CDC 1st Line Cyber Apprentice in Manchester

Cyber Security / Technology / Group Manchester Airport Fixed Term Contract leading to a permanent role, subject to completing the apprenticeship and meeting professional standards. Shifts will cover 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Competitive salary with annual increases throughout the apprenticeship.

Why MAG? At MAG we provide the airport facilities and travel services that people need to connect with the world. As the largest UK owned airport operator, we serve over 60 million passengers a year from Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands Airports. With over 270 destinations across the globe, our businesses not only bring people together but also support the prosperity of the regions in which we operate. We recognise creating a first‑class journey for our customers starts by creating a first‑class career journey for our colleagues and we are committed to creating environments in which our people can thrive.

You’ll also have access to some great benefits including:

• 6% company contribution pension
• 24 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Free parking
• Subsidised public transport
• Huge range of company discounts

The Role: This position is a 3‑year apprenticeship leading to a Level 6 qualification. On‑the‑job practical training will also be provided. This role will be based within the MAG Cyber Security Operations Centre, triaging, handling, escalating and responding to security alerts and incidents from IT systems within the MAG estate. This includes managing potential Cyber security incidents, liaising with MAG and third‑party technical resources. The Cyber Security Operations Apprentice role forms a key part of MAG’s last line of defence against Cyber security attacks which have the potential to massively impact MAG’s operations and could lead to substantial regulatory fines.

During the 3‑year programme, you will learn to be responsible for:

• Continuously monitoring internal infrastructure using Security Information Event Management tools and other technologies to detect security events, vulnerabilities, and unusual activity.
• Responding to and investigating security alerts, including phishing and malware incidents, escalating to relevant teams when necessary.
• Overseeing identity and access controls, ensuring appropriate use of permissions and detecting potential abuse by authorised users.
• Identifying system weaknesses and implementing protective measures such as firewalls, encryption, and intrusion prevention systems.
• Analysing intrusion attempts and malware using open‑source and vendor tools and preparing detailed reports and briefings on findings and methodologies.
• Creating and updating SIEM rules using appropriate coding languages to enhance threat detection capabilities.

What Will Make You Successful in This Role? Successful candidates will possess:

• Good knowledge of Information Systems and IT fundamentals, with the ability to apply analytical thinking to security requirements and controls.
• An awareness of data protection legislation including GDPR and the Data Protection Act, and how these apply to security governance.
• An understanding of information security principles, risk management practices, and technical countermeasures, including firewalls, encryption, and malware analysis is desirable.
• Effective communication and team working skills, with the ability to work across all levels of our business and maintain a strong customer/client focus.
• Innovative problem‑solving skills and the focus required to operate in a safety‑critical aviation environment.

Minimum Requirements:

• English & Maths GCSEs grades 9-4
• A Levels (or equivalent) grades A-C/Pass, preferably in Computer or Technology related subjects
• Must live in England and have the right to work in the UK (Government funding requirement)
• Must be able to work shift work and travel to and from Manchester airport outside normal working hours.
• Must be able to travel to Milton Keynes to attend sessions with the training provider.

Equal Opportunities & Reasonable Adjustments: At MAG we believe in the importance of diversity & inclusion for all. We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of our society. As such we welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We’re also committed to well‑being with a focus on mental health and supporting colleagues from underrepresented groups through our Colleague Resource Groups. As a Disability Confident employer we are committed to creating an environment where candidates and employees can perform at their optimum. Please let us know if we can provide you with any reasonable adjustments to aid your application or interview process.

Our Colleague Communities include: Women’s Network, Embrace – Race & Ethnicity Group, Fly With Pride (LGBTQIA+), Mental Health, Parent & Carers, Disabilities including neurodiversity. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply—you may be just the right candidate.