Member Article

Apprentice Steps up During Cyber-attacks

In May 2017, an unprecedented cyber-attack crippled the NHS when hackers began spreading ransomware named ‘WannaCry’. Taking advantage of unsuspecting users, malware was released onto systems through email attachments, encrypting files so they could no longer be accessed.

Along with many other trusts, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals were affected by the cyber-attack. Lancashire Teaching Hospitals are one of the largest and highest performing trusts in the country, providing district general hospital services to 370,000 people in Preston and Chorley, and specialist care to 1.5 million people across Lancashire and South Cumbria. Dealing with the after effects of the cyber-attack was a monumental task, staff were required to work tirelessly to assist the trust in the restoration of hardware and software. One of which was Jack Cooper, an apprentice currently on programme with Baltic Training. Jack’s hard work and dedication to his role was recognised when he was named Baltic’s Apprentice of the Month.

Jack is an IT Infrastructure Apprentice primarily providing 2nd line support to users within the trust. Typically, Jack’s day-to-day tasks include diagnosing and fixing hardware and software issues. When the cyber-attack hit the trust, Jack was called to the service desk to assist with the large amount of incoming calls. Jack also volunteered to assist further over the weekend, visiting departments such as A&E, Critical Care and X-Ray inspecting and fixing all computers.

During the cyber-attack, Jack showcased the skills and experience he has gained as part of his apprenticeship. Jack’s Manager, Brian Lockie was so impressed with his commitment and dedication that he nominated Jack for the Apprentice of the Month Award. Brian said “Jack is always willing to assist wherever he can, has a friendly and polite demeanour which is invaluable in a customer oriented environment and to colleagues alike”.

Brian added “Jack has contributed positively to the team he is keen, enthusiastic and has shown commitment to the task in hand, in dealing with internal customers, feedback has been very positive and Jack is keen to contribute at team meetings”.

Jack also impressed his Trainers whilst on course, who said that “Jack was very active in discussions, giving some great contributions helping others to understand the content”. Baltic recognised Jack’s fantastic feedback, awarding him with June’s Apprentice of the Month Award.

Jack was surprised to receive the award stating that it was “an amazing achievement as it shows that the work I do within the trust is monitored, appreciated and valued”. Baltic are delighted to see Jack doing so well in his role and wish him the best of luck with the rest of his apprenticeship!

Read Jack’s Case Study here: https://baltictraining.com/apprentices/case-studies/apprentice-case-study-jack-cooper/

Find out more about Lancashire Teaching Hospitals here: https://www.lancsteachinghospitals.nhs.uk/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Shae Dickman .