As a Graduate Apprentice SOC Engineer at Acumen Cyber Limited, you will begin your journey into the world of cybersecurity by supporting the development and implementation of our cyber security operations. Youâll work closely with experienced professionals in our SOC Engineering team, gaining hands-on experience while studying towards a degree in Cyber Security. This role is designed to help you grow into a confident and capable security engineer through structured mentorship, on-the-job training, and academic learning.\n\nAt Acumen, we believe great security starts with great people. Our team is at the heart of everything we do. We succeed when we support each other, stay aligned, and move forward together. Our values shape how we show up for our clients, our colleagues, and our community:\n\n- We Solve Problems: We push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and welcome fresh ideas.\n- Itâs All About the Team: We thrive on collaboration and know that a strong team outperforms any individual.\n- Make Tomorrow Better Than Yesterday: Each day is a chance to learn, adapt, and improve.\n- We Stay Agile: Cyber threats donât wait, and neither do we.\nIntegrity is Everything. We build lasting partnerships through transparency, honesty, and accountability.\n\nWe are committed to supporting your development throughout your apprenticeship. You will:\n- Be assigned a dedicated mentor within the SOC team.\n- Receive regular feedback and guidance to help you progress.\n- Be given protected time to attend university and complete academic work.\n- Be encouraged to bring enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn\n\nYou will report to the SOC Operations Lead and work closely with other members of the SOC Engineering team. Youâll also collaborate with external partners and internal teams across the business. In this role youâll be supported in learning how to:\n- Detect and respond to cybersecurity incidents.\n- Monitor client environments using SIEM and EDR tools.\n- Investigate security alerts and contribute to incident response.\n- Perform forensic analysis and document findings.\n- Tune security tools and contribute to automation efforts.\n- Stay informed on the latest cybersecurity threats and trends.\n- Support compliance with internal playbooks and procedures.\n\nAs 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.\n\nYou 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.\n\nYou 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.\n We donât expect you to have all of these skills yet - but if youâre enthusiastic about cybersecurity and eager to learn, we want to hear from you:\n\n- Cybersecurity Interest: A passion for cyber security demonstrated through studies, hobbies, or personal projects.\n- Analytical Thinking: A curious mindset and interest in solving problems.\n- Technical Curiosity: Willingness to explore tools like SIEM and EDR platforms.\n- Attention to Detail: A desire to understand how things work and spot anomalies.\n- Communication Skills: Ability to ask questions, share ideas, and learn from others.\n- Adaptability: Openness to working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.\n- Teamwork: A collaborative attitude and willingness to support others.\n\nTo meet Napier's Standard Entry Requirements you must have EITHER: \n\n- 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\n- A Foundation Apprenticeship in IT: Software Development at SCQF Level 6 plus two SQA Highers at Grade BB\n- A Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6-7 in an ICT/Digital related discipline\n- HNC or HND in an unrelated discipline plus Higher Maths, Statistics or Physics at Grade B\n- Sufficient recognition of prior learning (RPL) through industry-related experience, qualifications, and informal learning. RPL applications are considered on an individual basis\n\nYou must be able to provide proof of any qualifications stated on your CV to meet university entry requirements.\n\nAdvanced 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.\n\nYou must be able to provide proof of any qualifications stated on your CV to meet university entry requirements.