Cyber Security Apprentice Review

At the moment, I'm working alongside the Automation team as part of a rota, which will also have me work with the site Technicians and Engineers. My role is specific to Operational Technology rather than Informational Technology, meaning I work on the cyber security of actual machinery and the Internet of Things.. My work is almost fully project-based, which is a much better alternative to having set work for each day. These projects can range from small PLC coding changes, to a fully-fledged site network restructure, where I work alongside the site's Operational Technology Cyber Security team and contribute to the project in both paperwork and on-the-ground physical implementation. Going to university weekly also gives me some great time to focus on the academic part of the course, and lets me experience aspects of university without any of the negatives. Though the balance between work and university can be unsteady, I keep on top of it with effort put in.

I've learnt dozens of new skills. As I had come straight from sixth form, I had a decent amount of theory in Computer Science, but a complete lack of practical skills. This apprenticeship has showed me the exact procedures (both business and physical) that I'd need for a job in this industry. These range from handling projects, to understanding work culture, to physically working with networks. The university course has also helped me develop the knowledge I know whilst also giving me new things to learn and understand.

I think it's the best choice I've made, and a choice I'd stick by. The work is great and actually enjoyable to do, the team is phenomenal and pleasurable to work with, and the company's ethics and culture is held to such a high regard that you have to admire the care they have for the patients to make sure things are done correctly. The university's degree course has also been completely relevant to my work and just as enjoyable, and it's been great having to go to university and experience that side of student life too.

Overall, I think it's been structured well to give me the best opportunities and to give relevant experiences. As I'm the first Cyber Security Apprentice in GSK, the structure has been very fluid and subject to change. This has its merits but also downsides: the rota is flexible and I'm able to explore and experience different sides of the company with much ease, though there can also be some uncertainty in this. I wouldn't say this is a problem with the company's organisation per se - it's just inherent in the fact that this course is not yet established firmly.

The support is immense. I have a mentor on-site with me that works with me and reviews my progress and any specific goals I need to achieve. I'm constantly learning with the help of my mentor and the team that I'm with about the various business processes and some relevant theory. If I ever have a problem, there's always someone that I can go to comfortably and ask for help.

As it's a degree apprenticeship, and my time at university is limited, the university's support is not as expansive as it is by the employer. I'm able to go to any lecturer and ask for help - but time can be fairly limited as I'm at work on other weekdays. There's always a support network available if need be, whether it's the lecturers, the programme leaders, or classmates.

I'm currently in my 1st year, so the theory I'm learning is fairly basic and seems to recall a lot of theory from A-Levels (which is understandable, given that people start this course and this degree at different levels). There is a slight disconnect at the moment between the academic side and the work side of the apprenticeship, though I think this will later change as the course progresses and it starts to specialise in Cyber Security.

There are all types of extra-curricular activities such as sports teams, clubs, gyms and even just social gatherings with the team. Apprentices and Industrial Placement students have groups and frequently host events, ranging from small meet-ups at the town, or events spanning across the UK and bringing together all the apprentices.

Yes

GSK has a great patient focus and holds its ethics to a high standard. The work here is done properly and checked thoroughly to ensure that nothing goes wrong. Employees have a say in how the company is run; the Site Leadership Team at my site host a yearly event where all employees at the site meet, socialise, and question the Leaders on any issues or suggestions.

Try to be unique and outshine others in your own personal strengths. I'd recommend thinking about what you can do that will differentiate yourself from the average person. Even something completely irrelevant to the apprenticeship, such as something in a different subject or extra-curricular, can still highlight your personality and character, which is equally if not more important than the knowledge you currently have.