STEP Scheme Ref. 926

Software Technologists are at the heart of the GCHQ mission: they work across the full spectrum of the software development lifecycle on a wide variety of technical projects, applying a multitude of skills in their day-to-day job. This includes understanding customer requirements, creating designs and models, implementing requirements by writing code, and testing that the software does what it should. There isn't just variety in the skills and knowledge they need; the problems being solved are constantly changing too.

GCHQ is growing a new software and systems development capability in the Manchester area. The Software Technologists Engagement Programme (STEP) gives you the skills and knowledge to play your part in one of the most exciting and rewarding places to work in technology. We don’t assume any prior technical skill, and you will learn through a combination of formal training, and specifically designed practical exercises. Right from the start you will be part of the team with the opportunity to put your learning into practise with your colleagues.

Requirements

We know everybody is different. STEP is designed to celebrate those differences and find the combination of training and on-the-job experience that helps you thrive. By the end of the scheme, you will be a fully-fledged software engineer, well on your way to an exciting and fulfilling career in software. You will also have experience across most of the development lifecycle, be writing excellent, useful code, have used a range of frameworks, and be starting to develop some specialisms of your own.

The Manchester team has developed its own unique environment and culture – a vibrant mix of skills and experience, and a strong focus on applying agile principles properly and developing exciting, customer value centred solutions.

As we grow the variety of work is increasing and we are looking for existing and aspiring software engineers and technologists to join us to help us continue our journey. Our world will keep changing and you will need to be adaptable, flexible and demonstrate commitment to regular development of your skills.

Our staff work a wide range of working patterns both full and part time. Although parts of this development scheme require attendance on training courses, getting the right people matters more to us, so we will do whatever we can to make sure that your needs and ours match.

We require all candidates to have or be expecting to have by September 2017, a minimum 2:2 degree in any subject. However, candidates with a minimum 2:2 degree in STEM subjects and with a strong STEM background but little software experience should apply for the Tech Graduate Scheme which will be more suited to their skills and experience.

Please click here to find out more about the Tech Graduate Scheme and how to apply.

Both schemes will create the same skilled developers but STEP is likely to take most people longer to complete, and does not assume any prior knowledge.

Qualities

You will have already proven that you are proficient at learning new things and can apply that learning to real-world problems. Although you may not have any direct academic or commercial technical experience, you will have an interest in technology. Perhaps the idea of learning how to use software techniques to solve complex, real-world intelligence and security problems intrigues you, and you believe that it is something that you are capable of doing, if only you had the right opportunity.

Selection Process

To apply for this scheme, you must meet our nationality, residency and security requirements. Candidates who fail to meet these requirements will not be progressed through the recruitment process.

As part of this campaign, we anticipate that you will be required to undergo: Minimum Eligibility Sift – Academic sift – Online Test – Telephone Interview – Assessment Centre

Dates to Remember

Closing date for applications is 14th November 2016

Online Test: Oct to mid-November 2016

Telephone Interviews: End of October to end of November 2016

Assessment Centre: Week Commencing 23 January 2017

The Reward Package

The starting salary for this position is £25,738 with an NSP payment of £1,971.