Cybersecurity Degree Apprentice Review

My initial placement is within Vulnerability Management. This includes identifying, assessing, prioritising, and mitigating security vulnerabilities within SJP's systems - using a variety of tools. However, I am also a part of projects in Cyber Engineering, Security Assurance, and various other non-cyber projects within SJP. This provides a diverse and interesting day-to-day working schedule. University assignments also make up a large portion of my week. However, I have allocated time during working hours to complete the assignments.

Every day I learn new skills or develop existing ones; from solving challenges, attempting new tasks, or working alongside new people, I am constantly expanding my knowledge. The extensive learning resources provided to me are informative - meaning during my free time I have access to high quality learning material to aid my personal development. Moreover, learning through the university on study weeks has massively improved my skills, knowledge, and experience in wider computer science.

I love my apprenticeship! The culture at SJP is extremely welcoming and friendly, making the introduction period much less daunting than I had expected. All of my colleagues are kind and willing to help me learn. The work I complete is rewarding, interesting, and therefore motivates me - although sometimes gets very busy! Studying at University can be less informative than expected, but the assignments and projects that are completed in your own time are exciting and build great experience.

The apprenticeship scheme within SJP is very well structured. It is ensured that you have networking links to the other apprentices, your team, and the wider organisation. Interesting projects outside your team's role within the company are assigned to the newest cohort, allowing you to develop your workplace skills and etiquette alongside the other apprentices. The structure of the training from the University is set out clearly at their induction - providing a long-term insight into your own development.

I receive an abundance of support from my employer. From helping to place me on projects I find interesting, to regular one-to-one meetings and check-ins, to always having someone to talk to in the team about any issue I have: I feel very supported by my employer during my apprenticeship.

The University studies are split into 1 week sections, where an entire module is taught and then due before the next week/module begins, that occur approximately every 5-6 weeks. Between these periods, I have learner reviews and similar meetings with my personal tutor or course leader at the university. There is plenty of opportunity to learn new skills and ask for help - even outside of the study weeks through your personal student O365 account. However, the learning can often be slow-paced and only cover the assignment task to a limited depth - requiring extensive personal learning.

The degree in Cybersecurity I will obtain from the University will provide me with a further technical understanding over the entire industry. During the first year, which I am currently amidst, the module content is mostly relating to general computer science, rather than specifically cybersecurity. Despite this, there are some simple cybersecurity related tasks implemented into the assignments.

There is a large range of extra-curricular activities to take part in at SJP. This includes sports clubs, food clubs, team activities, social events, corporate conferences, etc... and plenty of opportunities within your teams for personally organised activities.

Yes

There are countless opportunities within SJP, allowing you to build a fantastic career.

Prepare well, maintain professionalism, communicate effectively, and - most importantly - be confident.