TELL US HOW YOU FIRST BECAME AN APPRENTICE:
My journey into an apprenticeship started when I joined PLP as a Business Apprentice. I’ve always had a strong interest in IT and technology and was fascinated by how computers, systems, and digital services work. Alongside my passion for technology, I was drawn to cyber security because I wanted to help keep people safe online, particularly vulnerable people, such as grandparents and older generations who are often targeted by phishing emails, scams, and online fraud.
Although I started in a business-focused role, my apprenticeship gave me valuable exposure to different areas of the organisation and helped me develop key workplace skills. I took the opportunity to move into the IT department, gaining hands-on technical experience and a deeper understanding of how technology supports business operations. As my skills and experience grew, I progressed through a variety of IT and security roles, ultimately working my way up to become a Regional Cyber Security Engineer.
Looking back, choosing the apprenticeship route was one of the best decisions I have made. It enabled me to earn while I learned, gain practical experience from day one, and build a successful career in a field that I am genuinely passionate about.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT APPRENTICESHIP ROLE:
I currently work as a Regional Cyber Security Engineer while completing the third year of my Applied Digital Technology Degree Apprenticeship with a Cyber Security specialism. My role focuses on protecting the organisation’s systems, data, and employees from cyber threats across multiple regions. As part of the Global Cyber Security team, I act as the cyber security point of contact for the EMEA region, coordinating security operations, incidents, projects, and strategic security initiatives.
Some of my key responsibilities include monitoring and investigating cyber security alerts and incidents, analysing potential threats, identifying vulnerabilities, supporting security audits and compliance activities, developing cyber security policies, delivering security awareness campaigns, and advising employees and management on security best practices.
Alongside my day-to-day responsibilities, I am continuing to develop my skills through my degree apprenticeship, applying what I learn academically to real-world cyber security challenges. The combination of workplace experience and university study has provided me with a strong foundation in both the technical and business aspects of cyber security, helping me grow from an apprentice into a security professional responsible for protecting people, systems, and data on a regional scale.
TELL US WHY YOU WANTED TO BECOME AN APPRENTICE AMBASSADOR:
I wanted to become an Apprentice Ambassador because I am passionate about promoting the apprenticeship pathway and showing others the opportunities it can create. I started as a Business Apprentice and progressed into IT, ultimately becoming a Regional Cyber Security Engineer while completing my degree apprenticeship.
I want to help challenge the misconception that university is the only route to a successful career and inspire others to consider apprenticeships as a viable and exciting career pathway. I am also passionate about promoting STEM careers and encouraging more women and girls to pursue careers in technology and cyber security. For me, being an Apprentice Ambassador is an opportunity to give back, share my experiences, and inspire others to pursue an apprenticeship and build a rewarding career.
