Cyber Security Apprentice Review
at Virgin Media O2
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Cyber Security, Project Management
London
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.5 /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
4.2/5
-
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 as a cyber security apprentice involves supporting the team in protecting the organisation’s systems, networks, and data from potential threats. On a day-to-day basis, I work alongside experienced colleagues to monitor security tools, investigate alerts, and help identify any potential vulnerabilities or risks.
This can include reviewing security alerts, assisting with incident response, and helping to maintain security controls and processes. I also contribute to tasks such as vulnerability assessments, documentation, and ensuring systems are aligned with security policies and standards.
In addition to technical work, I spend time learning and developing my skills through training, coursework, and hands-on tasks. The role is very collaborative, so I regularly work with different teams and ask questions to build my understanding. Overall, the role combines practical experience, problem-solving, and continuous learning to support the organisation’s cyber security operations.
This can include reviewing security alerts, assisting with incident response, and helping to maintain security controls and processes. I also contribute to tasks such as vulnerability assessments, documentation, and ensuring systems are aligned with security policies and standards.
In addition to technical work, I spend time learning and developing my skills through training, coursework, and hands-on tasks. The role is very collaborative, so I regularly work with different teams and ask questions to build my understanding. Overall, the role combines practical experience, problem-solving, and continuous learning to support the organisation’s cyber security operations.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I would rate my programme 5 out of 5 as I really enjoy the experience and the opportunities it provides. I’ve been able to gain hands-on experience while also learning new skills, which has helped me grow both professionally and personally. Apprenticeships are known for combining real work with learning, which makes the experience more engaging and valuable.
I also benefit from a supportive team and a positive working environment, which makes it easier to ask questions and develop confidence in my role. Overall, I feel the programme is helping me build a strong foundation for my future career.
I also benefit from a supportive team and a positive working environment, which makes it easier to ask questions and develop confidence in my role. Overall, I feel the programme is helping me build a strong foundation for my future career.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I’ve developed both technical and soft skills. I’ve gained experience in monitoring security tools, identifying threats, and supporting security processes, while also improving my communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
1/5
I rated it 1/5 because the programme lacks structure, particularly with no structured rotations. Introducing rotations and clearer organisation would help apprentices gain wider experience and improve the overall programme.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I rated it 5/5 because I feel very well supported by my employer. My colleagues are friendly and always willing to help, which makes it easier to learn, ask questions, and build confidence in my role.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I rated it 5/5 because my training provider offers strong support, including regular check-ins, clear guidance, and helpful resources. They are always available to help, which makes it easier to stay on track and succeed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I rated this 5 out of 5 because my qualification has been very useful in helping me perform better in my role. Studying for certifications like CompTIA Security+ (SEC+) has given me a strong foundation in key cybersecurity concepts such as identifying threats, understanding vulnerabilities, and applying risk management practices.
This knowledge directly supports my day-to-day work, as I am better able to understand security alerts, recognise potential risks, and contribute more effectively to security processes. Security+ is widely recognised in the industry and is designed to build the core skills needed for real-world cybersecurity roles, which makes it especially relevant to my job.
Overall, the qualification has helped improve both my confidence and my technical understanding, allowing me to be more effective in my role.
This knowledge directly supports my day-to-day work, as I am better able to understand security alerts, recognise potential risks, and contribute more effectively to security processes. Security+ is widely recognised in the industry and is designed to build the core skills needed for real-world cybersecurity roles, which makes it especially relevant to my job.
Overall, the qualification has helped improve both my confidence and my technical understanding, allowing me to be more effective in my role.
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
I rated this 5 out of 5 as there are extra-curricular activities available, particularly social events for apprentices. These provide a good opportunity to connect with other apprentices, build relationships, and feel more included within the company.
Social and networking activities are important in apprenticeships, as they help apprentices settle in, build confidence, and enjoy their overall experience at work.
Social and networking activities are important in apprenticeships, as they help apprentices settle in, build confidence, and enjoy their overall experience at work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Virgin Media O2 to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Virgin Media O2 to a friend because it’s a supportive and positive place to start a career, especially as an apprentice. The company focuses on hiring based on potential rather than experience, which makes it a great opportunity for people starting out.
From my experience, colleagues are friendly and always willing to help, which creates a strong team environment and makes it easier to learn and develop. There are also good opportunities to gain hands-on experience, build skills, and work towards recognised qualifications, helping to support long-term career growth.
Overall, it’s a good place to develop both professionally and personally, with plenty of support and opportunities available.
From my experience, colleagues are friendly and always willing to help, which creates a strong team environment and makes it easier to learn and develop. There are also good opportunities to gain hands-on experience, build skills, and work towards recognised qualifications, helping to support long-term career growth.
Overall, it’s a good place to develop both professionally and personally, with plenty of support and opportunities available.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Virgin Media O2?
My main advice would be to really research the company and understand its values (Brave, Real, Together) before applying, and make sure you show how you align with them in your application and interview. It’s also important to clearly explain your motivation for the role and why you want to work in that specific area.
I would also recommend using real examples when answering questions, even from school, projects, or personal experiences, to demonstrate your skills and potential. Being honest, enthusiastic, and willing to learn is key, as apprenticeships are focused on development rather than expecting you to know everything from the start.
During the interview process, preparation is important—practice common questions, think about your strengths, and be ready to talk about teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. Asking thoughtful questions at the end also helps show interest in the company.
Overall, showing a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and genuine interest in Virgin Media O2 will make a strong impression.
I would also recommend using real examples when answering questions, even from school, projects, or personal experiences, to demonstrate your skills and potential. Being honest, enthusiastic, and willing to learn is key, as apprenticeships are focused on development rather than expecting you to know everything from the start.
During the interview process, preparation is important—practice common questions, think about your strengths, and be ready to talk about teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. Asking thoughtful questions at the end also helps show interest in the company.
Overall, showing a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and genuine interest in Virgin Media O2 will make a strong impression.
