Women in Tech Scholarship Ref. 2032

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Technology Roles
Greater Manchester

GCHQ, at the heart of the nation’s security, is offering you an exciting opportunity to join our Manchester based training scholarship.  No matter where you are in your professional development, or what technology–related field you’re in, our scholarship offers a broad range of support, learning and development and is designed to empower and encourage women looking for a career in technology.   

THE ROLE

GCHQ’s Women in Tech Scholarship 2020 provides the ideal opportunity for those wanting to gain a better understanding of Software Engineering in GCHQ. Participation in the scholarship will enable you to gain an insight into the fundamental technical skills needed to develop, deliver and succeed in one of the most exciting areas of technology.  We have partnered with a leading training provider to deliver this exciting scheme, which has been designed to empower aspiring technologists.

You’ll learn through a combination of formal training and specifically designed practical exercises and projects. Working closely within your team you’ll have the opportunity to put your learning into practice, creating designs and models and implementing requirements by writing code and testing software.

So, if you’re interested in a Software Engineering career and want to gain the fundamental technical skills to develop, deliver and succeed, this is a unique opportunity for you.  As a GCHQ scholar you’ll receive a fulltime place on a prestigious coding programme located in Manchester.  

The scholarship will be fully funded by GCHQ, covering the £9,000 course fees.  The scholarship also awards a bursary of £4,000 to help with living costs whilst you train. After completion in Autumn to Winter 2020 you could kick-start an incredible career with GCHQ as a Software Engineer.

Whilst the scheme will be challenging, you’ll be supported by technical mentors and have the full support from your fellow cohort who will support you throughout the scholarship. Combined with a first-class learning experience in a supportive training environment you’ll soon develop your project work and personal development portfolio.

The scholarship is a great opportunity for you to learn new skills and could lead to a career path within GCHQ should you decide to apply for a permanent role.  Please note that the scholarship does not guarantee a permanent role within GCHQ, but you’ll be able to apply for any suitable vacancies.

REQUIREMENTS

We’re looking for motivated and committed individuals from all backgrounds who have an aptitude for problem solving, and particularly welcome applications from women with a passion for learning and a desire to try something new. Scholarships will be awarded to passionate, energetic and forward-thinking eligible women with an interest in technology.

• You’ll learn through a combination of formal training and specifically designed practical exercises and projects.
• Scholars will be expected to study around 50 hours of pre-course material prior to starting the course.
• Be available for approximately 12 weeks in Manchester.  

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

At GCHQ we’re proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment that is designed to encourage open minds and attitudes. We know everybody is different, our team, their diversity and ingenuity make us world leading. This scholarship is designed to celebrate those differences through our investment in your development journey.

We particularly welcome applications from those with limited access to education, are living with disabilities, identify with BAME and /or identify as LGBTQ+.

ABOUT US

At GCHQ, our mission is to protect Britain from ever-evolving threats. It’s incredibly varied work as the UK’s infrastructure, businesses, and way of life are constantly targeted. By gathering information and looking into communications, our organisation aims to stop this. It means you’ll have one of the most unique and interesting careers there is to offer.

Equal Opportunities Statement

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.

LOCATION

Greater Manchester

SELECTION PROCESS

To apply for this position, you must meet our nationality, residency and security requirements.  You’ll find more details here.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we also guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for our roles.

You can familiarise yourself with the general competencies we use to assess the aptitude of candidates here.

Submit your application and following successful eligibility checks, we’ll email some basic coding materials to help you prepare for the entry challenge. This challenge has been designed by the training provider to help you discover whether coding is right for you.

The deadline to complete and submit the entry challenge will be 8th April 2020.  We recommend setting aside 20 hours to complete the preparation materials.

Successful candidates will then be invited to interview in April 2020, where we will be looking to see if you share our values, this will enable us to determine who to award scholarships to. 

Subject to the necessary vetting processes and clearances scholars will start the scheme in August 2020.

Scholars will be expected to complete 50 hours of pre–course material reading/study prior to starting the 12-week coding scheme.

This Program / Vacancy is closed to applications.