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Job Role
Cyber Operative
Job Role

Cyber Operative

Use your cyber skills to develop truly unique ones in this ground-breaking part of our nation’s defence.

TechnologyCombat and securityApprenticeshipsIT
  • £18,500 - £55,000
  • GCSEs
  • Surface Fleet
  • Warfare
  • Rating level

At a glance

The role goes beyond an in-depth technical knowledge. Being part of the Joint Cyber Unit means you can make a real difference, working at the leading-edge of technology – safeguarding our national security.It's a challenge that you won't get anywhere else.

£23,496

The minimum you’ll earn after training

£56,383

Earn over this amount as you progress

Free

Medical and dental care

6 weeks

Of paid holiday every year

Travel

All around the world
Cyber operative looking at a computer
To be able to give and receive cyber skills and experience at the cutting edge of national defence is hugely attractive. I have thoroughly enjoyed the immersion in both cyber and military training and the opportunity to share experiences with some real experts in the field.

Olivia

Cyber Operative, Warfare Branch

Role details

What you’ll do

From WikiLeaks to the Panama Papers, the landscape of modern warfare has changed dramatically. Cyber security is a ground-breaking area at the vanguard of our nation’s defence. Serving in the Cyber Unit makes you part of one of the most advanced areas of the Royal Navy.

If you have proven, in-depth technical knowledge, joining as a Cyber Operative means you can make a real difference, work at the leading edge of technology – and make an essential contribution to safeguarding our national security. It’s a specialist role which involves monitoring information and intelligence gathering. A challenging role that will put you through your paces, it will also give you experience that you simply won’t get anywhere else.

Your role

  • Learn new, specialist skills with career-enhancing training that will be invaluable – and highly desirable – in the commercial sector
  • The Cyber Unit is a tri-service collaboration, so you’ll work with operatives from all three Armed Services
  • You might be granted a high level of security clearance for a secret mission, or be given specialist training for an ongoing operation 
  • You’ll play a crucial role in this essential part of protecting our nation’s interests

Pay & benefits

  • A starting salary of at least £23,496 after training
  • Earn in excess of £56,383 as your career progresses 
  • An excellent pension scheme
  • Subsidised travel and accommodation 
  • Six weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Free medical and dental care

Skills for life

Qualifications you'll gain

  • Attain a Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship
  • Specialist vocational qualifications, with a significant financial contribution from us

Skills you'll develop

  • Grow your decision making, communication and analytical skills
  • The ability to work in a demanding new environment
  • How to use some of the most advanced technology on the planet
  • Techniques in safeguarding the seas for Navy and civilian benefit 

Eligibility

  • Aged 18 to 39
  • Minimum of 3 GCSE's grade 4/C including Maths, English Language and STEM
  • Min of 48 UCAS points including 24 in min Maths
  • Exceptional cyber skills, see full list of required skills here
  • Open to sole British nationals only; surviving parents must also be sole British; surviving partner must be registered British: partner's surviving parents must be sole British
  • You must be willing to undergo and pass a Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance process
  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 28 (between 17 and 27 if under 18)

Skills & Interests

  • High level of problem-solving ability
  • Ability to stay calm under pressure

Joining Process

From picking your role to the first day of training; everything you need to know as a rating
Step 1

Submit an application 

Once you’ve registered your interest and have satisfied the basic eligibility criteria, you will be sent an online application form
Apply
Step 2

Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)

You’ll be tested on: Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Work Rate, Spatial Reasoning, Electrical Comprehension and Mechanical Comprehension.
To prepare, you can practise the DAA.

Practice the DAA
Step 3

Interview

A formal interview to talk through your suitability for the role. This is normally conducted using your own device over the Shine video platform
Step 4

Medical and eye tests

These are quite comprehensive and must be completed by one of our Ministry of Defence-approved doctors
Step 5

Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT)

This involves completing a 2.4km run on a treadmill within a certain time, at a fitness centre near you
Step 6

Candidate Preparation Course (CPC)

This four-day induction to life in the Royal Navy, including a Swimming Test and a fitness assessment, is a pass or fail course
Step 7

Start training

 Once you’ve passed a Security Check, you’ll be offered a place at HMS Raleigh

Got a question?

Our virtual recruiter is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day

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