Security Analyst Review

I work as a security analyst 4 days a week and spend the other day studying cyber security at university. Our role as a team is to ensure that all the security devices within the network are fully functioning and are being updated regularly in order to prevent infiltration from attacks.

I have learnt many skills surrounding cyber security from various internal and external courses. I am working towards achieving a full degree at MMU. I have also taken part in several courses within work focusing on cyber security in general as well as more specific training on the tools we use within our department.

I enjoy everything about my apprenticeship including the team I work in and the pathway I have chosen at university. I thoroughly enjoy the work I am given and feel that it is setting me up for a bright future within Cyber Security. I enjoy working closely with my time and believe I have been recruited into one of the best departments within my company.

Lloyds Banking Group believe that the apprentices they take on are the future of the company and we are treated as such. I appreciate the amount of time and money that Lloyds has invested into me, I have received praise from my manager and feel that I am being kept actively involved in everything that is going on within my department.

My team and the university are both well organised and structured, however the apprenticeship programme itself could be more organised, as we have very little contact with the head of the programme. I do believe that the programme itself hasn't been fully thought out and there are definitely some areas for improvement, especially for some of the other apprentices who don't feel that they are getting the support they require.

Manchester Met University have a very well established staff that are always keen to lend a hand, if I ever feel that I need guidance or support in any way I know I can always email them and they usually reply within a few hours to help.

My manager is always keen to support me and will give help and guidance whenever I need it. My team are always there if I need extra training. However I believe I would have benefitted from a mentor, who I could have shadowed and as questions to directly when first starting within the team.

My salary is very good, especially compared to other degree apprenticeships. They also cover other expenses for when I am travelling outside of my usual journey for training/conventions etc.

There are always activities being planned by my colleagues that anyone can be involved in. There are also conferences and external training courses that are regularly arranged. Lloyds are very keen on charity work, all employees are expected to donate a certain amount of time to volunteering.

Yes

Its an opportunity not to be missed. Decent pay and perks, good future prospects, and thorough training.

Be prepared for a long winded application process including; the initial application form, a video interview, online tests and an assessment centre. The application process for the apprenticeship is lengthy and includes: an applications form, 2 tests, a video interview, and an assessment centre where you will be expected to complete a group exercise, a written exercise, a face-to-face interview and a presentation. Anyone applying should look online for previous applicants experiences and advice.