Cyber Security Technologist Level 4 Apprenticeship Review

Item: Cyber Security Technologist Level 4 Apprenticeship at Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Rating: 3.9
Author: Anonymous

at Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Information Technology

Stratford, London, UK

Review Submitted: March 2023

Overall Rating

3.9 /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!

3/5 - Overview of Role

4/5 - Skills Development

3.8/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

3/5

My role is an ever-changing one where I am never in one place for too long. So far I've been involved in developing security standards, developing a security campaign, preparing an upcoming phishing campaign, and participating in the cyber social mobility scheme. There are other smaller 'admin' tasks that I've performed too. So far, this has all been under one team that I have really enjoyed working with. I will soon be moving into a new team as part of my rotation. There have however been many occasions where I've run out of things to do and have to fill the time somehow.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

3/5

I really enjoy the work I'm involved in, especially if it's challenging or there's room for some creativity. Everyone I have encountered within my department has been superb and very supportive. I'm never overly stressed, there's also someone to help, and this is all whilst I'm working towards something I'm highly interested in. The number biggest issue I've faced however, is not having enough - or perhaps enough challenging work that will push me to the extent of my knowledge. I believe this will change as I continue with the program. Lastly, I would say that the off-the-job side of things can become fairly monotonous at times.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

4/5

Through both on and off-the-job learning, I have been able to develop my skills within cyber security and also more broadly in a professional sense. Lot's of what I have learned so far relates to policy given the team I have been involved in thus far, so my ability to conceptualise, use, and develop security frameworks has improved significantly. I've completed CybSafe training which teaching you about many other areas of cyber security. Also, thanks to the off-the-job learning with the learning provider, I have strengthened my knowledge on networking, networking protocols, and cryptography which will go a long way in becoming a cyber professional. I am certain that the learning will never stop which to me is a great thing. Lastly, there's been numerous soft skill training sessions for things like presenting and influencing which have proved beneficial.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

3/5

There has been a notable lack of clarity from the training provider which has taken months to get a clear picture from. This has meant working with a feeling of uncertainty looming in the back of my mind making me doubt if I'm working at the right pace or not. This continues to be somewhat of an issue even now as some of the work I'm doing in preparation for future end point assessments does not contain enough guidance. On the other hand, the work side of things has been perfect. My manager is easy to communicate with for when certain work arrangements need to be made to meet deadlines set by the training provider.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

I have and continue to receive great support from my employer as and when needed. There has never been a situation where I felt like I've been left to fend for myself without knowing what I'm doing. Could not ask for anything more from them.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

2/5

This is more so where the issue lies given that this is my only source of confusion. I'm not sure if it's the fault of the individual who is teaching me or perhaps BCS or some other part of Learning Curve who has made it difficult outline the requirements to receiving the qualification at the end. These issues have improved as time has gone on. The actual teaching of the material that we need to learn has been fine.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

4/5

It is highly relevant to my current role and is providing me with the skills I need to make an impact when performing task that require specialist knowledge. By the end of the programme, I will have a fairly extensive understanding of many areas within cyber security that will certainly be of value.

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

There's plenty of extra-curricular activities to explore from sports such as tennis football, climbing, skiing, and golf to fun nights out in an exciting part of London, to jazz nights, to... knitting? There really is something for everyone. There are also plenty of opportunities for professional networking with events that take place all throughout the year.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to a friend?

Yes

Why?

As someone who has started not only their career but also their first full-time job at the FCA, I couldn't be happier. You have all the support you need around you, hybrid working to keep travel costs low and mental health high, great facilities within the office, and even greater people running the whole show. The FCA also takes great pride in its values which definitely resonate with me.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)?

Be yourself, but also be prepared. Be ready to articulate what you value in yourself and in an organisation. Show that you take proactive steps with your learning and have the capacity to be a humble yet determined individual. You don't need to try and prove that you know everything, but you do need to show that you're ready to develop the skills you have now to the next level.

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