Privacy Officer Review
at FDM Group
Degree Apprenticeship
Cyber Security, Information Technology
Leeds
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.6 /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!
4.5/5
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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
As a Privacy Officer, I’m responsible for ensuring FDM Group complies with UK GDPR and privacy laws. On a day-to-day basis, I advise the business on data protection risks, review how personal data is used, and embed privacy by design into projects and technical controls. I manage DPIAs, respond to data subject access requests, support incident and breach management, and review supplier and contract privacy clauses. I also work closely with IT, Legal, HR, and other teams to translate regulatory requirements into practical, auditable controls, while providing clear guidance to staff on handling personal data responsibly.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I’ve enjoyed my apprenticeship overall. The university block sessions were good and provided a strong foundation, but during my time at university I would have liked more hands‑on, practical learning so I felt more prepared when transitioning into the workplace. While the structure could have been improved, it was still a very positive and worthwhile experience.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I’ve learnt and developed a wide range of technical and professional skills throughout my apprenticeship, both by building on existing knowledge and gaining exposure to new areas.
From a technical perspective, I developed strong programming skills, particularly in Python and C#. Through coursework and practical exercises, I learnt how to write clean, structured code, work with data, and understand logic flows and automation. Python, in particular, helped me strengthen my problem‑solving mindset, while C# improved my understanding of object‑oriented programming and application design. These skills have been valuable in understanding how systems are built and how data is processed and secured.
I also significantly developed my knowledge of data security and cyber security. I gained a solid understanding of how data should be protected throughout its lifecycle, covering areas such as access control, risk management, incident response, and privacy by design. This helped me understand the importance of safeguarding sensitive data and the impact security failures can have on organisations and individuals. My awareness of cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and governance controls grew steadily, allowing me to think more critically about security from a business and regulatory perspective.
In addition, I developed skills in data engineering, including understanding data flows, data structures, and how data is stored, transformed, and accessed within systems. This gave me a broader view of how technical and governance considerations intersect, particularly around compliance and data protection.
From a technical perspective, I developed strong programming skills, particularly in Python and C#. Through coursework and practical exercises, I learnt how to write clean, structured code, work with data, and understand logic flows and automation. Python, in particular, helped me strengthen my problem‑solving mindset, while C# improved my understanding of object‑oriented programming and application design. These skills have been valuable in understanding how systems are built and how data is processed and secured.
I also significantly developed my knowledge of data security and cyber security. I gained a solid understanding of how data should be protected throughout its lifecycle, covering areas such as access control, risk management, incident response, and privacy by design. This helped me understand the importance of safeguarding sensitive data and the impact security failures can have on organisations and individuals. My awareness of cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and governance controls grew steadily, allowing me to think more critically about security from a business and regulatory perspective.
In addition, I developed skills in data engineering, including understanding data flows, data structures, and how data is stored, transformed, and accessed within systems. This gave me a broader view of how technical and governance considerations intersect, particularly around compliance and data protection.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Overall, the programme was reasonably well organised, but there was room for improvement, particularly around the university element. The university block sessions provided a good theoretical foundation, however the structure could have been clearer and more consistent, with greater emphasis on practical, hands‑on activities. More applied learning during time at university would have helped better prepare me for the transition into the workplace.
On the work side, the programme was well structured and engaging. The on‑the‑job experience was meaningful and allowed me to apply what I had learnt in a real business environment. I was involved in relevant tasks, given responsibility, and supported by colleagues, which greatly enhanced my learning experience. Overall, while the university structure could be improved, the combination of academic learning and strong workplace involvement made the programme a positive and valuable experience.
On the work side, the programme was well structured and engaging. The on‑the‑job experience was meaningful and allowed me to apply what I had learnt in a real business environment. I was involved in relevant tasks, given responsibility, and supported by colleagues, which greatly enhanced my learning experience. Overall, while the university structure could be improved, the combination of academic learning and strong workplace involvement made the programme a positive and valuable experience.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a very high level of support from my employer. Throughout my apprenticeship, I was encouraged to explore different areas of technology and was given the opportunity to move between teams based on my interests and development goals. I was able to transition from a cyber security focus into software engineering, which allowed me to strengthen my technical skills, before moving into data security within the GRC team. These transitions were fully supported through guidance, mentoring, and meaningful responsibilities. My managers and colleagues were approachable, supportive, and invested in my development, regularly providing feedback and opportunities to learn. This level of support made it easier to grow professionally, gain confidence, and apply what I was learning in real-world scenarios.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I receive strong and consistent support from my training provider while working towards my qualifications. Regular progress review calls were scheduled every three months, which helped structure my development, track progress, and address any concerns early. These meetings ensured I stayed on track and clearly understood expectations and milestones.
