Cradle to Cyber®
Cerco offers a route into professional cyber security employment through its two-year training pathway, Cradle to Cyber®.
Cradle to Cyber is an extension of Cerco’s longstanding training and recruitment model, that offers trainee’s consistent temporary employment opportunities, that adapt to reflect their growing skillset, through our industry partners.
Underpinned by Fortinet’s NSE certification program and CompTIA’s industry standard qualifications, Cradle to Cyber offers a potent balance of experience and qualification.
At the end of the process, candidates will be prepared to go into a permanent, junior cyber role.
Cradle to Cyber is fully funded by Cerco, but opportunities to join are at the request and discretion of our cybersecurity employment partners.
Once onboarded and working with Cerco, available opportunities on Cradle to Cyber will be presented to suitable candidates.
Who is Cradle to Cyber for?
The Cradle to Cyber pathway is available to anybody pursuing a career in Cyber Security. However, whilst the
general structure is broadly similar, it is split into two distinct formats, one for civilians and one aimed at the Armed Forces Community.
Only the very best of our engineering pool are selected to undertake the civilian program, with the right aptitude and appetite to succeed in
Cybersecurity.
Cradle to Cyber is a serious undertaking that will require a high level of commitment. A high level of motivation will be essential to succeed.
While the initial phases are of an entry level, we would expect Cradle to Cyber applicants to have a firm grasp of IT and Networking Fundamentals.
The Candidate Journey
Cradle to Cyber is a 2-year, Temp-to-perm employment and training programme that will see select candidates go through 3 tiers of experience and training.
If successful, by the end of the process, you will have a minimum of 2 full years of industry experience, as well as these qualifications on your CV:
Tier 1: 0 - 6 months
The journey begins with our five-day, practical training course, FastTrack. This teaches you the principles of I.T support Engineering and Networking fundamentals. Successful candidates will then be onboarded and begin to gain fundamental IT support engineering experience in a 1 st line support capacity or similar with a Cradle to Cyber employment partner.
Throughout this time, you will also undertake the first phase of your Cyber training through Fortinet's NSE program. Both Fortinet Certified Fundamentals and Networking Fundamentals, will be completed at this stage. After 6 months of consistent work experience, candidates on Cradle to Cyber will be promoted to Tier 2.
Tier 2: 6 - 18 months
Tier 2 engineers will be exposed to higher level opportunities by the partner employer as they become available, and additional training will begin in earnest. As well as the continuation of Fortinet's NSE pathway with the completion of Certified Associate and your chosen specialisation for Certified Professional, Cerco will fund CompTIA Network+, delivered remotely via a training partner.
It will be the responsibility of Cerco to fund and oversee the training and that of the employer partner to offer suitable experience.
Tier 3: 18 - 24 months
The final stage of the 2-year program. By Tier 3, you will have 18 months experience, exposure to 3 of Fortinet's certifications and a Network + qualification on your CV.
Cerco will then fund CompTIA Security+ training, whilst the employment partner will endeavour to expose the candidates to much more challenging and relevant roles.
At the end of this process, you will be primed to embark on a permanent role in junior Cyber Security, either continuing with your Cradle to Cyber employment partner or being recruited to an advanced position elsewhere.
Armed Forces
As proud holders of the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, we can offer additional levels of training and support to members of the armed forces community.
Additional qualifications are available and we envisage the Armed Forces model of Cradle to Cyber as a natural extension to our existing military initiatives.
How can Cradle to Cyber® Benefit You?
Build your CV with industry leading qualifications from CompTIA and Fortinet.
- Gain vital industry experience that evolves with your skills.
- Get your foot in the door with some of the worlds leading tech companies.
- Classroom and remote learning – flexibility to earn while you learn.
- Ongoing support and mentorship through the process.
How can Cradle to Cyber® Benefit Your Business?
- Cradle to Cyber is a cost-effective solution to grow and develop talent, filling the skills gap in the Cyber Security sector with quality candidates.
- With a flexible approach to recruitment, Candidates are available at all tiers to meet the specific requirements of a business.
- Employers may choose to make their candidates permanent at the end of each Tier at no additional charge – Alternatively, they may also use the end of each stage as a firebreak.
- Cerco's established candidate attraction process allows for nationwide coverage.
- Candidates will complete the process with quality, industry standard qualifications at no cost to the employer.
- As required, we can put candidates on Cradle to Cyber through transferable SC clearance during their Tier 1 Phase.