications relevant to cloud security and government standards.
Apprenticeship Programme
This is a 24-month programme aligned to the Level 4 Cyber Security Engineer Apprenticeship standard and delivered in partnership with a digital specialist provider. The programme is delivered via a virtual learning model consisting of live taught lectures and online learning materials. The programme will conclude with an End Point Assessment, followed by roll-off into your permanent role within the Thales UK business.
Entry Requirements
To apply, you will need:
- An A-Level in ICT or a Level 3 apprenticeship in a similar subject or a BTEC Extended Diploma in IT (180 credits)
- 5 GCSEs Grade 9-4 (A-C) including English and Maths
Benefits
- Competitive salary of £24,000 per annum
- Performance-related pay uplifts
- Holiday entitlement of 201 hours a year (plus a company day and bank holidays)
- Contributory Company Pension
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Hybrid/flexible working options
- Employee assistance programme
- Learning and Development support
- Employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives
- Life Cover
- 80 Hours Volunteering per year (first two years)
Security Requirements
Because of the work we do at Thales, all roles are subject to security requirements. To be considered for this position, you must have the permanent right to work in the UK and be able to successfully complete and maintain UK Government security checks, including Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) screening and Security Clearance (SC), which is a government background check, before starting employment. To be eligible for SC clearance, you will typically need to have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years. As part of the vetting process, you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity, right to work in the UK, any time spent overseas during the last five years, and your employment and/or education history.
Application Process
- Apply Online: Submit your application online to register your interest. You only need to register for one role as you will have the opportunity to apply for additional roles at the full application stage.
- Upload Your CV
- Check Your Emails for the Invitation to Apply: This will come from recruiting@jobalerts.thalesgroup.com
- Complete Your Application: Follow the link provided in the email to complete your application. You can apply for one primary role and up to 3 additional roles.
- Complete Online Tests: Undertake the online assessments designed to evaluate your suitability for the role.
- Virtual Assessment Centre: Candidates who progress from the online assessment stage will attend a virtual assessment centre, which will include group exercises, and competency-based interviews.
- Job Offer: Successful candidates who perform well throughout the recruitment process will receive a job offer from Thales.
Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February - May 2027. Induction week for all Graduate and Apprentices will take place from Monday 6 September - Friday 10 September 2027.
