Alex Trayhurn is tackling cyber security after securing a top degree apprenticeship with Santander UK.
The 19 year old was offered one of only 21 coveted positions while still at Loughborough College and is now studying for a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions alongside working at the banking giant, which has 14 million active customers.
“Alongside finishing my course at the College I was involved with a really rigorous selection process which lasted several months.
“It included a very challenging maths test, a presentation and face to face interviews. I discovered there had been more than a thousand applicants and then heard nothing for more than a month – so when I was told I had been successful I couldn’t believe it.
“I spent two years at Loughborough College and achieved a triple distinction star in my BTEC in IT so when I started at Santander it felt as if I had a solid set of baseline skills which enabled me to hit the ground running.
“I have really been enjoying working as a Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst - helping to do things like reverse engineer malware and to assess for baseline vulnerability to worms which target industrial computer systems - like Stuxnet, which caused massive damage to Iran’s nuclear programme.
“I’ll get the chance to work across a whole range of areas at Santander, which could include software development, data analytics and innovations.
“Everyone at Santander has been incredibly supportive but I have no doubt that the amazing teaching, guidance and support I got at Loughborough College played a massive part in me being offered the degree apprenticeship.
“This really is a fantastic opportunity, to get all those years of experience plus a degree – and be paid for it. I even get to live at home because I am based in Leicestershire. I am very, very happy.”
Loughborough College’s Diane Dagley added: “Alex worked extremely hard and the more he achieved on the course the more his confidence grew. This coupled with his ability, which earned him distinctions across the board, took him through a tough selection process with Santander – and saw him offered one of only 21 positions nationally. We have no doubt that this is only the first of many successes for Alex.”