Cyber Security Technologist Review
at Syngenta
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Huddersfield
Review Submitted: February 2023
Overall Rating
4.9 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.8/5
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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:
5/5
My role is quite diverse. I am partly responsible (along with my mentor) for managing and securing our local network. This covers everything from deploying and configuring switches to implementing and developing SIEM systems, as well as dealing with any other issues that may arise on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, I also engage with various stakeholders (both externally and internally) to drive and support business function.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Overall, I love my job and my programme. I enjoy what I do and I come away from work satisfied that I have been able to provide real business value. The benefits package offered by Syngenta is second to none and I am still able to maintain a happy work-life balance.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Since starting my apprenticeship and joining Syngenta, I have developed a wide variety of new skills. Obviously, I have learnt a lot hard-skills required for my job role, both through the training provided by my training provider and through the advice given to me by my colleagues.
I have also been able to build-on and improve a lot of my soft skills such as organisation, communication and teamwork.
I have also been able to build-on and improve a lot of my soft skills such as organisation, communication and teamwork.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My programme has been very well organised. From a top-down approach. there is clear direction and goals outlined to my from both my manager and my mentor. I get a clear, defined day to work on my apprenticeship programme and when in work, my mentor has supported my development by slowly increasing my level of responsibility week-on-week, exposing me to new challenges and stakeholders.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Plenty. There has never been a time when I have felt like I am a second-thought or not looked after. I am provided with ample time to work on my apprenticeship.
My manager and mentor always make time for me and I have access to a wide array of external resources provided by Syngenta for additional support should I need it.
My manager and mentor always make time for me and I have access to a wide array of external resources provided by Syngenta for additional support should I need it.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Again, plenty. I have a dedicated learning coordinator who ensures that I receive all the support and help I need with my programme. Any questions or issues that come-up are answered and the resources needed are easily and readily available.
All-in-all, my experience with my training provider has been great.
All-in-all, my experience with my training provider has been great.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification (that I am currently working towards) and the training I have been provided with has been of great value to me and my job role. My course is a perfect match for my job role and so far, even after only 6-7 months in, it has provided me with a lot of valuable knowledge and skills to use going forward.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
We have quite a few additional events and activities that are organised internally. These include things like casual walks at lunch, sponsored walks and community events.
Whilst there's not as many site-specific activities, the business at a global and national level provide lots of additional webinars and organise lots of extra-curricular activities.
Whilst there's not as many site-specific activities, the business at a global and national level provide lots of additional webinars and organise lots of extra-curricular activities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Syngenta to a friend?
Yes
Why?
My apprenticeship with Syngenta so far has been great. The induction and onboarding process was very comprehensive. The training and support that I have received so far has been great and what I have learnt has been very beneficial. There has been a lot of work put into my program from all parties involved.
The apprenticeship program at Syngenta Huddersfield has won a number of awards since its start in 2009 and from my experience so far, it is clear to see why.
The apprenticeship program at Syngenta Huddersfield has won a number of awards since its start in 2009 and from my experience so far, it is clear to see why.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Syngenta?
An interview at Syngenta is really no different from any other:
1. Read the job description well and do background research into the business and site
2. Go over your CV and think about what you may be asked about
3. Aim to arrive 5-10 minutes early
4. Be polite, listen well and pay attention to details
5. Ask questions
1. Read the job description well and do background research into the business and site
2. Go over your CV and think about what you may be asked about
3. Aim to arrive 5-10 minutes early
4. Be polite, listen well and pay attention to details
5. Ask questions
