SCQF Level 8 Cyber Security Apprentice - NDA; Dounreay

Overview

If you are looking at starting your cyber career, this could be the opportunity for you. As a Cyber apprentice you are an integral part of a team responsible for maintaining an efficient and accurate Cyber function within a business. If this sounds like the ideal role for you, consider joining Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) at Dounreay, via Energus, as a Cyber Apprentice.

Energus manage, on behalf of the NDA and wider nuclear industry, an award‑winning apprenticeship programme. With over 10 years' experience managing Early Careers programmes across the UK, Energus finds talented apprentices for a range of prestigious employers and ensures a continuous pipeline of talent into the nuclear sector.

The NDA group sustainably, safely and securely decommissions the UK's earliest nuclear facilities and prepares them for their next use. The work ranges from reducing hazards at nuclear sites, to delivering a permanent Geological Disposal Facility for radioactive waste and transporting nuclear materials globally. It also includes supporting the Government's sustainability aspirations and investing in social impact programmes for the surrounding communities.

• Discovering (through research and practical exploration) vulnerabilities in a system
• Analysing and evaluating security threats and hazards to a system, service or process
• Researching common attack techniques and recommending defence measures
• Undertaking a security risk assessment for a simple system and proposing basic remediation advice
• Sourcing and analysing a security case (e.g., a Common Criteria Protection Profile) and describing mitigated threats and any residual concerns
• Developing a simple security case independently
• Identifying and following organisational policies and standards for information and cyber security, operating according to service level agreements or employer‑defined performance targets

• Grade A–C National 5/Grade 9–4 GCSEs in Maths and English
• Highers/A‑Levels grade C or above, including ICT
• Also acceptable:
  • International Baccalaureate Level 3 in ICT
  • Level 3 apprenticeship in a similar subject
  • BTEC Extended Diploma in IT

• Problem‑solving and logical thinking
• Good numerical competency
• Attention to detail
• Ability to manage own time and learning
• Strong level of ICT skills including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

• A starting salary of £17,000 for the first year, increasing to £26,000 in the second year
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Access to Energus contributory pension scheme
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to Aviva Digi Care+ Workplace

The closing date for applications is 16:00 on 03/04/2026.

This apprenticeship is delivered in line with the Apprenticeship Standard and will be delivered in conjunction with the training provider, QA. More information can be found at:
Cyber Security SCQF Level 8.

Any questions before you apply? Email us at

As proud members of the Disability Confident Scheme, Energus aims to create a fair and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you have a disability or health condition and require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know – we will work with you to ensure your needs are met. We are committed to offering an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.