Technical Apprenticeship in Software Engineering Ref. 918

Do you want to be part of an organisation that uses cutting edge technology, makes a real difference to the UK and can offer you an exciting and fascinating career? If so, we’re looking for motivated, technically orientated individuals to join our three-year BSc Honours Degree Apprenticeship scheme based in the Greater Manchester area, starting in September 2017.

This is a Degree Apprenticeship like no other. The programme will lead to exciting roles within GCHQ where you’ll be collaborating with colleagues and working in teams to build technology that helps to catch terrorists, expands and further advances our technical capability - and improves our ability to tackle threats to national security.  Working with GCHQ you’ll gain a unique insight into a world that you won’t find on any university course. Our work is constantly evolving, and always challenging, giving you new opportunities 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. 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 swift pace demanded by the evolving digital world.

Our 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, and placements within a software related business area. There is a strong emphasis on programming and technology so an interest in these areas is necessary.

All three years will be based in the Greater Manchester area. You’ll be taking on real business challenges in software engineering, information assurance or cyber operations and will receive full training and support throughout the programme, as well as a salary and all the benefits you’d expect from a Civil Service organisation. You’ll be learning about and working with some of the most advanced technology, and you’ll be developing a broad range of competencies including teamwork, communication and leadership skills.

THE PROGRAMME

The Apprenticeship will lead to a BSc Honours Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions (Software development), and you’ll also be able to make a real contribution to the mission of the intelligence agencies in tackling threats to national security in years to come.

You’ll be supported throughout the process by our academic provider and GCHQ staff. Work-based placements will involve you in seriously unique, real world tasks of a research, development or project nature, from which you will obtain evidence to complete your apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship will cover a variety of subjects across the Software Engineering lifecycle including:
- Object Oriented programming (Java)
- Data Modelling and SQL language
- Web application development and security
- Systems analysis and design
- User Experience Design
- Big Data and Analytics
- Software Testing
- Gathering Requirements

REQUIREMENTS

To apply for the BSc Honours Degree Apprenticeship, you will need to have or be expecting to have by September 2017, 3 A Levels, 2 A Levels at grade B or above and 1 A Level at grade C or above. 2 of the A levels need to be in either Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths (STEM) subjects, or equivalent qualifications in STEM subjects.

You should only complete your application from within the UK. If you are based overseas, you should wait until you visit the UK to start an application. Applying from outside the UK will impact on our ability to progress your application.

You should not discuss your application for this Apprenticeship, other than with your partner or a close family member, providing that they are British. They should also be made aware of the importance of discretion.

You should not post on social media sites about your application or discuss it with anyone else at this stage. You will receive further guidance during the recruitment process.

SELECTION PROCESS

Minimum Eligibility Sift – Application Form – Online Test – Assessment Centre

KEY DATES

Campaign Closure – 14th Nov 2016
Assessment Centre – 16th – 20th Jan 2017 (Manchester)