The professors and tutors were approachable and supportive, always willing to provide guidance, answer questions, and offer feedback on coursework and assessments. Their support helped clarify complex topics and improved my confidence, particularly when balancing academic work alongside my role at work.
The professors and tutors were approachable and supportive, always willing to provide guidance, answer questions, and offer feedback on coursework and assessments. Their support helped clarify complex topics and improved my confidence, particularly when balancing academic work alongside my role at work.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel my qualification has had a significant positive impact on how effectively I perform in my role. Gaining a degree has been life‑changing, as it strengthened my theoretical understanding and built a solid foundation across technology, security, and data‑related concepts. This knowledge allows me to approach my work with greater confidence and a deeper understanding of risk, design, and best practice.
I found the apprenticeship route particularly valuable compared to a traditional university path. Being able to work alongside studying meant I could immediately apply theory in real‑world situations, which reinforced my learning and made it more practical. Developing academic knowledge while gaining hands‑on experience helped me mature professionally and technically at the same time.
I found the apprenticeship route particularly valuable compared to a traditional university path. Being able to work alongside studying meant I could immediately apply theory in real‑world situations, which reinforced my learning and made it more practical. Developing academic knowledge while gaining hands‑on experience helped me mature professionally and technically at the same time.
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
Yes, there are extra‑curricular activities available at work. I was involved in the company football team, which took place on a weekly basis and was open to people across FDM. Colleagues from different teams regularly joined, which made it a great way to meet new people and build relationships outside of day‑to‑day work. It encouraged teamwork, improved wellbeing, and provided a good work‑life balance. The environment was friendly and inclusive, making it enjoyable regardless of skill level. Overall, it was a positive experience that helped strengthen social connections within the company and made the workplace feel more engaging and supportive.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend FDM Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would strongly recommend FDM Group to a friend. I am still working here, which I think already says a lot about my experience with the company. From the very beginning, FDM provided me with full support throughout my apprenticeship, both professionally and personally. I was given real responsibility, exposure to different areas of technology, and the opportunity to grow at my own pace, while always having guidance and support when needed.
One of the standout aspects of FDM is the focus on development and internal progression. After completing my apprenticeship, I was promoted twice, which clearly demonstrated that hard work, commitment, and growth are recognised and rewarded. The company invested time in understanding my strengths and interests, allowing me to move into roles that aligned with my skills and long‑term career goals.
FDM also fosters a supportive and inclusive working culture. Managers and colleagues are approachable, professional, and genuinely interested in helping employees succeed. There is a strong emphasis on learning, whether through hands‑on experience, mentoring, or access to development opportunities.
One of the standout aspects of FDM is the focus on development and internal progression. After completing my apprenticeship, I was promoted twice, which clearly demonstrated that hard work, commitment, and growth are recognised and rewarded. The company invested time in understanding my strengths and interests, allowing me to move into roles that aligned with my skills and long‑term career goals.
FDM also fosters a supportive and inclusive working culture. Managers and colleagues are approachable, professional, and genuinely interested in helping employees succeed. There is a strong emphasis on learning, whether through hands‑on experience, mentoring, or access to development opportunities.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to FDM Group?
My main advice to anyone applying to FDM Group is to be yourself throughout the application process. FDM genuinely values people for who they are, their potential, and their willingness to learn, rather than expecting everyone to fit a single mould. You don’t need to have everything figured out from the start what matters most is your attitude, motivation, and openness to development.
FDM is a very supportive and inclusive organisation. They recognise that people come from different backgrounds and experiences, and they are willing to invest in individuals who show commitment and a desire to grow. English is not my first language, and when I joined, my English was far from perfect. Despite this, FDM still gave me the opportunity, supported my development, and believed in my potential. That level of inclusivity made a huge difference to my confidence and career progression.
I’d also recommend being honest about your interests and long‑term goals. FDM offers exposure to different areas of technology, and being clear about what you enjoy can help place you on the right path. Make the most of the support available, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
FDM is a very supportive and inclusive organisation. They recognise that people come from different backgrounds and experiences, and they are willing to invest in individuals who show commitment and a desire to grow. English is not my first language, and when I joined, my English was far from perfect. Despite this, FDM still gave me the opportunity, supported my development, and believed in my potential. That level of inclusivity made a huge difference to my confidence and career progression.
I’d also recommend being honest about your interests and long‑term goals. FDM offers exposure to different areas of technology, and being clear about what you enjoy can help place you on the right path. Make the most of the support available, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
