FIT Cybersecurity Apprenticeship

Do you have an inquisitive mind? Do you like problem solving?

Why not consider a 2-year Tech Apprenticeship in Cyber Security that will provide apprentices with excellent experience and an Advanced Certificate at Level 6?

FIT - Fastrack to Information Technology have a 2 year Cyber Security Apprenticeship Programme on offer!

Apprentices will complete the apprenticeship programme and gain an Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity at Level 6 in the National Framework of Qualifications.The FIT Cybersecurity Apprenticeship is the third in a series that have been developed by FIT and delivered in partnership with Educating and Training Boards - the previous two are software development and network engineering.

Applicants must be 18 years or older with the eligibility to work and live in Ireland. FIT warmly welcome applications from all genders, and from candidates who may have a physical or hidden disability.

Apprentices will spend the first 6 months in full-time training, and the next 12 months working with their employer for 3 days per week with 2 days of college. The final 6 months will be spent working with their employer 4 days per week with 1 day in college finalising their certification.To apply for this fantastic opportunity, go to their registration page here; https://fit.ie/ictap_course/fit-ict-associate-professional-cyber-security/

Course Aims

FIT Cybersecurity Apprenticeship

• The programme will provide a new talent pipeline for tech employers who have a need for tech practitioners in the field of Cybersecurity. It will provide cybersecurity apprentices with the theory and practical skills required to be employed as Cybersecurity specialists.
• The Cybersecurity programme is designed for those who have recently completed second level education or mature learners who are seeking to retrain.

Modules

Apprentices will complete the apprenticeship programme which is of two years duration, as detailed below, to gain an Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity at Level 6 in the National Framework of Qualifications:

1. The CompTIA Cybersecurity Pathway which includes:
2. City & Guilds transversal learning modules including
3. City and Guilds Award for Professional Recognition (Information Technology)
4. Applied Learning in the Workplace (Apprentice Online Logbook)
5. A Capstone Project – Red Team vs Blue Team capture the flag workshop

Requirements

FIT accepts a number of different entry routes to the ICT Associate Professional Apprentice Programmes depending on your own individual background. Applicants must be 18 years or older with the eligibility to work and live in Ireland. FIT warmly welcome applications from all genders, and from candidates who may have a physical or hidden disability. The following stipulations will apply to the screening of your application:

Knowledge, Skill and Personal Competence (upon application)

Candidates must be numerate and literate with the capacity to learn new skills and absorb varied product knowledge. In addition, candidates must demonstrate a capacity to work as a member of a team and display a capacity to clearly communicate with others. Each candidate must demonstrate a level of personal motivation and a clear desire to work in the field of ICT.

Secondary School Leavers (Republic of Ireland)

Candidates should have completed a Leaving Certificate with pass grades in at least five Ordinary level subjects (including Maths and English).

School Leavers (Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom)

Candidates should have completed a level of second-level education equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. This may be composed of the attainment of ‘A Levels’ subject based qualification (General Certificate of Education).

Recognition of Prior Learning

Candidates who wish to apply for entry, and who do not satisfy any of the standard entry requirements are advised; that an evidenced and justifiable rationale will have to be provided for consideration to be entered into the selection process. This will include the submission of a detailed synopsis of previous educational, life and/or work experiences. The FIT Registrar or delegate will review such cases with regard to the FIT Policy on Access, Transfer and Progression.

Apprentices will spend the first 6 months in full-time training, the next 12 months working with their employer for 3 days per week with 2 days on college day-release and the final 6 months working with their employer 4 days per week with 1 day in college finalising their certification.

Where are the courses run?

All of the off-the-job learning will take place in Education and Training Boards (ETBs) nationwide with the on-the-job learning carried out by the apprenticeship sponsor company. The first phase of courses is taking place in Dublin and Cork with plans to roll-out all around Ireland in the coming months. 

What is the deadline for applications?

The great news is that there is none! We are recruiting all year round so be sure to get your students on our radar by completing an application form here.They will then be invited to an information session with the FIT team in due course. 

What are the entry requirements?

Candidates must be at least 18 years old with at least a Full Leaving Certificate or Level 5 certificate. However, there is no age limit and should someone have relevant work experience and a passion for ICT, this would be taken into consideration. It is important that the candidates posses technical capability and demonstrate an aptitude for learning. 

For more information, check out FIT https://fit.ie/