Degree Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis, my role involves dealing with penetration tests, running app scans and completing recertification of highly confidential databases. I also have meetings with third party clients as well as internal stakeholders. I have daily stand-up calls with the whole team where we discuss what the plan is for the day and any pending work which needs looking into ASAP.

I have learnt many new skills. Coming from a non technical background to a straight up IT degree was a huge step. I have developed my softer skills in communication and presenting as well as technical skills. For example, how to write PowerShell Scripts, how to write in Python and understanding specific terminology.

Overall, I have enjoyed this programme a lot. It has been a massive learning curve with the ups and downs, but I have grown a lot as an individual both professionally and not. The programme is very flexible and having the transition from work life and university has been very beneficial.

The programme is well structured. We first started in rotations, so we moved around the business as a whole, gaining insight into the different areas and departments. In second year, we chose our specific pathway choices and we then still been moving around the business with a 4 month window in each rotation, until we get into 3rd year where we are able to stay in the specified area we want to. This helped us not only gain an insight into that specified area but to also gain an interest in other areas.

Overall, I have received a lot of support from my employer. The transition from A Levels to a degree was hard and the employers have been very supporting. At the beginning, I found it hard balancing both work and uni, especially when you have an assignment due as well as working on an intense project, but my employer has really helped with the transition.

Overall, I have received a lot of support from the university, with termly catch-ups with my mentor. My training provider also has support sessions going on all the time, so any support you need with any assignment you can just sign up to the support session and the lecturers are always available to help.

My qualification has definitely helped me perform better in my role as I have gained an in depth overview of different sections of the organisation. I have gone into various roles already knowing the background /core information I require. This has definitely saved a lot of learning time and I have also seen a massive link between what I have learnt at university and what tasks are performed at work.

There are many extra-curricular activities an individual could get involved in. For example, we have a women in technology forum, we have many networking events, we do apprentice day outs. We have events where we get to meet individuals from different areas so they can provide us a better understanding of their role and day-to-day tasks. We also have social events, charity events etc.

Yes

I would definitely recommend Royal London to a friend because it has a very friendly environment it is very inclusive. The working hours are very flexible. They make the transition to work very smooth. They are very supportive, whenever you require support, they help you balance uni work and work.

The tips and advice I would give an individual applying to Royal London is 100% go for it. Take the application process easy. Any questions just ask, no question is a bad question. Reach out to staff before the interview with any questions to make sure you are fully prepared. If you want a more 1-2-1 conversation regarding the whole apprenticeship, just ask the staff to appoint you to an apprentice.