Technology
IT Systems & Security Apprentice
MSB Ltd · Edinburgh Napier University
Location
COATBRIDGE, Scotland
Postcode
ML5 4UZ
Salary
£23,000 per year
Hours per week
37h
Positions available
1
Application deadline
28 June 2026
Posted
15 June 2026
About the role
MSB Ltd manufacture thermal batteries which are integrated into defence systems and aircraft.
As a Graduate Apprentice in Cybersecurity, you will gain hands-on experience from day one, developing a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, technologies, and best practices. Working alongside experienced professionals, you will help protect, monitor, and support the organisation's IT systems and infrastructure, contributing to both cybersecurity initiatives and day-to-day IT operations across the business.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will be involved in a variety of activities, including identifying security risks, supporting network and system security, responding to incidents, and assisting with the implementation of security controls and solutions. In addition to cybersecurity-focused responsibilities, you will also gain practical experience in core IT support and systems administration tasks, such as desktop and laptop deployments and rebuilds, user account management, hardware and software troubleshooting, device configuration, and general IT infrastructure support.
This varied role will provide exposure to the full lifecycle of cybersecurity operations while also building a strong foundation in IT systems management. You will develop valuable technical, analytical, and professional skills that are essential for a successful career in technology.
You will receive ongoing support and mentorship from experienced colleagues who are committed to helping you grow and succeed in your new career. This apprenticeship provides an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals looking to build a successful and rewarding career in the rapidly evolving field of Cybersecurity while gaining a broad understanding of enterprise IT environments.
As a Graduate Apprentice you will study for your degree alongside your job, spending approximately 80% of your time in work and 20% in university. This unique combination offers an integrated experience, where practical skills and knowledge gained during the university days can be embedded in your working practices. Skills learned directly in the workplace are aligned with and can be applied to coursework and assessment. This allows you to attain an honours degree in 4 years, the same time as traditional full-time students.
You will study on a Graduate Apprenticeship degree programme towards a BEng (Hons) Cyber Security at Edinburgh Napier University. This course provides relevant fundamental knowledge related to Cyber Security such as encryption and authentication, and also provides relevant practical examples through lab-based practice, while emphasising engineering practice.
You will initially be taught the principles of security and digital forensics using specialist software and equipment. You will then develop the ability to apply professional standards to the analysis, design, testing and evaluation of reliable and maintainable software.
During your time working as a Graduate Apprentice with us, you will:
Assist in protecting, monitoring, and supporting the organisation’s IT systems, networks, and cybersecurity controls
• Provide core IT support to end users, acting as a first point of contact for technical issues and service requests
• Support the setup, configuration, deployment, and rebuild of desktop and laptop devices
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and operating system issues across a range of devices
• Assist with user account management, including password resets, access provisioning, and permissions changes
• Support the maintenance and administration of IT systems and infrastructure, including servers, endpoints, and networked devices
• Help install, update, and patch software applications and operating systems to maintain security and performance
• Contribute to IT asset management, including tracking, auditing, and maintaining accurate records of hardware and software
• Assist in monitoring system and network activity to identify potential issues, security risks, or performance concerns
• Support incident response activities, including logging, investigating, and resolving IT and security incidents
• Work with senior IT and cybersecurity staff to implement security controls, policies, and best practices across the organisation
• Participate in routine IT maintenance tasks to ensure systems and services remain secure, reliable, and up to date
• Provide support for IT infrastructure components such as networks, storage, and cloud-based services where applicable
• Develop a strong understanding of both IT service delivery and cybersecurity operations through hands-on experience
• Cybersecurity principles, technologies, and best practices
• Network and system security
• Encryption, authentication, and access control
• Digital forensics and incident response
• Threat identification, risk assessment, and vulnerability management
• Security monitoring and cyber defence techniques
• Professional and ethical standards within cybersecurity
To meet our Standard Entry Requirements you must have EITHER:
• Four SQA Highers at Grade BBBB (or equivalent) including Maths, Statistics or Physics. National 5 grade C in Maths/Lifeskills Maths/Applications of Maths and English are required if not taken at Higher
• A Foundation Apprenticeship in IT: Software Development at SCQF Level 6 plus two SQA Highers at Grade BB
• A Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6-7 in an ICT/Digital related discipline
• HNC or HND in an unrelated discipline plus Higher Maths, Statistics or Physics at Grade B
• Sufficient recognition of prior learning (RPL) through industry-related experience, qualifications, and informal learning. RPL applications are considered on an individual basis
You must be able to provide proof of any qualifications stated on your CV to meet university entry requirements.
Advanced entry into Year 2 or 3 is possible for students with suitable qualifications. If applying for advanced entry, you will need to provide sufficient evidence of qualifications and experience through our process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Applications are considered on an individual basis.
You must be able to provide proof of any qualifications stated on your CV to meet university entry requirements.
The below qualities are also required for the job:
• A proactive attitude and strong desire to learn and grow professionally
• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently when required
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including active listening
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• A professional and customer-focused approach when interacting with colleagues and stakeholders
• Good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively
• The ability to build and maintain positive working relationships
• Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work
• A responsible and professional approach to handling sensitive information
• An interest in cybersecurity, technology, IT support, and emerging digital threats
• A willingness to develop practical skills in IT systems support, such as device setup, troubleshooting, and end-user assistance
Requirements
Four SQA Highers at Grade BBBB (or equivalent) including Maths, Statistics or Physics. National 5 grade C in Maths/Lifeskills Maths/Applications of Maths and English required if not taken at Higher. OR A Foundation Apprenticeship in IT: Software Development at SCQF Level 6 plus two SQA Highers at Grade BB. OR A Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6-7 in an ICT/Digital related discipline. OR HNC or HND in an unrelated discipline plus Higher Maths, Statistics or Physics at Grade B. OR Sufficient recognition of prior learning (RPL) through industry-related experience, qualifications, and informal learning.
Skills
Cybersecurity principles and technologiesNetwork and system securityEncryption and authenticationDigital forensicsIncident responseThreat identification and risk assessmentVulnerability managementSecurity monitoring and cyber defenceIT support and systems administrationDesktop and laptop deploymentUser account managementHardware and software troubleshootingDevice configurationIT infrastructure supportSystem and network monitoringSecurity controls implementationAnalytical skillsProfessional and ethical standards in cybersecurity
Required qualifications
Essential
SQA Higher · Maths · Grade B
Essential
SQA Higher · Statistics or Physics · Grade B
Essential
National 5 · Maths/Lifeskills Maths/Applications of Maths · Grade C
Essential
National 5 · English · Grade C
About MSB Ltd
Contact name
Scott Killen
Contact phone
01314556464
Contact email
GA@napier.ac.uk