13TH FEB 2021

#NAW2021 Apprenticeship Case Study: Taylor Watson, Cyber Degree Apprentice at Cyber Security Associates

Employer Training and Apprenticeships

Gloucestershire College is a proud champion of apprenticeships. To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2021, we are showcasing success stories from our amazing apprentices and employers. We caught up with Taylor Watson, a Cyber Degree Apprentice at Cyber Security Associates, who also stars in our Gloucester Campus showcase video – check it out here if you haven’t already!

National Apprenticeship Week 2021

Gloucestershire College is a proud champion of apprenticeships. To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2021, we are showcasing success stories from our amazing apprentices and employers.

We caught up with Taylor Watson, a Cyber Degree Apprentice at Cyber Security Associates, who also stars in our Gloucester Campus showcase video – check it out here if you haven’t already!

Taylor Watson, Cyber Degree Apprentice at Cyber Security Associates

Why did you decide to do a cyber degree apprenticeship with Gloucestershire College?

I knew I wanted to go down the apprenticeship route, instead of A Levels and university because I felt ready for the world of work. After I completed my Level 3 apprenticeship with a merit, I wanted to do the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship to further my knowledge and education. I was already working for Cyber Security Associates; they told me about the GC apprenticeship and said they’d be happy to sponsor me through it after I completed my GCSEs.

Tell us a bit about your apprenticeship.

I work as a cyber security analyst investigating situations that arise on users’ networks and verifying whether they’re a threat or not. I also research current trends in the field and report to my team in the form of ‘threat-hunting’, so we stay ahead of the game for active protection of company networks.

So far I’ve learnt how to monitor computer networks and spot malware from common trends, how to build networks and servers, as well as soft skills such as communication.

I feel like if you’re a student who feels ready to work, or someone who wants to learn more than you can at school, I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship; I can only praise how quickly it’s enabled me to evolve as a person and in my career.

How well have you been supported so far on your apprenticeship?

The college and my employer have supported me by giving me all of the resources I need in order to progress and work on myself. We’ve been working remotely since November 2019, so the transition during the current pandemic was simple. I’ve still maintained the same contact with the college, meaning I’ve been able to keep up with my work and even progress up to a higher-level apprenticeship during it.

Apply to become an apprentice with Gloucestershire College

If Taylor’s experience has inspired you to start a career in computing, you can apply for our apprenticeship programmes online today. Click on the links below to apply online through our website or get in touch with our friendly apprenticeship team with any questions by emailing: apprenticeshipvacancies@gloscol.ac.uk

West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT)

We're a proud partner of WEIoT – a government-funded programme bringing together key academic and employer partners across the region, enabling us to specialise in higher-level technical training in STEM subjects.

Find out more here.

Recruit an apprentice for your business

We have talented, prospective apprentices apply to us all year round. Our Business Hub team can help your organisation to recruit an apprentice and match you with new talent to grow your business. Explore our range of programmes and contact our team via: business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk or call: 01452 563400 to get the ball rolling.