Cyber Security Apprentice Review
at Cheshire East Council
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Chester
Review Submitted: March 2023
Overall Rating
2.9 /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
2.8/5
-
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
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I have enjoyed it overall though the pandemic had an enormous impact on my enjoyment of it for almost two years due to the remote learning and working which I did not enjoy. Can also be very stressful balancing University and work with personal life.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have amassed a great deal of technical knowledge and also somewhat improved my interpersonal and organisational skills
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Some units felt more well organised than others. Some very pointless units were Technology Management and Intro to Business Systems. These units were far too basic for a degree in Cyber. However, lectures with Stephen Doswell were really exceptional.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
2/5
Cheshire East could do more to support apprentices as there is no structured learning program like some others employers have (I know this from speaking to other apprentices).
Could benefit from more regular 121s. There aren't many other degree apprentices so we lack of a support network.
Could benefit from more regular 121s. There aren't many other degree apprentices so we lack of a support network.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Lots of support during workplace project and lecturers are also generally approachable.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Generally, the course has had lots of relevance to my job role though some units (as said earlier) did not and should be replaced or overhauled.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
1/5
The occasional social gathering for Christmas, odd hike but these aren't promoted by our employer but organised by individuals. Very rare to see people in person. I've been here 4 years and haven't met about half of my colleagues.
CEC is very poor at this.
CEC is very poor at this.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Cheshire East Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend it as a stepping stone. Learn as much as you can while here
Despite what others have said, wouldn't agree that the job isn't stressful.
Pay isn't competitive
Overworked due to low staff, spending cuts, etc.
Can be hard to get promoted
Despite what others have said, wouldn't agree that the job isn't stressful.
Pay isn't competitive
Overworked due to low staff, spending cuts, etc.
Can be hard to get promoted
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Cheshire East Council?
Do your research before your interview.
You have to be a special type of person to work for the council. Can be very challenging working in public sector so make sure its for you. Degree apprenticeships are hard and you won't have much time for a social life
You have to be a special type of person to work for the council. Can be very challenging working in public sector so make sure its for you. Degree apprenticeships are hard and you won't have much time for a social life
