Are you looking for a new and rewarding career in cybersecurity management? Whether you’re transitioning from the military or seeking a fresh challenge, the Accelerated Cyber Leadership Pathway is designed to combine your military leadership and management training and experience with new skills, knowledge and industry connections to succeed as a manager in this high-demand field.

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries, with thousands of unfilled roles across the UK. Employers are actively seeking candidates with both technical expertise and real-world leadership and problem-solving skills—and that’s where you come in.

Our programme provides a structured pathway into cybersecurity management, offering practical training, industry-recognised certifications, and direct links to employers looking to hire talented professionals like you. The programme comprises a 100 hour bootcamp, an interview with a selected employer partner and, if that goes well, further training and employment in a management position.

A fast-track, industry-led training programme that prepares you for cybersecurity roles. The bootcamp is:

• Tailored to employer needs – ensuring you gain in-demand skills.
• Delivered live online – so you can learn from anywhere.
• Funded by the Department for Education – making it free for eligible candidates.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to recognise and mitigate cybersecurity risks
• Access controls and system defence strategies
• Business continuity planning
• Cybersecurity attack response and mitigation
• Cisco Cyber Security Essentials certification
• Employability and soft skills training

By the end of this programme, you’ll be equipped with real-world cybersecurity skills and ready to apply for job opportunities. This is 100 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) which are live, tutor led sessions. In addition, we do also provide access to our suite of own ‘on-demand’ content and a licence to Pluralsight, (which has loads of additional resource for extra learning) for the duration of the course. Live content can be caught up on if missed.

If you want a long-term career path, our Higher Apprenticeship in Cybersecurity combines practical learning with full-time employment. You’ll gain experience while working in a cybersecurity role and earning a salary.

Career Pathways:

Employer Support:

• Time allocated for training sessions during work hours.
• A dedicated mentor to support your learning journey.
• Hands-on experience to develop your cybersecurity expertise.

Programme Duration:

With this apprenticeship, you’ll gain valuable industry experience, professional qualifications, and the opportunity to build a long-term career in cybersecurity.

• Member (or otherwise) of the Armed Forces or Police communities
• Resident of the West Midlands or willingness to work remotely for a WM based employer
• Aged 19+
• Resident in the UK for the last 3 years (time spent overseas in that time period will be fine)
• Right to live and work in the UK
• Has not completed a DFE funded Skills Bootcamp in the last 12 months (note that this does not preclude those who have completed a previous SMJ pathways course, as they are not DFE funded)

This programme is delivered through a partnership between SMJ and althaus Digital, two organisations dedicated to helping ex-military personnel and career changers succeed in cybersecurity.

• SMJ helps UK military personnel transition into civilian careers, with a strong focus on cybersecurity.
• althaus Digital is an Ofsted Outstanding training provider and an Armed Forces Covenant Signatory, delivering high-quality digital skills training.

Together, we are committed to bridging the cybersecurity skills gap and connecting talented individuals like you with exciting job opportunities.

Our Partners