Each year, National Apprenticeship Week aims to celebrate the variety of opportunities and value that professional qualifications through the apprenticeship standard route bring. Today we’re holding the spotlight on the Information Security Apprenticeship scheme at Allianz.

Staying one step ahead of cyber criminals and keeping data secure across a business like Allianz is a huge challenge. But it's what makes the Information Security department such an incredibly exciting place to be.

The Information Security apprenticeship couples academic studies in an industry recognised Cyber qualification with practical experience of delivering Information Security activities including support and advice to the business, thereby helping the business to keep customer, employee and company information secure.

Let’s hear from two current Information Security Apprentices who joined the scheme in September 2022 to see how they are getting on.

Callum (current Information Security Apprentice)

1. Where were you / what were you doing before the apprenticeship (school / different work specialism / etc.)?

Before I started my apprenticeship at Allianz I was at sixth form, where I took Computer Science, Physics and Geography A-Levels. I started to look into apprenticeships when my A-level exams were coming up.

2. What's involved in the apprenticeship scheme?

Within my apprenticeship my time is split up between working within the Information Security department of Allianz and taking part in academic learning courses. Within Information Security I am doing 6 month rotations in each area, this enables me to see what each area does and what it is like to work within it. I have learnt a lot so far from being here, as well as meeting some really nice people.

3. How's it helping your career and personal development?

From my time here so far I have learnt a lot about the operations of Information Security within a company and a lot about what the job role entails. It has also solidified what job role I would love to pursue in the future and has given me a head start in my career.

4. What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a great way to jump start your career, you are able to gain hands-on experience within a job role you are looking to peruse in the future as well as gain industry-recognised qualifications that you can use to improve your future job prospects and you get a good feel for the work environment. There are so many different types of apprenticeships to choose from so that you can find a programme that suits your interest and chosen career path.

5. What's the most valuable experience you've gained?

I have gained a lot of experience with my time at Allianz so far. The most valuable experience I have gained would be through the academic learning courses. These courses enable me to get more qualifications that are relevant to my career path and gives me more insight on the sector I’m working for (Information Security).

Along with all of this I have gained many work place experiences and getting a feel for the work environment.

Rahim (current Information Security Apprentice)

1. Where were you / what were you doing before the apprenticeship (school / different work specialism / etc.)?

I completed my A-Levels in 2021 where I studied Computer Science, Maths and Business. Following this, I went on to study Forensic Computing and Security at university. However, after a few months I decided to take the year out, and look for an apprenticeship instead.

2. What's involved in the apprenticeship scheme?

The apprenticeship scheme here at Allianz involves rotating through six different Information Security placements whilst studying a Cyber Security course on the side. The placements last for six months each and I think it’s great that we are able to rotate in each placement as you get to learn all about information security and how effective each department is to the business.

3. How's it helping your career and personal development?

Before working at Allianz, I only had previous work experience through part-time retail jobs near me, and switching from a retail job to a corporate job is a big change which I was able to get used to quickly thanks to all of my amazing colleagues who helped me settle in. This apprenticeship scheme has helped me in my career as I now know which career path I want to follow and it has really helped to enhance my skills and knowledge in this field.

4. What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?

If you are considering an apprenticeship, I’d highly recommend it as you are able to study whilst working on the side. Although it might seem hard to balance studying and working, you will gain valuable and hands on experience whilst working to help you in your studies.

5. What's the most valuable experience you've gained?

The most valuable experience I gained from working at Allianz is building team relationships. I have been working on presentations and projects in order to help other people, and it is nice to interact and work with people outside of your department that you don’t get to see every day.

Notes to editors

The information contained in this press release relates to Allianz Insurance plc. Allianz Insurance plc is one of the largest general insurers in the UK and part of the Allianz Group.

About Allianz Holdings plc

Allianz Holdings plc is the non-regulated holding company which owns the principal insurance operations of Allianz SE in Great Britain.

About Allianz

The Allianz Group is one of the world's leading insurers and asset managers with more than 100 million* private and corporate customers in more than 70 countries. Allianz customers benefit from a broad range of personal and corporate insurance services, ranging from property, life and health insurance to assistance services to credit insurance and global business insurance. Allianz is one of the world’s largest investors, managing 790 billion euros on behalf of its insurance customers. Furthermore, our asset managers PIMCO and Allianz Global Investors manage 1.7 trillion euros of third-party assets. Thanks to our systematic integration of ecological and social criteria in our business processes and investment decisions, we are amongst the leaders in the insurance industry in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. In 2021, over 150,000 employees achieved total revenues of 148.5 billion euros and an operating profit of 13.4 billion euros for the group.

These assessments are, as always, subject to the disclaimer provided below.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

This document includes forward-looking statements, such as prospects or expectations, that are based on management's current views and assumptions and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance figures, or events may differ significantly from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Deviations may arise due to changes in factors including, but not limited to, the following: (i) the general economic and competitive situation in the Allianz Group's core business and core markets, (ii) the performance of financial markets (in particular market volatility, liquidity, and credit events), (iii) the frequency and severity of insured loss events, including those resulting from natural catastrophes, and the development of loss expenses, (iv) mortality and morbidity levels and trends, (v) persistency levels, (vi) particularly in the banking business, the extent of credit defaults, (vii) interest rate levels, (viii) currency exchange rates, most notably the EUR/USD exchange rate, (ix) changes in laws and regulations, including tax regulations, (x) the impact of acquisitions including and related integration issues and reorganization measures, and (xi) the general competitive conditions that, in each individual case, apply at a local, regional, national, and/or global level. Many of these changes can be exacerbated by terrorist activities.

No duty to update

The Allianz Group assumes no obligation to update any information or forward-looking statement contained herein, save for any information we are required to disclose by law.
_{*Including non-consolidated entities with Allianz customers.}

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Life on the Information Security
Apprenticeship

Callum (current Information Security Apprentice)

1. Where were you / what were you doing before the apprenticeship (school / different work specialism / etc.)?

2. What's involved in the apprenticeship scheme?

3. How's it helping your career and personal development?

4. What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?

5. What's the most valuable experience you've gained?

Rahim (current Information Security Apprentice)

1. Where were you / what were you doing before the apprenticeship (school / different work specialism / etc.)?

2. What's involved in the apprenticeship scheme?

3. How's it helping your career and personal development?

4. What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?

5. What's the most valuable experience you've gained?

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