At a Glance
- Tasks: Combine study and work in cyber security while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Join North Lanarkshire Council, a key player in Scotland's local government.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with competitive pay, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while building a career in cyber security.
- Qualifications: Minimum of 4 Highers, including English and Maths at National 5 level.
The predicted salary is between 2 - 25 £ per hour.
Would you like the opportunity to combine your educational studies to achieve a degree in cyber security with work-based learning and development? We have an exciting opportunity to work alongside our Information Risk and Assurance Team earning as you learn.
North Lanarkshire is Scotland’s fourth largest authority by population and is perfectly situated in the heart of Scotland’s central belt with great transport links making this the perfect place to live and work! We have a detailed plan setting the direction to deliver an ambitious growth and development programme, making North Lanarkshire the place to live, learn, work and invest. Information, and by extension information security, is crucial to bringing our plans to fruition. Working in local government means your work has a direct impact on people’s lives—from protecting citizen data to ensuring uninterrupted delivery of essential services. This is your chance to build a meaningful career while serving your community.
Joining our team you will have the opportunity to build a career with an employer who offers a generous package of terms and conditions and promotes work-life balance and wellbeing amongst its employees. With a generous annual leave entitlement and access to a variety of flexible working options and initiatives, North Lanarkshire Council could be the place for you. Working with us you will share our ambition for our communities and join us in delivering a service which supports these ambitions and the priorities of the Council.
Our Trainee (Graduate Apprenticeship) in Cyber Security is designed for highly motivated individuals who want to pursue a career in cyber security. As a Trainee you will receive formal training in addition to on-the-job training to enable you to gain the skills and qualifications needed to drive our ambition forward. You will be part of our Information Risk and Assurance Team within the Legal, Democratic and Strategy dealing with a broad range of information security assurance functions and be provided the opportunity to spend time in various specialist areas to develop your knowledge and skills. Throughout your training you will support the work of the Information Risk and Assurance Team. This includes:
- Developing plans to respond to cyber security incidents
- Supporting vulnerability assessments and risk management activities
- Help implement and maintain security controls aligned to best practice (e.g. Cyber Essentials, NIST Cyber Resiliency Framework)
- Contribute to awareness campaigns to improve staff cyber resilience
- Support audits, compliance activities, and reporting
- Work with IT teams to implement system and network security controls
You will study at university on a day release basis, for 4 years, to attain a BA(Hons) in Cyber Security. You will be provided with time off to attend university, study time and you will also be supported by a work-based mentor. This is a great opportunity to earn a salary immediately whilst you are studying and there is no cost to you for the training you will receive. You will be joining a service which strives for excellence in service delivery. Your excellent communication skills, teamwork and client focused approach will ensure you provide a professional service.
This post represents an exciting and challenging opportunity for a highly motivated individual, aged 16 years and over with a minimum of 4 Highers (with at least two graded B or higher). Applicants will also require English and Mathematics at National 5 level. Applicants who are awaiting awards for Highers in August 2026 are invited to apply however any offer will be subject to the achievement and award at the required grade. Please refer to the attached job description for further information regarding entry requirements.
The Graduate Apprentice programme combining both work and study will require applicants to have excellent time management skills and requires a high degree of commitment from the candidate to complete the four-year programme. It would be advantageous to your application to give examples of what makes you the best candidate for this opportunity, with reference to the attached employee specification.
We operate a hybrid model of office based, home based and site-based working, with our main office in Civic Centre, Motherwell. You will be predominantly office based, always allowing you access to support. You will commence your employment on NLC2 £25,698 - £25,971. You will progress to NLC5, £27,937 - £29,666, for years 3 & 4 of your employment, on demonstration that you have acquired workplace skills, knowledge and experience combined with successful completion of years 1 and 2 of university. This post is fixed term for a period of up to 4 years with a start date of August 2026.
If you’re considering a career with us, you’ll be keen to know what’s in it for you. We have a great package of benefits available, from health and wellbeing to finances and family. This includes 27 days annual leave and 6 public holidays, and a wide range of benefits available to you. We also have a full package of learning and development through our learning academy LearnNL to help you reach your full potential and further your career.
North Lanarkshire Council are Happy to Talk Flexible Working, we operate a Smarter Working Policy. North Lanarkshire Council has reached its current allocation of Certificates of Sponsorship and, as a result, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time. We are a Disability Confident Leader and offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who consider themselves to be disabled, as long as they meet the essential criteria of the person specification/job description. We have also adopted the Armed Forces Community Covenant to show our support for service personnel, veterans and their families. We offer a guaranteed interview for service leavers, spouses, reservists and veterans, as long as they meet the essential criteria of the person specification/job description. North Lanarkshire Council is committed to KeepingThePromise. This means that if you have ever been in care (looked after at home with a social worker, lived with a relative other than your parents, experienced foster, residential or secure care) you are entitled to a guaranteed interview for this post, as long as you meet the essential criteria of the person specification/job description.
