Level 4 Cyber Defend Apprenticeship

National Grid plc; Warwick; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A major energy provider is seeking a motivated individual for a Level 4 Cyber Defend Apprenticeship in Warwick. This 2-year fixed-term apprenticeship offers hands-on experience in a Cyber Protect team, with training towards a professional qualification. Ideal candidates should have a minimum of 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English, and a genuine interest in cyber security. The apprenticeship offers a starting salary of £24,242 and a range of supportive benefits in an inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Starting salary of £24,242

Generous holiday allowance

Employee assistance program

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs or a passing score on a BKSB assessment.
• Willingness to learn about cyber security.
• Must have permanent right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Blend practical learning with training in cyber security.
• Monitor threats and understand security tools.
• Support investigations and maintain security controls.

Skills

Good communication skills

Collaboration skills

Problem-solving

Willingness to learn

Education

Minimum of 5 GCSEs including Maths and English

Level 3 qualification in relevant subject (ideally STEM/Digital)

Job description

Overview

Level 4 Cyber Defend Apprenticeship (Warwick)

Date: 9 Feb 2026

Location: Warwick, GB, CV34 6DA

Company: National Gas

Requisition ID: 2479

Based in Warwick
Course: Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist
Programme Length: 2 years
Provider: Firebrand

What you’ll be doing

As a Cyber Technologist Apprentice in National Gas’s Cyber Protect team, you’ll blend practical, hands-on learning with dedicated training to gain the skills and experience needed to start a career in cyber security. You’ll be part of the Cyber Protect team, working with experienced cyber specialists to help protect National Gas from cyber threats and keep systems, data and critical infrastructure safe. You’ll learn how we monitor threats, understand how security tools work, support investigations, help maintain security controls, and gain insights into physical security as well. You’ll study towards your Level 4 Cyber Technologist qualification with Firebrand, building skills in problem solving, analysing security risks, understanding how systems can be protected, and using security tools and technologies. The apprenticeship provides a foundation for a career in one of the fastest growing areas of the energy industry.

Throughout the programme you’ll receive regular feedback, support and guidance through a personalised training plan, helping you build confidence and gain experience at a pace that suits you. By the end you’ll have the technical understanding, workplace experience and professional qualification to progress in your cyber security career.

About You

This apprenticeship is ideal for someone who is motivated, enjoys learning, and isn’t afraid to get stuck in. You don’t need any previous cyber security experience to apply; what matters is genuine interest in cyber security, willingness to learn, and the drive to take ownership of your work. If you’re passionate about solving problems and curious about how things work, you’ll fit right in.

You’ll be working with different people across the business, so good communication and collaboration skills, along with the confidence to talk to others and ask questions, will help you succeed. You’ll also handle sensitive information, so being responsible and able to keep things confidential is important. Over the course of your apprenticeship you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to become a well-rounded cyber professional.

The Essentials

This is a 2-year fixed-term apprenticeship. To be considered for this scheme, you’ll need:

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs or a passing score on a BKSB assessment or a level 3 qualification in a relevant subject (ideally STEM/Digital subjects). This must include Maths and English.
• A cover letter is essential to help us understand why you're a great fit for the role. Check out our guidance below!
• As part of our Hybrid working approach, your time will be split between office days (primarily at the Warwick Head Office) and working from home.
• You'll need to have permanent right to work in the UK for the entirety of this programme, as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
• As you’ll be working on Critical National Infrastructure, you’ll also need to pass enhanced National Security Vetting, meaning you’ll need to provide a 5-year UK address history. Your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Studies suggest that women tend to apply only if they meet 100% of the criteria. If you resonate with our mission, the role excites you and your skills align, we encourage you to apply.

What should you include in your cover letter?

A cover letter is a chance for us to get to know you as a person – we understand you may not have workplace experience yet, and that’s absolutely fine! Let us know about your personal qualities and interests. Your cover letter should be no more than one A4 page. Make sure it includes:

• Why you’re interested in working at National Gas
• What personal skills and qualities you have that would make you a great apprentice
• Why you want to become a Cyber Technologist Apprentice. This could be anything from an interest in Cyber Security or practical, hands-on activities to enjoying technology and how it works.

What you can expect from us

You’ll receive a range of benefits that reward your great work.

• Starting annual salary of £24,242, with annual performance-based increases
• A generous holiday allowance of 26 days plus statutory bank holidays, with the option to buy and sell additional days (capped at 5 days)
• 2 paid days each financial year to volunteer for a worthwhile cause
• A generous pension scheme with a double-match contribution – if you contribute 6%, we’ll contribute 12%, helping you build a strong financial future
• Professional development and career progression
• Employee assistance programme offering free confidential professional counselling 24 hours per day

National Gas values a supportive and collaborative work environment and supports work-life balance. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can perform at their best. Whether you’re starting out after school or building on experience, you’ll find an apprenticeship where you’re valued, supported, and encouraged from the moment you join.

You'll be mentored by experienced professionals and have opportunities to work on impactful projects. We ensure you gain hands-on experience, with opportunities for career advancement and professional development.

We encourage all apprentices to take ownership of their journey, to grow and develop, and to take advantage of all that National Gas has to offer.

The "nice to knows"

You'll start in a large cohort of other graduates and apprentices, where you'll attend an in-person induction in early September 2026, fostering strong workplace relationships that will build the foundation of your future networks.

You'll be offered additional support and guidance throughout the application process by our Early Careers team. Eligible applications will be reviewed by a human, every step of the way.

You're only able to apply for one of our apprenticeship schemes, so please consider this carefully. When reviewing your application, if we feel you might be a good fit for something else, we'll be sure to let you know.

If your online application is successful, you’ll be invited to complete a virtual solo-interview. The final stage is then an in-person Assessment with the team you’ll be joining, so please keep this in mind. Support is available towards travel costs if required.

Applications close on Sunday 8th March 2026. Each year, we receive a large volume of applications, so we'd encourage you to apply early.

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At National Gas we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives. If you require reasonable adjustments to complete the application process, please contact us at [e-mail]

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