The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
IT Support / Helpdesk Analyst
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Troubleshooting, customer service, understanding IT infrastructure basics, incident logging and resolution.
You're ready to move on when
- You've shown a keen interest in security incidents and how they're handled.
- You've proactively learned about security best practices in your current role.
- You're known for your meticulous logging and documentation of issues.
- 2
Junior Administrator / Office Support
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Organisational skills, document management, attention to detail, basic process adherence.
You're ready to move on when
- You're the go-to person for organising complex documents or ensuring processes are followed.
- You've expressed a desire to move into a more technical or compliance-focused role.
- You've taken initiative to understand data handling and confidentiality in your current role.
- 3
Graduate / Apprenticeship Programme
0-1 yearSkills to master
- Structured learning, project work, foundational IT and business knowledge.
You're ready to move on when
- You've completed a relevant degree or apprenticeship with a focus on IT, business, or security.
- You've demonstrated strong academic performance and a proactive approach to learning.
- You're looking for a structured entry into a specialised field.


