Cyber Security Apprentice Review

I am currently working as an Operations Security Analyst. Some of the Tasks Involves Making Firewall rule Changes to allow/block traffic, Monitoring Firewall traffic to troubleshoot issues or flag suspicious traffic, Renewing and dealing with SSL Certificates and Managing emails on the mail proxy server.

In my role I have learn't how firewalls work, how to troubleshoot problems, how to identify malicious traffic/IP addresses, how to complete risk assessments, the vulnerability management process, how SSL Certificates work, How processes should be documented. I have also gained some knowledge around AWS and networking.

The Programme has been hard over covid as everyone has been busy. However, I have found the work enjoyable as its hands on and the team are very friendly as they are willing to help you. EDF treat their employees well as they have good company policies and ethics.

My Programme was structured at the start as I joined working in smart security and we had meetings to discuss work that I am going to complete for each day but after moving teams to be an operations analyst its more independent as you have to find work to complete.

I receive support from my Manager once a week where we discuss any issues or university related work that I have. I also talk to my mentor once a week where I can share my thoughts about work/university. My team gives me support whenever I ask for it.

I contact my Tutor via email if I have any queries about anything university related. We have progress meetings every 2-3 months where we discuss with my manager how well I am doing at university and it is where I can state any problems or questions about university with them.

My role is hands on and deals with networking, cryptography which we will cover in later modules at university. However, I have discussed with my manager and I am planning on moving around to different teams to help align my work at EDF with the university work.

I used to meet up at the pub for a meal with work colleagues. However, due to COVID social events have been harder to organise.

Yes

EDF provides a friendly and welcoming environment to new and current employees even during COVID. The company has good policies and ethics around employee well-being and mental health.

When Applying for a position with EDF as an apprentice I recommend joining NCS as they look for NCS grads on your application. I would also take courses/activities around the areas you would like to go into so when you apply for an apprenticeship you have extra qualifications.