National Apprenticeship Week at CDS DS

If you're interested in a career in cyber security or IT, choosing the right path can feel overwhelming. College, university, or jumping straight into work, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. At CDS Defence & Security, our apprenticeships offer a powerful alternative: the chance to earn, learn, and gain real-world experience while building a long-term career in cyber security. During National Apprenticeship Week, we want to shine a light on what an apprenticeship at CDS DS actually looks like, and why it might be the right option for those who want hands-on experience from day one.

The first step to a career in Cyber Security

The cyber security industry is growing fast and continues to face a global skills shortage. What this industry needs, are people with practical skills, confidence, and an understanding of how cyber security works in the real world. Apprenticeships combine academic study with on-the-job learning, meaning apprentices don't just learn theory, they apply it every day while working alongside experiences professionals.

At CDS DS, our apprentices are involved in meaningful work across cyber security disciplines and IT services. From early on, they become part of project teams, develop technical skills, and learn how different areas of cyber security fit together. Many of our apprentices go on to secure permanent roles and continue to grow their career with us.

What our apprentices say

Bradley, a former cyber security apprentice at CDS DS, explains how the apprenticeship helped shape his career:

"Completing the apprenticeship has influenced my career by revealing the breadth of cyber security and providing a strong foundation. I've experienced many different aspects of cyber security thanks to CDS DS and my colleagues. Whilst achieving industry-approved certifications through training, I'm continuing to develop into a more technical role but with experience and respect of other specialisations. I'll always appreciate the opportunity I was given and I look forward to what's next as I progress."

Current apprentice Daimon shares what learning on the job has meant for him:

"I've been at CDS DS for just over a year now, and I've learnt a huge amount in that time. Being an apprentice has helped me build both my technical skills and my confidence, especially through working closely with the team, learning in a classroom environment, and then applying that knowledge day to day. One of the best parts of the apprenticeship has been getting involved in a wide range of work, from learning about OSINT to understanding frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK. Working alongside experienced people in the industry and being trusted to put what I've learnt into practice has been really valuable for my development."

Leadership Support at CDS DS

Our Apprenticeships are supported at every level of the business. Martin Nash highlights why early-career talent is so important:

"Our cyber security degree apprentices have been instrumental to our growth and influential in how we collaborate, operate, and think as a large team of cyber security specialists. Seeing them learning by doing, progressing, and graduating gives me an enormous sense of pride. It's good to be doing our bit by helping to address the global shortage of cyber security specialists by giving our younger generation a running start in the profession."

Sounds like you?

If you're motivated, curious, and interested in building a career in cyber security or IT, an apprenticeship could be your opportunity to gain qualifications, real-world experience, and industry insight, all while earning and learning on the job.

📍Find us at Gloucester College Apprenticeship Open Evening on Wednesday 25th February.

Interested in taking your first steps into cyber security? 👉 Click here to view our latest vacancies.