Cyber Security Technologist Apprentice Review

Evaluating policies that are currently in place, also looking at making them more user friendly. User security and awareness was a key area of my daily tasks. Being involved with business impact assessments and risk registers. I have also maintained a blog on our intranet to highlight how cyber security affects everyone.

I have learnt a range of different skills. I have developed my skills in writing reports, creating and running presentations in front of a range of people. I have also learnt how to be more analytical and to work on my problem solving skills. I have improved greatly my communication skills.

I have loved every moment of my experience at C4. This has been greatly inspirational and has given me the confidence to pursue this area further into my career. It has been a unique experience especially with starting my apprenticeship during the pandemic and lockdown as I did not get to experience the office environment for around 9 months.

There was definitely a lack of organisation from my apprenticeship provider in all honesty. As I begun my apprenticeship it took over 1 month for them to communicate that there was a new apprenticeship standard coming into place, as this was the case I was part of the first set of people that started this new standard and I feel like they were not particularly prepared. The apprenticeship provider also postponed my end date without communicating this to myself or my workplace meaning that my fixed term contract needed to be extended.

My employer has been incredible, they have given me extra time where needed to focus on my apprenticeship and my studies. They have also given me extra materials and training to help my knowledge. They have supported me every step of the way and have given me extra coaching sessions.

As soon as I entered my gateway I feel that I was basically dropped by my training provider. I found out a lot of information and forms that I should have been privy to earlier in my apprenticeship and I felt a bit left in the lurch. When I tried to address this with my learning mentor at the provider I was told they were already going above and beyond for me. I will give them credit that after a lot of pestering I did get some extra materials provided. However, I asked for about 6 months for more material on certain courses that I attended as it had expired and was never given this support.

I feel that the qualification has given me the confidence that I am good at what I do. This certificate has helped to let me find further employment for when my apprenticeship contract is over. With this certificate, I am able to prove that I have the skills no matter how basic to do my role.

My work is spoilt for choice when it comes to work activities, there are a range of groups that are accessible to everyone. There is also the implementation of learning at work week where employees are encouraged to help learn/improve on different skills these can range from work based e.g. 'keeping to the point' to learning to cook a new cuisine.

Yes

It is a friendly workplace where being yourself is encouraged, everyone is welcoming and happy to talk if wanting to learn about a different area in the business. There is an open flow of communication with the upper management team and lots of different benefits. If I could work there forever I would.

Do not doubt yourself. Be who you are and you will be welcomed with opened arms. It is a friendly and sometimes out there company that encourages people to think outside the box and to look at new ways of approaching topics. Everyone I have met has been great and I have felt supported every step of the way.