Cyber Security Apprentice Review

As part of my role, it's primary function is to respond to operational and cyber incidents that occur at any regulated, or in some instances non-regulated financial firms. This includes co-ordination between both internal and external stakeholders, as well as escalations.

Learnt lots of new skills, particularly professional skills and how to communicate with a variety of stakeholders. However I have also developed my cyber and information security skills, and on my way to completing a Level 4 qualification on Cyber Security - Risk Analyst.

The programme is good, however it can be a struggle to juggle other work alongside the apprenticeship. It has been better than my expectations, and I have been provided with a lot of opportunities.

The overall organisation of the programme has not been as well planned as I believe it could have been. A lot of learners are picked up at various stages, and the expectations are not always set out in the initial onboarding phase. This is on the learning provider rather than the organisation itself, however this can cause some difficultly to staying on track with the scheme.

I receive a lot of support and help from my manager and there is a dedicated apprentice HR who I can reach out to if I ever have any issues. Your main purpose is to complete the apprenticeship, therefore I have always found my immediate managers very supportive and happy to provide any guidance or opportunities to help with the course.

During the training modules, I received support from my trainer however it was very much independent studies and reliant on you completing your own revision and studying. As part of the course, you are expected to spend 20% on apprenticeship work, and a lot of this is expected to be completed by yourself.

It will provide the baseline for the subject and a wide understanding of a range of topics within the role, however I do believe it does not provide the in-depth knowledge for particular aspects. It has been helpful in developing my soft skills and working in a work-environment such as communication and personal management skills.

Yes, the organisation has many well-being activities and clubs for all sorts of hobbies which are inclusive to everyone at all stages of their career. There are also mentoring schemes which can be very beneficial for apprentices to gain the support to move to the next steo within their career.

Yes

Everyone is supportive and always happy to provide any help, guidance or advice. There are opportunities for personal and work development. I have always had strong managerial support who help you make the right direction and take on particular work projects. There is also support to take on any additional qualifications if desired.

Be yourself, open and friendly. The FCA's mission is to add public value, and it's values are to deliver in the public interest, act with integrity, be ambitious, work inclusively and connect and deliver. It is important that you also stand by these values as you will be in representation of this.