Cyber Security Analyst

Learning Programme Content

The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:

• Qualifications,
• Essential Skills
• On/off the job training

The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Cyber Security Analyst is 77 credits.

The total minimum credit value required for the Level 4 Cyber Security Analyst is 95 credits.

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this framework.

It is, however, recommended that to enter onto the Level 2 Apprenticeship the candidate has English and Maths GCSE’s grade G or above (or equivalent qualifications).

For the Level 3 Apprenticeship it is recommended that the candidate has English and Maths GCSE’s grade C or above (or equivalent qualifications).

For the Level 4 Apprenticeship it is recommended that the candidate has English and Maths at minimum GCSE’s grade C or above (or equivalent qualifications) together with relevant Level 3 qualifications. These would typically include two or more A levels, related diplomas (or NVQs) or an equivalent qualification. However, these recommendations are not essential.

Applicants may have prior experience or qualifications in digital technologies but this is not mandatory as training providers and employers will deliver programmes of training based on approved up to date qualifications tailored to meet individual needs, recognising prior qualifications and experience.

Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)

Level 3: Cyber Security Analyst

Level 3: Cyber Security Analyst Qualifications

Participants must achieve either the combined qualification or an appropriate selection of competence and knowledge qualifications listed below.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh

On/Off the Job training

On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

Combined qualification – 77 credits, 319 GLH

Competence qualification - 72 credits, knowledge qualification 24 credits total minimum 941 training hours

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number

Level 4: Cyber Security Analyst

Level 4: Cyber Security Analyst Qualifications

Participants must achieve either the combined qualification or an appropriate selection of competence and knowledge qualifications listed below.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh

On/Off the Job training

On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

Combined qualification – 95 credits, 398 GLH

Competence qualification - 80 credits, knowledge qualification 120 credits total minimum 1990 training hours

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 3 Essential Skills Wales Communication
• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 3 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number

Job roles

As organisations in Wales undertake digital transformation, they have an increased susceptibility to vulnerabilities and threats to the digital information they use and store. There is an increasing need to identify the threats and vulnerabilities and implement and maintain security controls to mitigate them. These Cyber Security Analyst apprenticeship programmes provide a route to develop and embed cyber security skills through on-the-job vocational learning for all sectors across Wales.

These apprenticeships support Priority area 2 of the 2023 Cyber action plan for Wales to ‘Build a pipeline of cyber talent’. 

According to Careers Wales Approximately 4300 people are employed as Cyber Security Analysts in Wales (2022). The expected future demand for Digital Infrastructure Engineer and related jobs is medium compared to other jobs in Wales.

Level 3: Cyber Security Analyst

The Level 3 Cyber Security Analyst Apprenticeship has been designed with employers in Wales to equip employees with the primary cyber security skills that they need to be able to perform their role. This Apprenticeship programme is designed to provide a robust vocational route to fulfilling junior cyber security skills needs in the workplace.

Junior Cyber Security Analyst

Helping to ensure that organisational information and systems are protected from unauthorised access and compromise. Contributing to maintaining the processes which support security operations. This includes assisting with responding to cyber security alerts that arise from SIEM (Security information and event management) tools and other security systems. This also includes supporting incident response and escalating security incidents to security engineers where appropriate.

Level 4: Cyber Security Analyst

The Level 4 Cyber Security Analyst Apprenticeship has been designed with employers in Wales to equip employees with the primary cyber security skills that they need to be able to perform their role. This Apprenticeship programme is designed to provide a robust vocational route to fulfilling cyber security skills needs in the workplace.

Cyber Security Analyst

Monitoring and responding to cyber security threats/incidents, implementing and maintaining security tools, monitoring the threat landscape and supporting vulnerability assessments to identify appropriate controls. Configuration and management of network security products and access controls.

Progression

Progression routes into the Level 3 Apprenticeship:

Progression into the Level 3 Cyber Security Analyst Apprenticeship could be directly from school or college through achieving GCSEs /  AS levels (equivalent), or Welsh Baccalaureate Qualifications.

Other entrants may have relevant experience  and are seeking to become qualified by undertaking an apprenticeship programme.

Progression from the Level 3 Apprenticeship:

On completion of the Level 3 Cyber Security Analyst Apprenticeship, successful apprentices may progress on to the Level 4 Cyber Security Analyst Apprenticeship – or continue to work and undertake a range of professional job-specific qualifications and training.

Some apprentices may elect to continue their technical studies and embark upon job-specific professional/vendor qualifications.

Progression routes into the Level 4 Apprenticeship:

Progression into the Level 4 Cyber Security Analyst Apprenticeship could be directly from the Level 3 Cyber Security Analyst Apprenticeship or other related vocational qualifications or apprenticeships Alternatively direct entry from school could be from achieving GCSE A levels (equivalent), or Welsh Baccalaureate Qualifications.

Other entrants may have relevant experience  and are seeking to become qualified by undertaking an apprenticeship programme.

Progression from the Level 4 Apprenticeship:

On completion of the Level 4 Cyber Security Analyst Apprenticeship, successful apprentices may progress onto relevant digital technology degree apprenticeships – or continue to work and undertake a range of professional job-specific qualifications and training.

Some apprentices may elect to continue their technical studies and embark upon job-specific professional/vendor qualifications.

Equality and diversity

It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.

The protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.

Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics.

Employment responsibilities and rights

Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory.  But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18-year group) receive a company induction programme.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the Training Provider and Employer to ensure that the requirements of this pathway are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government Apprenticeships Guidance.

Further information may be obtained from: Welsh Government

DfES-ApprenticeshipUnit@gov.wales

Document revisions