Cyber Security Apprentice Review

My daily role as a cyber security apprentice involves analysing raw data ingested by our SIEM tool to determine whether the activity that occurred poses a security risk or not. I am required to investigate a wide range of incidents depending on what security rules were flagged during the previous 24 hours.

Throughout my time in this role, I have seen a massive development in not only my technical skills but also my professional skills, such as effectively interacting with others to achieve a shared goal. My technical knowledge has hugely improved as I didn't have any previous cyber experience before starting this program so I am able to see how the knowledge of my colleagues has helped to develop my own knowledge. However, I don't feel as though I have had much benefit from the university side so far.

From a work point of view, I am finding it very interesting which helps to keep me engaged. The atmosphere within the workplace is very pleasant and I enjoy being around my colleagues who are all very approachable and always happy to help. I also enjoy the work that I carry out on a day to day basis and I have found it very interesting and beneficial to have the opportunity to rotate around the different teams within Security Operations; this has allowed me to get an insight into what each of the teams do and how the work of each of the teams supports the others. However, I don't really enjoy the university side of my programme as I don't find it very engaging and there have been a couple of issues with the university which has been fed back to both BAE Systems and Cranfield.

As the first Cyber Security apprentice within the Shared Services sector, there was no real plan in place, e.g. what kind of work to set for apprentices, the time frame for each of the rotations around the teams etc. However, despite this, I think the managers within Security Operations have quickly adapted and everything has ran very smoothly. However, I don't feel like the university side is very organised as there have been a few times that we have been set an assignment with an unrealistic time frame for any university student but especially those working full time alongside. There was also an instance during the Programming module when the assignment brief was set only to be changed within a week of the deadline as the tutors were unable to work out how to get the code working themselves.

I feel very supported by BAE Systems - for example, as a result of a number of issues with the university, myself and a few other apprentices fed back our concerns to our apprenticeship coach who agreed with our points and set up regular catch up calls as well as escalating out concerns further up the chain. Furthermore, whenever I have asked for some time within the work day to catch up on some uni work, my managers have always been understanding and have allowed me to take as much time as I need.

If I am being honest, I don't feel that Cranfield University provide much support. For example, during one module, I asked the tutor for some help on how to use the software that we had been asked to use and I was told that 'there are some good LinkedIn Learning videos online.' This obviously wasn't much help so I ended up getting some guidance from a work colleague which shouldn't really be the case. In addition, there have been multiple occasions when my cohort have provided feedback to the university, however, we don't really feel that we were listened to as we haven't been able to see many changes. There has also been a couple of times that I have emailed the student academic support mailbox with a query and haven't received a response for weeks which isn't great.

So far, I am struggling to find a link between my university course and my daily job role. There have been a few elements of cyber within some of the modules but so far these elements have been very basic. However, we are scheduled have a cyber module further into level 5 and I am also yet to start my specialism in cyber which is during level 6.

Every month or so, all of the mangers and people working at different locations meet in Preston for a big team get together. The team that I am currently working in all go out for tea on one of the evenings which helps to build the team atmosphere. Recently, there was also a football match between two of the security operations teams.

Yes

Overall, I feel that BAE Systems is a great place to work with a lovely atmosphere; all of my colleagues are so welcoming and its never too much trouble when you ask for help. I also feel that the daily work that I have carried out so far allows you to get involved / stuck in and it gives you exposure to a range of areas.

My advice for someone who is applying to BAE Systems is to just give it a go. When I saw my position advertised I thought that I had no chance but decided to apply on the off chance as I was in desperate need for a job. I would advise to be open and honest during an interview as I admitted to my interviewer that I had no previous cyber knowledge or experience but that I was keen to learn and improve my knowledge which is something this is needed for an apprentice.