Cyber Security Higher Apprentice Review

Multiple placements throughout the different disciplines within Cyber Security. This includes Risk Management, Awareness, Project Support and other more technical roles too. On a day to day basis, I spend a few months in each discipline learning the ins and outs before moving on to another department carrying this experience with me.

Yes! Entered the role with little knowledge / practical skills in computing. Developed a range of skills both soft skills like communication and leadership. And technical skills like networking and advanced excel. The company has been very good at facilitating apprentices like myself coming in with little technical experience and bringing us on leaps and bounds.

I love it! Everyday is a different experience. There is always something new to learn and do. Also there are lots of side projects to get involved in for personal development too, such as volunteering. There is never a dull moment which means working at the company is a charm.

Very. Placements are set up for you but some flexibility is provided if there's a particular area you would like to see / spend more time in. There are regular progress checks to make sure we are developing professionally and to see how the programme can be improved to support our learning.

The company provides a ton of support; there is a very friendly environment in our offices, the majority of the employees provide the time to answer questions and explain difficult concepts. Also training provided is top quality and goes beyond specification. We are well looked after in terms of opportunities to present and push our professional development.

As said in the previous answer. Training courses go above and beyond the required specification. This means that we come away from training with a top notch understanding to bring back to the business. Also, there are lots of labs provided to work on our practical skills which is important too.

A lot. They provide the theory side to support technical aspects within the role. Additionally, the practical labs give us skills to bring back to the role. E.g. the ability to break down complex concepts into basic IT principals. It also serves as an introduction to technical jargon to help support me in my role and in meetings.

Yes, we have both. Professional networking events where senior employees meet new starters in quick succession to push your name into the business. Also lots of sporting and social events with the other apprentices and the wider business. This increases the networking across the business meaning we can utilize more relationships to facilitate our work.

Yes

National Grid has stood out as a top quality employer for apprentices. We are treated with respect and our opinions are valued as much as any of our colleagues. Another thing that makes the company stand out is the fact that we are given real work to support the business as opposed to "made-up" work just to facilitate our apprenticeship or just to keep us busy. We are truly a valued resource, which is seemingly rare from conversations I've had with apprentices outside of National Grid.

I don't want to give too much away on this one but in general for all apprenticeships not just the ones within our company: Focus on your interpersonal and professional skills as opposed to being a technical whiz. Also, do your homework before applying so you can reference it and show that you've made an effort.