If you are looking for a career in technology, there are a few routes we offer to get people started with us. Whether it's through our graduate scheme in Australia, as a junior team member, or through a structured apprenticeship scheme - these programmes are an important element of making sure we attract and keep the right people.
One of them is Rhys Farrell, who joined our information security team. Based in the UK, he’s studying for a cyber risk apprenticeship. We caught up with him to get the lowdown on what attracted him to Iress.
What encouraged you to apply for our apprenticeship programme?
I was searching for roles within Information Security specifically and saw Iress was offering an apprenticeship. I had heard great things from a few current employees so I applied. When I came to the assessment day I knew this was where I wanted to start my career. The friendliness of people, the confidence of the team in their direction and the focus they had on their goals really sold it for me.
Why info security?
I was always interested in technology while growing up. The security aspect started to develop once I started college. I always found myself spending more time on the work surrounding security - whether that was on the assignments or just doing extra research beyond what was required. It’s such an interesting area.
When I came to the assessment day I knew this was where I wanted to start my career.
Cyber risk apprentice
How are you progressing so far?
Getting used to the office lifestyle has been a massive adjustment for me. However, I’m now seven months in and I am really enjoying it. I’m increasingly being given more and more responsibility which is rewarding.
What have been the highlights?
It’s great to work for a global business and to meet and work with people from other regions. We’ve also had a couple of good evenings out as a team - it’s great to spend time with the people you’re with everyday in an environment where work isn’t the main focus.
What's your view of Iress as a place to work and to learn?
It has been amazing. It is quite hard to compare as I have never been in an environment like this before but when I speak to other people on the apprenticeship course at college, it’s clear that I have chosen an amazing company to be a part of.
Coming from University people could potentially question why I’ve joined as an apprentice. But my primary goal was to continue to learn and to develop experience.
Cyber risk apprentice
What would you say to anyone thinking of joining our apprentice scheme?
Without a doubt, you should go ahead and join! I have come from University and people could potentially question why I’ve joined as an apprentice. But for me, my primary goal was to continue to learn and to develop experience. Iress has been the perfect place for me to achieve this. The small team I am in has a global reach, which is allowing me to get a taste in all areas of Information Security and to get involved in big projects the team are carrying out.
What makes you tick outside work?
I love basketball and play for the Gloucester Saxons which is a national league team. This is where all my spare time goes. We’re not doing too badly, mid-table Division 3 for the South West Region.
If you want to learn more about opportunities to join Iress, please go to our careers page.
