The civil service is set to recruit 50 cyber security apprentices to boost Whitehall's IT safekeeping over the next two years.
The apprentice posts - all targeted at school leavers - will learn modules including incident response, risk management and digital forensics and will come away with a formal Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship qualification.
Their duties will include working on a solution to prevent criminals from stealing, compromising or destroying critical data.
Those applying for the role must have a "passion for technology, good problem solving skills and can articulate complex issues clearly to a wide range of people, including senior management," according to the job listing.
With a starting salary of at least 19,500, those who complete the two-year qualification will be able to apply for jobs at some of the world's most high-profile tech companies including IBM, BT, Capgemini, Oracle and Lloyds Bank, who all recognise the qualification as 'Tech Industry Gold'.
Chief executive of the Civil Service, John Manzoni, said: "While receiving fantastic training and experience in a variety of disciplines, successful applicants have the opportunity to work on some incredibly important projects making a real difference from day one.
"These apprenticeships are here to attract a new generation of talented school-leavers who are looking for an alternative to higher education and want to take up one of the exciting and diverse roles available in the Civil Service."
The fast track scheme was officially launched in 2013, but it's the first time cyber security has been added to the mix.
Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude said: "We created the Fast Track Apprenticeship Scheme to recognise that young people who leave school and go straight into the world of work have much to offer. In time, I hope to see some of them rise to fill the very highest posts in the Civil Service."
