The security sector offers the opportunity for diverse and exciting apprenticeships. Employing over 2,100 apprentices, 42% of UK security companies employ apprentices or trainees and are investing in a high skilled workforce. Apprenticeships in the security sector offer a career path in a high-tech, high-skill industry with a 33% higher than average salary.
The security industry provides a variety of products, services and the supporting facilities to law enforcement and intelligence agencies, wider government, the private sector and individual citizens.
Richard Kenworthy from BAE Systems explains what life is like as an apprentice in the security sector and the opportunities it has provided him with.
Name: Richard Kenworthy
Age: 22
Title of Apprenticeship: BAE Systems Technical Apprentice
Why did you choose / what inspired you to become an apprentice?
I chose to be an apprentice for the training and the experience. I knew I wanted to work in IT however I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. With an apprenticeship, I was able to move around different roles and find out what I enjoyed. I also chose it so I could work around professionals who all have between 5-25 years experience in the IT industry and have seen it grow and know how it should be done. I have now finished my apprenticeship with 3 years experience, a degree and no student loans.
What is your favourite thing about working at BAE Applied Intelligence?
The best thing about working for BAE Systems is the experiences. I’ve been to the Big Bang Fair twice, seen the Astute submarines, spoken on a round table for the Daily Telegraph and received an award for the apprenticeship on the top floor of the Gherkin.
What is the most exciting project you have worked on during your apprenticeship?
I’ve worked on software which is being used by a lot of high profile banks to defend against malware and the most advanced types of cyber-attacks. With cyber increasingly being front page news, it is exciting to work in a sector that is so high profile.
What advice would you give to others considering an apprenticeship?
The best advice I could give to someone considering an apprenticeship is to weigh up what is best for you. Apprenticeships are a good middle ground for both education and work, but they are challenging and require a lot of determination and hard work. However, with an apprenticeship you get the best of both worlds and can learn while you earn.
BAE Systems is a global defence, aerospace and security company employing around 83,400 people worldwide. Our wide-ranging products and services cover air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology, and support services.
