Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025 at CDS Defence & Security

At CDS Defence & Security, we are proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025 and highlight the incredible contributions of our apprentices. Investing in future talent is at the heart of what we do, and our cyber security apprentices, Elliott and Daimon, exemplify the value that apprenticeships bring to both individuals and businesses. Their journeys showcase the power of hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world impact in the ever-evolving field of cyber security.

Elliott’s Journey: Learning Through Experience

“My cyber security degree apprenticeship with CDS Defence & Security has been an incredible journey of personal growth and real-world impact from my work.

From day one, I was drawn to the exciting nature of the work in the defence sector, as well as the hands-on learning style CDS DS offers, where every new piece of theory I learn is immediately tested in real-world scenarios.

Rather than simply studying in a classroom, I’m actively investigating potential threats, communicating with colleagues and clients, and helping strengthen the security posture of our company, our clients, and our country.

One of the most valuable aspects of this apprenticeship has been the direct mentorship and collaboration with such experienced professionals.

Being surrounded by a team that has a range of skills in all areas of cyber means I always have someone to go to for every new field that I am learning in. This has accelerated my learning and broadened my exposure to different areas of cyber security.

Balancing university with on-the-job responsibilities can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. My time management and organisational abilities have improved exponentially, and I’ve become more resilient with higher workloads.

For anyone considering an apprenticeship in cyber security, my advice is to stay curious, be proactive, and get ready to learn every single day.”

Daimon’s Journey: From CyberFirst to a Cyber Career

“My interest in cyber stemmed from my involvement in the CyberFirst course provided by NCSC and my enjoyment of computer science classes during school.

Following my passion for the subject and wanting to build upon my practical skills rather than sitting in lecture theatres, an apprenticeship was the best route to follow.

A degree apprenticeship in cyber has allowed me to gain invaluable experience and skills not only in technical means but in business aspects as well.

The apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience while continuing to learn and develop key skills.

My advice to those considering this route is to embrace every opportunity and apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

When taking an apprenticeship course, balancing hands-on work with learning requires good time management and a proactive approach.

Additionally, asking questions and making the most of mentorship and training sessions ensures that both academic and practical development go hand in hand throughout the apprenticeship.”

A Message from Martin Nash, Head of Cyber Security & Information Assurance

“The value our cyber security apprentices add to the team and our customers is unquestionable. They bring diverse vigour, fresh thinking, and the rewarding opportunity for our experienced cyber security professionals to provide coaching and mentoring. It is always a proud moment for everyone to see them graduate with an NCSC-approved BSc in cyber security.”

Shaping the Future with Apprenticeships

At CDS Defence & Security, we are committed to supporting the next generation of cyber security professionals. Apprenticeships offer an excellent route to developing practical skills while making a tangible impact in the industry. Elliott and Daimon’s experiences highlight the immense value of hands-on learning, mentorship, and professional growth.

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we encourage aspiring professionals to consider this pathway and embrace the opportunities it provides.

If you’re interested in an apprenticeship with CDS DS, get in touch today.