The NHS Cyber Security Apprenticeship scheme

The NHS’s shift towards digital health and the rise in sophisticated cyber security threats have reinforced the need for a robust cyber security workforce within the NHS.

To address this challenge and future proof its digital infrastructure, the Cyber Improvement Programme has launched its first ever Cyber Security Apprenticeship scheme.

This marks a significant step forward in the NHS’s commitment to safeguarding sensitive patient data and critical healthcare systems.

Designed to attract and nurture talent, the programme aligns with the Cyber security strategy for health and social care: 2023 to 2030. It also reflects the NHS’s dedication to providing career pathways, particularly for individuals seeking to upskill in an ever evolving digital landscape.

As we look towards developing a more digital NHS, cyber security becomes a critical skill to ensure that services can be delivered safely for everyone. If cyber security is part of, or every aspect of your role, you might want to consider gaining a recognised qualification in Cyber Security. 

The level 4 (L4) Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship is a 24-month apprenticeship programme aimed those who are looking to develop their knowledge and understanding of key cyber security concepts and techniques.

NHS England will be launching a cohort of the L4 apprenticeship starting in September 2025. Once you enrol onto the apprenticeship programme, you will also become part of a wider NHS Cyber Security Apprenticeship Community.

This will provide you with further opportunities for networking and development within the profession and help you to build your cyber security career in the NHS. 

The L4 Cyber Security Apprenticeship standard offers you one of three distinct options to choose from:

1. The Cyber Security Engineer - The most technology-focused role in the occupation and will typically design, build and test secure networks or security products or systems with a particular focus on the security aspects of the design
2. The Cyber Security Risk Analyst - Focuses on risk assessment, analysis and giving advice on risk mitigations. The roles may support formal security governance, regulatory and compliance (GRC)
3. The Cyber Security Defender and Responder - Focuses on operational tasks, such as configuring and operating secure systems to prevent breaches and monitoring systems to detect and respond to incidents

Find out more details on the apprenticeship

The cyber security apprenticeship programme will be delivered through an online classroom, with the opportunity to attend a free residential session. There are other delivery options available if you prefer not to join the NHS England cohort.

The first cohort will begin their apprenticeship journey in September 2025. Those who are keen to apply should already be in a role where cyber security is part of, or all of their role. 

Upon successful completion of the programme, apprentices will have the opportunity to achieve the following industry recognised qualifications:

• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA Security+
• EC-Council Certified Network Defender (CND)

The apprenticeship will be funded from your organisation’s apprenticeship levy or via a levy transfer (if required) therefore there is no cost burden for departments.

An overview of the Cyber Security Level 4 Apprenticeship Scheme can be found on the Cyber Associates Network site on NHS Futures. Please email [email protected] if you need access to this.

Next steps

Once interested candidates have received approval from line managers, they can speak to the organisation’s Apprenticeship Lead who can get in touch with [email protected] at the education provider BPP to talk through the apprenticeship programme details.