Skip to content
Home > News > Interview: Graduatin…

Interview: Graduating Degree Apprentice Danny Mullarkey

05 Mar 2026

Read our rapid-fire interview with computing degree apprentice Danny Mullarkey and learn about his experience working in our Nuclear Physics Group here at STFC. Danny is nearing the end of his three-year apprenticeship. In the interview, he shares his interest in science and computing, details of his final project, and advice he'd give to anyone just starting their apprenticeship.

A blue background with the large heading: “Tech Talks: Danny Mullarkey”. The right side of the image contains a text introduction: “From the classroom to CERN, read our rapid‑fire interview with our soon‑to‑graduate computing apprentice, Danny. Learn about his passion for cybersecurity and his experience here at Technology.” The left side shows a Polaroid-style photo of a young man wearing glasses. There is an orange a graduation cap illustration superimposed above his head, an atom illustration to his left, and an arrow with the words
A blue background graphic with white heading text: “Why did you choose science?” In the centre is a white, paper‑style text box taped at the corners. Inside it reads: “I always enjoyed science and computing in school, and I chose to do both as A‑levels in college, so being able to work on computers in a team that helps research nuclear physics was sort of a perfect pairing for me.” The UKRI STFC logo appears at the bottom left. An orange “Next page” button is on the bottom right.
A blue background graphic with white heading text: “What interested you about Technology?” In the centre is a white, paper‑style text box taped at the corners. Inside it reads: “I really enjoy being close to scientific research as part of my job. I get to hear about all the new developments in the field, and I feel like I have learned loads about science and engineering by just being around the people who are making it happen.” The UKRI STFC logo appears at the bottom left. An orange “Next page” button is on the bottom right.
A blue background graphic with white heading text: “What are you working on now?” In the centre is a white, paper‑style text box taped at the corners. Inside it reads: “For my final year project at university, I’m trying to demonstrate how secure our computers are from cyber attacks. It’s been a lot of fun trying to find ways to break into machines that I have helped secure. It’s like I’m fighting a battle against myself to help protect our computers in the long run.” The UKRI STFC logo appears at the bottom left. An orange “Next page” button is on the bottom right.
A blue background graphic with white heading text: “What does a workday look like for you?” In the centre is a white, paper‑style text box taped at the corners. Inside it reads: “Usually, the majority of my day will be spent working on a project, but throughout the week I’ll shift my focus onto a problem like upgrading a server, helping someone fix their PC, or something similar. This routine changes a bit during exam seasons. As part of the apprenticeship, you’re doing a degree as well, so if I have an assignment that’s due soon, I will take the afternoon to work on that.” The UKRI STFC logo appears at the bottom left. An orange “Next page” button is on the bottom right.
A blue background graphic with white heading text: “What has been a highlight of your apprenticeship?” In the centre is a white, paper‑style text box taped at the corners. Inside it reads: “I would have to say my trip to CERN. I spent six weeks there in the summer of 2024, and it was brilliant. It was my first time working abroad, and I really enjoyed it. A definite highlight for sure.” The UKRI STFC logo appears at the bottom left. An orange “Next page” button is on the bottom right.
A blue background graphic with white heading text: : “What was the most challenging part of your apprenticeship?” In the centre is a white, paper‑style text box taped at the corners. Inside it reads: “Balancing work and university. It can get a bit stressful when you have assignment deadlines and are expected to keep up with your normal workload as well. Thankfully, I’ve got a brilliant manager who lets me take time to work on my assignments if I need it. He’s been a massive help and source of support with any challenges in the apprenticeship. With that said, the pressures of exams and work have definitely improved my time management skills.” The UKRI STFC logo appears at the bottom left. An orange “Next page” button is on the bottom right.
A blue background graphic with white heading text: “What lessons have you learned from your apprenticeship?” In the centre is a white, paper‑style text box taped at the corners. Inside it reads: “The main skills I’ve learned have been to do with the technical stuff relating to my job: securing computers, understanding computer networks, coding, etc. I didn’t have much experience with any of this before I started, and I’d say it’s the most valuable thing I’ve learned on the apprenticeship.” The UKRI STFC logo appears at the bottom left. An orange “Next page” button is on the bottom right.
A blue background graphic with white heading text: “What advice would you give to someone just starting their apprenticeship?” In the centre is a white, paper‑style text box taped at the corners. Inside it reads: “There isn’t much pressure or expectation of you when you’re just starting, so use that opportunity to learn as much as you can. Towards the end, you start having more responsibility, and people will rely on you. You can still make mistakes, but it’s better to make them early in the apprenticeship rather than later.” The UKRI STFC logo appears at the bottom left. An orange “Next page” button is on the bottom right.
A blue background graphic with white heading text: “What are you going to do next?” In the centre is a white, paper‑style text box taped at the corners. Inside it reads: “I’m hoping to stay on at STFC! Once I’m done with my degree, that will be my next focus.” The UKRI STFC logo appears at the bottom left. The 'next page' arrow is absent, indicating that this is the final interview slide.

​​This highlight was originally shared on STFC’s LinkedIn.

Team member