Digital Technology Apprentice Review

I am in my second placement in Cyber, currently working in Threat Intelligence. There is no generic way to describe my day-to-day basis because in CTI you never know what your day will bring. There are various BAU tasks that I carry out on the daily basis such as monitoring the Pastebin Alerts to scan for any unusual activity referencing Santander, i.e. credentials or card details being published online. This is a big responsibility for me to have, as I have to be vigilant and act fast if anything is discovered. I research new threat actors regularly and analyse the threat that they pose to the organisation, from this I often write reports which can be distributed internally (sometimes externally). I have daily interactions with the CDA (Cyber Defence Alliance) in London as we work very closely together as one of our employees is based there. Internally, I interact with our CDC (Cyber Defence Centre) as we have daily stand-ups - this is either done by call or in person depending on my location that day. Additionally, I interact with the wider Cyber team as a lot of the work that I do in CTI can be useful for other sectors in Cyber, therefore we all work closely together. A project that I have been working on involves investigating all commodity malware (phishing) campaigns from the beginning of 2018 to the present using open source information and analyse my findings. From this I will produce a report that can be circulated both internally and externally. The purpose of this project is to enhance the internal phishing campaigns that I personally carry out, as I will have a deeper understanding of the external threats that real threat actors are presenting with us and therefore preparing them for if they are faced with real threats from the wild.

I have developed a lot of confidence due to the high level of public speaking and presenting that I had to do in my previous cyber awareness placement, which has continued into my current placement as well. Moreover, I have learnt how to be more technical and apply the technical knowledge into the work place. I can now recognise a lot of malware types, my cyber terminology is expanding and I can coherently explain my understandings of Information/Cyber Security. I study for a Digital Technology and Solutions degree, from this I have developed some of my current academic skills in things such as Business and Maths, but learnt new skills such as Programming. One of the modules is Professional Practice which has helped me to develop the best way to approach and reflect on work-based projects.

The team I work within are very friendly and welcoming, they are always willing to help me and to develop my learning through their own experiences. I have a lot of support from my team as well as the Emerging Talent/Early in Careers team when it comes to the University work and studying. If I ever have a problem or need to discuss an issue then I know it will be accepted and respected. The culture of the company is holistically wonderful, everyone throughout the company is excited to help you and to work with you - the apprenticeship in particular sparks a lot of interest from Senior Leaders which makes them more approachable. My expectations were exceeded as I expected the company to be very corporate and formal, however it is the complete opposite. There is the correct balance between professional and agile. I thoroughly enjoy working for this company.

My value at Santander is made very clear from both my Apprenticeship manager and my line managers. Due to the review scheme within the company, it is important to regularly document feedback that you receive or any credible pieces of evidence of success. Through this, I am receiving positive feedback from my managers who reiterate that they appreciate making their life easier by gelling in nicely. I have had both internal and external recognition from key stakeholders through the projects that I've worked on and the networking that I have done. It is important to network as you want your name known, and this has been recognised by my managers and those that I have reached out to. I have had personal feedback from the COO, CEO and various directors within the company regarding tasks that I have carried out - valuing my work.

The programme is very well organised. The studying fits in very well with the work ethic and placements that we receive. Our induction was a week long event, where we were put up in a hotel, had training throughout the days and then formal dinners, fun activities and networking opportunities of an evening. A lot of time, effort and planning went in to the induction week and it was perfectly structured and a lovely way to settle in. The support for this programme is vast - there is no one within the company that doesn't support this programme that I have ever met. There is no particular team hierarchy as everyone within the team is considered an equal due to the variation of tasks that we are all responsible for. Despite this, more senior members of the team will delegate more tasks than others, but as we are agile and supportive, it is seen as an opportunity more than a burden to accept these tasks.

A lot of support is provided by the training provider, particularly as we are given a programme leader who we meet with quarterly. Any concerns can be raised via this person, but there is also various teams working from the provider to assist out of hours or during our lectures. The tutors and advisers are knowledgeable and supportive. I do enjoy the training yes.

All colleagues that I work with show me support. I work closely with my managers who on the daily basis will give me guidance. I have an apprenticeship buddy who has proven to be very supportive. The EIC (HR) team are also very supportive and have a lot of time to dedicate to us as apprentices. This is really important for the programme as it reiterates a sense of value as you're not considered as a burden.

Extremely well, I do not consider that I am being paid unfairly - I rent an apartment near to work as I had to move for the apprenticeship but I never struggle or feel as though I am hard done by. The location is very central and has good train links to other offices and sites that I regularly visit. It is also only an hour from my home town, which is just that little bit too far to commute every day. The salary meets costs very well.

There are plenty of opportunities outside of work if you have the time and are willing to participate. A lot of the opportunities are done inside of work too. We work closely with local charities and there are frequent fundraising events that you can participate with or simply contribute towards. A lot of the offices have gyms in them which are easily accessible and can be used in and out of hours.

Yes

There are endless opportunities at Santander and I really admire the effort that they put in to this particular programme. The support here is next to none and I always feel valued and like I am constantly learning. The company is full of knowledgeable individuals who are willing to teach. The package as a whole is next to one when considering the university degree, the work opportunities and the extra benefits.

Don't hesitate - it is like being a part of a family. The application process is tough but if you as a person matches the criteria of a Santander employee then this will be recognised. There are no particular skills that you require, just a passion for Technology and a willingness to learn - if you show desire and determination then this will be noted and commended.