Cyber Security Apprentice Review

I work within Identity and Access Management, specifically within the Application Access team. Daily I am responsible for running reports and dealing with user access, this include processing addition, removal and amend requests for a number of different applications. Furthermore I am also currently involved with the training of new starters.

Through my apprenticeship I have learnt loads of new skills, as well as developing those I already had. Through attending courses with firebrand I have been able to build my skill with IT cyber security, focusing on protocols, threats and how we can mitigate these. I have also build new knowledge around cloud computing.

My programme doesn’t end until later this year, however I am thoroughly enjoying it. The workload is high, however it is manageable along with my normal role, furthermore the courses that I have attended were long but really interesting. Overall i have enjoyed the programme and knowledge that I have gained from it.

The programme has not been the most structured, there is no central structure within the organisation, and the team vetting was not the best, so it could be a bit luck of the draw as to if the team was prepared or not for you. This lack of structure also meant that reporting issues was hard, with a lot going unnoticed.

I receive a lot of support from my employer, as part of the apprenticeship I am required to complete projects based on tasks I have completed. These projects take a lot of time and I therefore at times have to remove myself from BAU tasks to complete them, my employer is always willing to allow this and make sure I have all the time and support needed.

To get my qualification I have to complete not only exams but also projects (as mentioned in the previous question). These projects need to tick of certain criteria and it can be difficult sometimes to work out what task may tick off what. My training provider is key in helping to simplify this and make sure I’m on track during our monthly calls.

Honestly I don’t really feel that my apprenticeship fits my role one hundred percent as there were areas within the apprenticeship criteria that have nothing to do with my role. However through the courses that I have attended I definitely picked up certain skills that I can use in my daily role to help ensure I meet the security standards needed

These activities are often few and far between within my work. This has been worked on over the last few months and certain apprentice catch up session have been organised, as sort of a networking event, however outside of that as I mentioned they don’t happen very often. That is just my experience though.

Yes

Lloyd’s Banking Group is an amazing company to work for as they do some much for the British people, helping to invest huge amounts of money into things that matter, including helping first time buyers get their first house and small businesses to grow. It is a great feeling to know that in a small way you help contribute to this.

Make sure that the area you apply for is something that you are truly interest in, as well as being open to change. Their is no guarantee that by applying for a specific apprenticeship you will end up the that area, or the team you specifically want to be in.