The Plan for North Lanarkshire is to be the place to live, learn, work, invest and visit. The Council recognises that work is an important part of adult life and is critical to our wellbeing and shaping how we live. The Fair Work Convention’s Framework defines Fair Work as work that offers effective voice, fulfilment, opportunity, respect and security. We believe Fair Work can boost creativity, realise untapped potential and increase productivity.
Please note we do not accept CVs in place of the application form. To be considered for this vacancy you must ensure an application form is submitted. Any CV submissions will be disregarded.
Graduate Apprentice (Cyber Security) (Temporary) - REQ06290 - 477287 employer: North Lanarkshire Council
North Lanarkshire Council is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to combine academic studies with practical experience in cyber security. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous leave entitlements, and a supportive work culture, you will thrive in an environment that values your growth and development. Located in the heart of Scotland, this role not only allows you to earn while you learn but also enables you to make a meaningful impact on your community through essential services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Apprentice (Cyber Security) (Temporary) - REQ06290 - 477287
✨Get Involved in Local Cybersecurity Meetups
Join local cybersecurity meetups and workshops to connect with professionals and enthusiasts. These events are goldmines for networking and will help us understand what skills are hot right now. Plus, you never know who’s hiring or who can point you in the direction of an awesome apprenticeship!
✨Leverage Online Platforms and Forums
Dive into platforms like Reddit, Discord, or even specialised forums where cybersecurity pros hang out. Engaging in discussions not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to apprenticeship opportunities shared directly by industry insiders. Let’s make sure we’re in the right spaces to learn and connect!
✨Gain Practical Experience with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participating in Capture the Flag competitions is a fun way to flex your cybersecurity skills and gain real-world experience. Many companies actually scout talent at these events, so when we’re honing our problem-solving abilities, we’re also putting ourselves on the radar of potential employers. Don’t miss out!
✨Apply Directly Through North Lanarkshire Council’s Website
When you find a potential apprenticeship at North Lanarkshire Council, jump straight onto their website to apply. Tailor your application to show how your skills and interests align with their needs. Don’t just apply anywhere—let’s make our application to North Lanarkshire Council shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Apprentice (Cyber Security) (Temporary) - REQ06290 - 477287
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Technical Skills:In the cybersecurity field, your technical skills are paramount. Make sure to emphasise any relevant skills you have, such as knowledge of firewalls, network security, or experience with coding languages like Python. Listing any specific software or tools you've worked with can really catch the hiring manager's eye!
Show Off Your Certifications:If you've got any cybersecurity certifications, such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH, mention them prominently in your application. These qualifications not only prove your commitment to the field but also showcase your foundational knowledge, which is super valuable for an apprenticeship role at North Lanarkshire Council.
Express Your Eagerness to Learn:Since this is an apprenticeship, make sure to highlight your motivation and willingness to learn. In your cover letter, share your passion for cybersecurity and explain why you want to grow your skills with us at North Lanarkshire Council. This will show your potential as an apprentice and help you stand out!
Include Relevant Projects or Experiences:If you've participated in any relevant projects, whether at school or independently, be sure to include them! Talk about any practical experiences, like securing a network during a class project or attending cybersecurity workshops. This not only showcases your hands-on skills but also shows your proactive approach to learning.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Lanarkshire Council
✨Know Your Cyber Basics!
Familiarise yourself with the key concepts in cybersecurity, like vulnerability assessments and firewalls. They might throw some technical questions your way to gauge your understanding, so be ready to tackle those with confidence!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Since this is an apprenticeship, highlight any relevant projects or coursework you've done. If you've created a small network security project or contributed to an open-source initiative, bring it up! It's a great way to demonstrate your passion and practical skills.
✨Brush Up on Tools of the Trade
Make sure you're familiar with cybersecurity tools like Wireshark or Metasploit. Being able to discuss these tools and how you've used or would use them in real-world scenarios will show that you're not just about theory but can apply your knowledge hands-on.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
As an apprentice, your potential for growth is a huge factor. Be ready to share how you plan to develop your skills further and express a genuine enthusiasm for cybersecurity. They’re looking for someone who's keen to dive deeper into the field and make a contribution to North Lanarkshire Council.
