Cyber Security Higher Apprentice Review

cyber services integration and assurance- dealing with external customer who are requesting BT security services and products, I look at their requirements and what services BT can provide for them, we deal with risk analysis and how a new service can be implemented in to their day to day running. we communicate with all BT Security teams so it gives a great overview of what we actually do, my responsibilities include jeopardy management of the current active customer bids and maintenance of our project ticketing tool

I have developed better team work skills from working on many projects with other apprentices, I have gained a better understanding of larger organisations, I have gained a greater understanding of networking and security, I am completing my level4 NVQ and a foundation degree in communication, computer systems and information security.

I like the mix between working in operations as part of a team doing work that benefits others, doing the learning while at work by shadowing teams and people that have been working in the job for many years, getting the spare time to do other learning e.g. NVQ and getting time to volunteer for different opportunities like careers events, TV shows BT events

I feel valued by my team and get recognition for my work but at the same time do feel that apprentices are seen to be irresponsible so we are not used to our full potential

the introduction was well organised, the structure of the day to day running of the apprenticeships has had highs and lows with managers leaving and changing roles there was no structure for a large period of time. we get support while learning and managers are open for us to say what we would like to do and are helpful in making this happen

internal to BT the apprentice development team give us a lot of support and guidance. tutors at our university institute have a presence and can be contacted for support

from my manager and other team members I feel I can approach them with any issue to get support, some more senior members I would struggle to ask for guidance, the majority of other employees are more then happy to help

I took a large pay cut to join the apprenticeship, and the salary doesn't meet any of my costs traveling to and from work to be based in the main security centre has pros and cons

there are many BT volunteering events that I have been part of - helping at the London marathon, sports relief telethon, i have been apart of cyber security createathon, days to promote the apprenticeship and careers events representing BT, inside BT i have been to a teen tech event teaching secondary school classes about security, i have helped create lesson plans for the Cyber4Schools programme and delivered lessons in schools, i have also been apart of national apprentice week events outside of work but with work colleagues we have taken part in social activities such as the Spartan race

Yes

the apprenticeship gives you the chance to work and learn at the same time, you aren't expected to come in knowing everything, and you get to explore all the different aspects before deciding what you want to do

try not to be nervous, be yourself in the interviews, they want to hire someone their know can work with others, not someone they think knows everything, make friends on the assessment days 90% chance you will be working together.