Deadline looms for cyber security apprenticeships in the North

Young people from across the North East and North Yorkshire are being urged to apply for a cyber security apprenticeship with a mining firm.

Applicants have until December 31 this year to put themselves forward for a chance to learn from professionals in the industry and start a career in cyber security.

Anglo American, owner of the Woodsmith Project fertiliser mine being developed near Whitby, is running a new Cyber Security Apprenticeship Programme to train seven people from a wide range of backgrounds to join its global team.

Working from Anglo American’s base in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, the seven chosen apprentices will be tutored by a team in identifying threats using the latest cyber security tools and techniques to protect the digital systems that run Anglo’s mining operations around the world.

Craig McEwen, chief information security officer at Anglo American, explained: “Cyber security is always evolving and is becoming an essential part of any large business’s capabilities. Our analysts have to be able to quickly adapt and tackle different issues day-to-day.

“We’re looking for people with great detective skills, inquisitive minds and a can-do attitude to solving difficult problems. We have been really pleased with the applications we’ve received so far, but we want to make sure that everyone interested in this field has a chance to put themselves forward.”

“The North-East and North Yorkshire have a long history of innovation and producing a skilled and talented workforce so it’s great for us that we are able to tap into this.”

The two-year programme will see trainees learn how to thwart a range of cyber security threats including ransomware attacks, phishing and SQL injection. They will also learn general business skills and gain experience of working in a large multinational organisation.

To be eligible for the apprenticeship, candidates must be 18 or over by the end of the summer holidays in 2022 before the apprenticeship starts, have at least 3 A Levels or level 3 equivalent and 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including Maths and English or an equivalent qualification.

Candidates must also not hold any other Level 4 (or above) qualifications in the cyber discipline, as this makes potential apprentices ineligible.