Cyber Security Apprentice Review
at GSK
Degree Apprenticeship
Cyber Security
Ware SG12, UK
Review Submitted: April 2024
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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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
A variety depending on the team I'm embedded with as part of the rota, which ranged from Automation to Tech. Designing and implementing the configuration of machinery/PCs and its network, documentation, and learning about the various different systems we have on-site.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Completely, both the job life and the university life.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Absolutely yes - I have gained a lot of technical skills in networking and implementing cyber security principles. I've also gained great business skills meaning I'm able to work efficiently and meet targets that I have from others and those I set myself. I've also gained great soft skills such as being more proactive and having good time management.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
This apprenticeship was novel and so the structure was malleable, but this proved to my advantage as I spent longer in the areas that I wanted to learn more about, which has prepared me better for when the apprenticeship finished. Otherwise, there was a clear rota and degree scheme.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have always had support from within the team and further such as the apprenticeship team.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
My managers in all rotas always made sure I get what I need for my assignments and coursework, allowing me to learn more about the business too.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The DTS degree ultimately was a very solid foundation, with a good specialism in cyber security. However, the experience you get from on-the-job learning proves far more relevant to what you do than the background theory. There was a lot, however, that I gained from the degree (such as experience with Linux or more programming) that I wouldn't have got from my job, which have all proved useful at work.
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 a lot of extra-curricular activities provided from the teams you're in and the other apprentices/industrial placement students.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend GSK to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would not be in the role I am in now, with the experience and skills that I have, if I had not been trained so well as part of this apprenticeship.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to GSK?
Emphasise the relevant skills or extra-curricular activities you've done that are relevant to your role, for example, I'd done the Engineering Education Scheme and a lot of programming hobby projects, which I believe all helped in getting the role.
When you're in the apprenticeship, make sure to be proactive and out of your comfort zone if you feel it'll help you in developing new skills. Make sure to take advantage of the support, touchpoints, and resources that an apprenticeship gives - it'll all help in the long run.
When you're in the apprenticeship, make sure to be proactive and out of your comfort zone if you feel it'll help you in developing new skills. Make sure to take advantage of the support, touchpoints, and resources that an apprenticeship gives - it'll all help in the long run.
Global Patient Safety and Pharmacovigilance Industrial Placement Student
at GSK
- Placement (10 Months+)
- London
-
4.8
