My name is Sophie Ellis, I am 20 and from Southampton. I am 18 months into a level 4 higher cyber security technologist apprenticeship with Arqiva.

I first started thinking about apprenticeships when a friend decided she didn’t want to go to university and that going to work in a full-time job was the best route for her. This gave me the idea to explore other options where I would have the opportunity to learn and gain qualifications at the same time as working.

There was a limited focus on apprenticeships during my time at sixth form and it was only spoken about briefly - the sole focus was on applying for university. I decided I would take it upon myself to research, using my tutors to support me through the process.

More on this: ‘Not everyone was supportive, but I am working for my future’

Background: Tes launches #InspiringApprentices campaign

Other news: Minister backs #InspiringApprentices campaign

Learning on the job

When it came to actually doing my apprenticeship, honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew that I would split my time between training courses to gain qualifications and learning on the job, but I wasn’t totally sure what I’d have to do each day. I had done computing at college so was familiar with the principles of IT security, but stepping into a professional information security team was a bit nerve-racking, as well as really exciting.

I am thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship so far. I have been very lucky to find something I really enjoy and that I’m passionate to learn more about. My team are very supportive and continue to support me with my technical and business development.

No two days are ever the same. Initially, I shadowed and worked with other members of the team. As my knowledge and confidence have increased, I have been taking on more responsibility for completing tasks by myself. I have been involved in the development of security standards, compliance audits, managing requests to access data and providing security advice to business areas.

I like the variety of work and the ability to see that I have made a difference.

‘Every day I learn something new’

I’m part of a really supportive team. My manager and team members are always willing to support and aid in my development, whether that be an extra five minutes after a meeting or sitting down with me for an hour to help me and explain things in another way. Across Arqiva we have a number of apprentices, so other business areas are used to us. Again, I have been given help, support and guidance from colleagues from all parts of the business. 

My favourite part of the apprenticeship is the learning. Every day I learn or experience something new. I also love working with a wide range of people, whether this be limited to those in my team or those around the business - there is always someone new to meet or to work with.

I think it’s very difficult to compare what I do with my friends at university. We are all learning but it’s a completely different environment. In addition to academic qualifications, I’m also learning how business operates and gaining practical experience which I think is very beneficial. I think it all comes down to personal preference, but at least I know I won’t have student debt!

‘Support and respect’

I was very lucky that I had full support and respect from my family and friends. Doing an apprenticeship was the right route for me. I did apply to three universities to do computing as a degree, but I knew that I would not be getting the daily hands-on experience that I do now in my job. For me, this has been the right decision.

I am six months away from finishing my apprenticeship, and I hope that I will then be staying in the team as an information assurance analyst. Information security is changing all the time so who knows where I will be in 10 years! I hope that I will still be working in information security and that I will have moved on to a consultant or manager role.

I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship. Based on my experience, I think it would be great if young people who are at school and college get more information about different paths they can take. I have joined the Young Apprentice Ambassador Network and this has given me the opportunity to give young people information regarding apprenticeships that wasn’t available to me. I hope that my passion and commitment about apprenticeships inspires others to follow me.

Sophie Ellis is a level 4 higher cyber security technologist apprentice with Arqiva. Her blog is part of the Tes #InspiringApprentices campaign