Cyber Security Level 4 Apprenticeship

Build confident security technologists who design, build and defend secure systems against cyber threats

Develop cyber security professionals ready to protect critical digital infrastructures and data. This apprenticeship builds practical skills in security system design, threat mitigation and incident response – strengthening your security posture and resilience against cyber attacks from day one.

The Cyber Security Level 4 Apprenticeship is a government-funded programme — covered by the Growth and Skills Levy for most employers — that builds confident, workplace-ready security technologists who can design and implement secure systems, identify and respond to threats, and protect organisations against attacks. Learners apply practical security techniques through real and simulated scenarios, developing core skills in risk assessment, incident response, and secure system design. As AI systems introduce new attack surfaces — prompt injection, model poisoning, API vulnerabilities — security professionals who understand these risks are increasingly in demand. This programme covers both established security practice and the emerging threat landscape that AI brings.

For employers: Enhance organisational security posture and resilience against cyber attacks. Implement effective security solutions that protect data and infrastructure. Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards for cybersecurity. Reduce risk of data breaches and security incidents. The Coders Guild led the R&D that created the UK’s first Level 4 AI and Automation apprenticeship standard with Skills England and the Alan Turing Institute — understanding AI systems, including how they can be exploited, is part of how we approach security training.

For learners: Develop a thorough understanding of cyber vulnerabilities and threats — including those introduced by AI systems. Master skills in security system design, threat mitigation, and incident response. Achieve proficiency in advanced cyber security tools and techniques. Build professional recognition aligned with RITTech standards.

Application → Training → Portfolio Building → EPA → Qualified Security Technologist

Aligned with Institute for Apprenticeships Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist standard and RITTech professional recognition.

Course content

Security Foundations

Understanding the landscape of cyber threats — including AI-enabled attacks and AI system vulnerabilities
Core principles of securing systems and networks
Security mindset and defensive thinking
Threat landscapes and attack vectors, including prompt injection and model exploitation

Risk Management and Compliance

Conducting comprehensive risk assessments
Implementing compliant security measures
Legal and regulatory standards for cybersecurity
Security policy development and enforcement

Incident Response

Identifying security breaches and incidents
Responding effectively to security events
Recovery procedures and business continuity
Forensics and evidence handling
Post-incident analysis and learning

Advanced Security Protocols

Encryption techniques and implementation
Firewall configuration and management
Intrusion detection and prevention systems
Secure network architecture design
Access control and authentication mechanisms
Security monitoring and logging

Professional Practice

Security tool usage and evaluation
Communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
Documentation and reporting standards
Continuous professional development
Industry certifications and career pathways

Delivery

Online delivery with monthly group sessions, 1:1 coaching, and hands-on lab work. Practical, challenge-based learning using real-world threat scenarios and security challenges. Learners build a portfolio throughout, with regular reviews tracking progress and evidence against the Level 4 standard.

Assessment

End-point assessment (EPA) including portfolio review and professional discussion. Apprentices build evidence throughout using real or simulated security projects – network designs, threat assessments, incident responses, security implementations – supported by trainers and coaches aligned to workplace application.

Want to Become an Apprentice?

Apply online through our simple formJoin our talent poolWe match you with real employersStart earning while you learn

I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship. The apprenticeship helps you gain both theoretical and practical knowledge.

Joanna Sipowicz

Test Analyst

The Coders Guild are adept at putting together course content that’s relevant to business in today’s market, with practical tools & skills that can be implemented from day one.

Liz Leith

Service Design & Delivery Manager

I’d like to say that my apprenticeship experience with The Coders Guild and Dedalus has been outstanding so far. The support, structured learning, and opportunities for growth have exceeded my expectations.

Anna Trubnikova

Software Developer Apprentice

FAQs for Employers

How does the funding work?

The Cyber Security Level 4 Apprenticeship is funded through the Growth and Skills Levy. If your organisation pays the levy (wage bill over £3 million), training comes directly from your levy pot at no additional cost. If you’re an SME with a wage bill under £3 million, the government covers 95% of training costs — you contribute 5%. We handle all the compliance and admin and guide you through the process from start to finish.

Is the training aligned to our business needs?

Yes. Every apprenticeship is built around the apprentice’s real job. We collaborate with you to shape project work and tasks that directly support your security priorities, infrastructure, and threat landscape.

Do you teach specific security tools or platforms?

We’re platform-agnostic and industry-led. We teach security principles, methods and defensive techniques that work everywhere – and adapt them to the tools, infrastructure and security stack your team uses.

What kind of support do we get?

From onboarding to endpoint assessment, you’ll have access to our support team, security coaches, and account managers. We handle compliance and reporting, keep you in the loop on progress, and are always here if anything’s not working.

Can we enrol existing staff?

Definitely. Apprenticeships are ideal for upskilling or reskilling current employees. It’s a practical way to retain talent, deepen expertise, and build internal security capability in a cost-effective way.

How will we know it's working?

You’ll see the impact in-role. Apprentices bring their learning straight into the day job. We also check in with managers, gather regular feedback, and provide reporting so you can see development over time.

How does this improve our security posture?

Your apprentice learns to identify vulnerabilities proactively, implement security controls effectively, respond to incidents quickly, and embed security thinking across technical operations — reducing risk and strengthening your defensive capability. That includes understanding the security risks that AI systems introduce. If your organisation is adopting AI tools or building AI-powered products, having someone who can assess those systems for vulnerabilities — not just traditional infrastructure — is becoming a practical necessity, not a nice-to-have.

Who is this apprenticeship suitable for in our team?

Junior security analysts, network engineers moving into security, system administrators wanting security specialisation, or technically-minded staff looking to transition into cyber security roles.

FAQs for Learners

Do I need to be technical already?

You need some technical foundation – basic networking knowledge and logical problem-solving skills. This is Level 4, designed for people with technical aptitude who want to specialise in security.

Will I learn tools I actually use at work?

Yes. Our training adapts to your workplace. We focus on security concepts and techniques that apply across tools, and we’ll work with your employer to match your learning tasks to the systems and platforms you use day-to-day.

What's the time commitment?

You’ll spend 6 hours a week on off-the-job learning – things like workshops, mentoring, lab exercises, and self-study. It all fits around your work schedule, and we help you manage it in a sustainable way.

What support will I get?

You’ll have access to tutors, security coaches, and peer groups throughout the apprenticeship. We’re here to answer questions, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate your wins. Plus, you’ll check in regularly with your line manager.

Is this like school or university?

Nope. This is workplace-first, challenge-based learning. You won’t be stuck in lectures. You’ll learn by doing, solving real security challenges, working with peers, and applying everything in context.

What happens at the end?

You’ll complete an end-point assessment and, if you pass, gain a nationally recognised Level 4 qualification aligned with RITTech professional recognition. Most apprentices continue in their role, take on more responsibility, or move up into more advanced security positions.

Will I get paid?

Yes. This is a full-time employed role with a salary. You earn while you learn and work on real security challenges from day one.

How long does the apprenticeship take?

12-18 months typically, depending on your starting point and technical background. Those with stronger networking foundations may complete faster.

What backgrounds do security technologists come from?

Network engineers, system administrators, technical support staff, or anyone with technical aptitude and logical thinking who wants to specialise in protecting systems and data from cyber threats.

Cyber Security Level 4 Apprenticeship