Cyber Security Apprentice Review
at NatWest Group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Edinburgh
Review Submitted: April 2022
Overall Rating
4.4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
Help teams and vendors arrange pen tests.
Daily role involves creating temporary accounts for external testers and helping tester to log in.
In addition I assist with troubleshooting tools installations and covering for team members that are on leave.
In addition I work with my manager and the team to try and streamline our workload and processes
Daily role involves creating temporary accounts for external testers and helping tester to log in.
In addition I assist with troubleshooting tools installations and covering for team members that are on leave.
In addition I work with my manager and the team to try and streamline our workload and processes
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy the program, It seems to suited to peoples skills. For example in my situation it allows me the opportunity to learn the standard operating processes at a rate that works for me. In addition is also lets me the opportunity to self learn and apply this to my role in order to help others within the team.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
over the course of the Apprenticeship I have developed:
Troubleshooting skills
knowledge of excel
understanding of tools such as Burp suite, wireshark, Nmap etc.
Have learned about security processes such as the CIA TRIAD and ISO27001
Critical thinking - have applied this to our daily processes as there are a lot of use cases that end up outside of the standard processes.
Troubleshooting skills
knowledge of excel
understanding of tools such as Burp suite, wireshark, Nmap etc.
Have learned about security processes such as the CIA TRIAD and ISO27001
Critical thinking - have applied this to our daily processes as there are a lot of use cases that end up outside of the standard processes.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The structure of the program is fine as it allows me time to learn and work. However I feel that a lot of modules seem to just be ticking boxes than conductive to learning. However the courses are very helpful as they allow for better learning. The tutors supplied know the material well and are able to communicate this to us in a way that we can understand
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer. Members of the team are always available for support when I need them.
I also have Bi-weekly meetings with my manager that allows me to provide and receive feedback for my current tasks and workload. It also allows me to offer suggestiosn and get help with any areas that I am struggling with.
I also have Bi-weekly meetings with my manager that allows me to provide and receive feedback for my current tasks and workload. It also allows me to offer suggestiosn and get help with any areas that I am struggling with.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I receive a good amount of support form my training provider. My assigned tutor is available when needed and is able to explain what is required very clearly. They have been able to help resolve any issues I am having and support me in understanding the assigenments when I have been unsure.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel that for my current career aspects the qualifications is helping me to have a grounded understanding of the concepts that I would be dealing with on a daily basis. By understanding processes such as the CIA TRIAD I have been able to understand our internal processes better
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
The work offers certain networking events to allow people form other disciplines to interact with each other. This has been more challenging due to Covid, however they have arranged many Zoom calls and networking events in order to help keep us all connected. Overall I have been able to utilise the different event to grow my network of contacts.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NatWest Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It has been a fantastic place to work. Everyone that I have interacted with has been both friendly and helpful. Overall everyone seems to want to help us achieve our goal of Championing potential for people, businesses and communities. The workload has been manageable and conductive to a work life balance
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NatWest Group?
Learn the companies purpose. As a purpose led business it helps to show that you are engaged with our goals and practices. Show your personality and passions. The banks actively encourages individuality and allowing people to be themselves and comfortable at work. Show that you are willing to learn even if you don't have a lot of experience, certain skills can be taught but eagerness and problem-solving can't
