Global Security Apprentice Review

My role is rotational and my day-to-day varies, as I spend some months in different teams in the cybersecurity department. I've not only learned about the different tools, standards and practices different teams focus on, but I've been able to truly embed myself in the teams and take charge of some things e.g. lead meetings, contribute to reports, etc. There are also charity events and event planning that I have been involved in. The company encourages learning and upskilling yourself and has given me access to platforms like Pluralsight, SecureCodeWarrior, LinkedIn Learning and A Cloud Guru to do so.

I have been able to develop application security knowledge by learning about OWASP and using the SecureCodeWarrior platform. I have been able to conduct due diligence reviews based on industry standards like the ISO 27001, SOC II, PCI-DSS, NIST etc. I am also learning more about cloud platforms, even using the A Cloud Guru platform to gain a certification.

I genuinely enjoy this programme. The company culture and the people here are unlike any I have met. People are approachable and willing to share knowledge and include you in things. They are also understanding of the time I need away for my studying and learning. I'm very excited about where I will be and the knowledge I would have gained at the end of this programme.

As we are the first apprentices in the department, there were a few teething problems. We initially weren't sure what teams we'd be placed in or when the studying side of our apprenticeship would start. However, there was open and honest communication about how things were going and they involved us throughout the process and were willing to listen to our opinions on things. However, things soon fell into place and since then it's been well structured.

I feel that my employer and the people in the company are very supportive. We were placed with buddies from the beginning and we meet with them weekly and you can approach them with both work and non-work related topics. I also have weekly meetings with my manager who listens to and encourages me, advising me on how to meet my career goals. The higher-ups operate through an open door (currently virtual) policy, encouraging you to send them a message if you need anything. You can send anyone, in any team, on any continent and in any country, a message and they'll be more than willing to help or point you in the right direction. The company has great wellbeing (giving us access to the Headspace app and also some extra days off to cope with lockdown) and disability support. They also offer sessions to improve your financial literacy.

We have a set schedule for our training sessions with our training provider. Fortunately the sessions are recorded and we can go over them as many times as we want. We have several people assigned to us, e.g. development skills coaches, and so we have different people to reach out to if we need help. We can also state on the platform we use, if we need additional help with certain areas.

I think the qualification I'm working on helps with my role as it builds on the basics of cybersecurity. These basics are great to know as you'll not only be able to rightfully claim to be an expert in that area, but you'll also know how to break things and this is essential for pentesting.

It's difficult to judge this as we're currently in lockdown, however, we've planned and conducted a conference and there are also full virtual volunteer days were you can bake, run, cycle and walk for charities. The charity platform has lot of other activities you or your team can take part in and the company sometimes matches your donation.

Yes

I have worked in different companies and none compares to Sage. The culture and the people are warm, approachable and friendly. The company wants you to upskill and grow in expertise, even giving employees study days off. You meet people from all walks of life who are wiling to share their knowledge and help you with your career goals.

Firstly, do it. Apply. I would also say, do you research on the company, from their history to what they currently do and what their future plans are. Have an interest in the area you are applying for as people will see your passion when you speak about it. Be yourself and bring your personality to your interviews and work. Companies are built on its people but thrive when good relationships are forged both internally and externally. This doesn't mean you have to be a socialite, no, but Sage is a company that works well because of the relationships between its people.