Technology sits at the heart of everything we do at MI5, enabling us to disrupt serious threats to UK national security. We're currently looking for individuals who want to learn from our talented software engineers working within our pioneering IT department, working as an Apprentice Software Engineer, where you will have an opportunity to have a variety of placements across our delivery areas while studying for a BSc Honours Degree over three years.


ABOUT US
The UK Intelligence Agencies help protect the UK and UK interests from threats to national security. We work closely as partners in the intelligence community, to safeguard Britain's people, interests and businesses from various threats. Think cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime. It's challenging, varied and meaningful work that you simply won't find anywhere else.

The UK Intelligence Agencies — MI5 / MI6 / GCHQ — are Equal Opportunities employers, committed to reflecting the society we protect. Our recruitment process is fair, transparent and based on merit. We particularly welcome applications from diverse and under-represented groups.


OUR TEAMS
We build products that provide capability aligned to the full range of mission critical business areas. Our multi-disciplinary product teams are made up of engineers who work alongside product owners, business analysts and agile delivery colleagues to ensure the business gets what it needs. The majority work in Scrum or Kanban. We have strong graduate and apprentice programmes that place our more junior staff alongside experienced engineers to support their development.  
 
Our tech stacks vary between product, but most back end systems are built in Java or C#. We use technologies such as Oracle, Mongo, Elastic Search and Hadoop for data storage. On the front end we’re mostly JavaScript focussed, employing frameworks such as React.js.

We also make use of cloud technologies such as AWS and Azure.


THE ROLE

We're offering a unique opportunity of a exciting three year Apprenticeship, that will include placements in various software delivery areas within the intelligence agencies, you'll collaborate with colleagues and work in teams to build technology that will help catch criminals, expand and further advance our technical capability, and improve our ability to tackle threats to national security. Our work is constantly evolving, and always challenging, giving you new opportunities and challenges to explore, with plenty of support provided throughout.

Over the course of the three years you'll enjoy exhilarating, hands-on work to help us build and maintain some of the world's most sophisticated electronic equipment, all the while working towards a BSc Honours Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions (Software development) upon a three-year course. You'll be a vital part of a team that ensures the UK Government can operate in cyber space with confidence and can stay ahead of the pace demanded by the evolving digital world.

You’ll take on real business challenges in software engineering and receive full training and support throughout the programme, as well as a salary and all the benefits you can expect from a Civil Service organisation. You'll learn and work with some of the most advanced technology, and you'll develop a broad range of competencies including teamwork, communication and leadership skills.


REQUIREMENTS

To join this three-year BSc Honours Degree Apprenticeship, starting in September 2021, you will have (or are expecting to have by September 2021), three A-Levels with one in either Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths (STEM) subjects or equivalent qualifications in STEM subjects. Along with GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and Maths or equivalent functional skills (Level 2).
               
Although existing skills in programming and technology would be advantageous, it is not a requirement, as you will have the opportunity to develop these skills on the apprenticeship. We are looking for an interest in programming and technology and we are keen to receive applications from a diverse range of individuals; we know diverse teams get the best results!  


TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

The intelligence agencies are proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment that's designed to encourage open minds and attitudes. As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we're committed to helping you fulfill your potential. This degree Apprenticeship programme combines university accredited classroom and lab education, in state-of-the-art facilities with technical training, mentoring and job shadowing, research and development, and work-based placements and projects.

The programme combines a mix of classroom based learning, virtual classroom learning, and placements within a software related business area. We'll enable you to grow your skills and perform to the best of your abilities. Supported by our collaborative learning environment, you'll soon be working on projects that help keep Britain safe. And at the end of your Apprenticeship, you could be considered for full-time employment.

SELECTION PROCESS

To apply for this position, you must meet our nationality, residency and security requirements. You'll find more details on our 'Applying For Jobs' page. As users of the disability confident scheme, we also offer an interview all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for our roles.

Be prepared to dedicate 60-90 minutes to completing your application. We're conscious this might be more time than you expected, so our system will allow you to save your application at any time and come back to it later. But remember to submit your full application before the closing date.

Once we've established that you meet our eligibility criteria, the next steps of this selection process are:

-              Online proficiency test
-              Assessment centre
-              Drug test

If you successfully complete these stages, you'll receive a job offer from MI5, conditional upon you completing our developed vetting (DV) process which enables you to obtain the level of security clearance required to perform this vital role.

Confidentiality

Discretion is vital. You should only discuss your application with either your partner or a close family member.

Please be aware that we withhold the right to bring forward the closing date for this role from the original closing date once a certain number of applications have been received. Please be mindful on this and submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.