IT security co-ordinator apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
University
You could do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate award in computing, information systems, project management or business management. Courses with industry placements, or summer internships can help to develop your skills.
You'll usually need at least 1 A-Level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree. You'll need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree. For postgraduate study, you'll need a degree in a relevant subject.
College
You may be able to apply for a trainee IT security position with a company after doing a Cyber Security Technician T level at college.
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level.
Apprenticeship
You could do a cyber security technologist or cyber intrusion analyst higher apprenticeship, or a cyber security technical professional degree apprenticeship.
This will involve a mix of learning in the workplace and study.
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.
Work
You could start work as an IT support technician after GCSEs or A-Levels and train on the job for further qualifications.
Direct Application
Once you have several years' experience in IT management, network engineering or cyber intelligence, you could apply directly to work as an IT security co-ordinator.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Chartered Institute of Information Security for professional development opportunities.
IT security co-ordinator apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- complex problem-solving skills
- excellent written communication skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to
pass enhanced background checks
IT security co-ordinator apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you could:
- assess risks to systems and develop plans to minimise potential threats
- design new security systems or upgrade existing ones
- test and evaluate security products
- plan for disaster recovery in the event of security breaches
- simulate security breaches (penetration testing)
- use ethical hacking methods to find security flaws
- investigate breaches and carry out corrective action
- make sure procedures meet network security standards
- prepare reports and technical documentation for managers and users
Working environment
You could work at a client's business or in an office.
Career path and progression - IT security co-ordinator apprenticeships
With experience you could move into network management, IT project management or security consultancy.
You could work for the police, security services or specialist law firms, carrying out forensic investigation of computer-based crimes.