Learner Testimonial — Jordan, Cyber Security Technologist

Apprenticeships are intense programmes that combine work and study. In highly specialised fields such as IT, they can fast-track learners into successful careers. Our recent graduate, Jordan Ball, shares his story.

“I’ve had an interest in tech since I was a teenager. I studied BTEC Level 3 in IT in college and found it very enjoyable; it really sparked an interest, specifically in Cyber Security. This was between 2018 and 2020.

“After that, due to the effects of Covid, it proved challenging to find a job, so I took an online certification to help me build foundation skills. A family friend I was in contact with was doing the same thing. We took the CompTIA A+ course and the exams too.”

After passing both CompTIA exams, Jordan started looking for a Cyber Security Apprenticeship on the UK Government website. He chose Apprenticeships over university. “I wanted to get hands-on experience, which is much more beneficial in this field. An Apprenticeship was also more specialised in Cyber Security than university would have been.”

“Then this company caught my eye – Janus Henderson Investors. As it happened, they were offering Apprenticeships through Firebrand.”

Jordan applied to five or six different types of Apprenticeships all based around Cyber Security; he started his Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship with Janus Henderson in September 2021. A financial firm, Janus Henderson invests in strong Cyber Security systems to protect their clients’ assets.

“Straight away, I was put in a Cyber Security team of 10 people – now, it’s grown to 18. It’s been so helpful to have this many colleagues around, a lot of experience to draw from. From day one, I was already hands-on, working with different security tools and attending meetings.

“Combining work with study was the main reason I chose an Apprenticeship; I enjoy it. I felt I had good support to keep me going too! A lot of support from my In-work Mentor, my Manager, my Firebrand Learning Mentor, Adam [Barns], and my Firebrand Success Coach, Zaira [Martinez-Delgado]. Adam and Zaira were the best mentors I could ever want. Adam was always willing to help, no matter the situation; Zaira helped me so much to reach the endpoint gateway, as well as some of my exams.

“When I was applying for Apprenticeships, I wasn’t looking for certifications necessarily, just for a higher-level Apprenticeship; taking certifications during the Apprenticeship programme was a really good opportunity though.”

Jordan took CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, EC-Council Certified Network Defender (CND), and a Python course. Eight months into his Apprenticeship, he was given a full-time role.

At the moment, Jordan is finishing his EPA; “I’m done with three of the exams – the final one is this October!”

The most useful part of his Apprenticeship?

“The hands-on experience has been amazing! Also, having the opportunity to achieve these certifications has also been really helpful. I enjoyed the Python Fundamentals course the most – the content, the way it was taught; our tutor was very energetic and seemed to really enjoy teaching!”

So, would Jordan recommend Apprenticeships?

“Absolutely. Especially for IT, Apprenticeships are better than university because you can gain so much experience; it’s also a decent income starting off if you’re 18, 19, 20. Get the experience first, then you’re ready for a successful career!”

Thank you for your feedback, Jordan!