DE&S Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Scheme in Bristol

Location: MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol, BS34 8JH (Office attendance required)

Duration: Four years

Start Date: September 2026

Salary: £26,320 (with annual increments)

Entry Requirements: GCSE English and Maths and relevant level 3 STEM qualifications.

Working Pattern: Full-time

Join Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) to support the UK Armed Forces by delivering cutting‐edge equipment and technology. This four‐year programme offers hands‐on experience as you complete several work‐based training placements whilst completing the BSc in Digital Technology Solutions in preparation for software engineering roles within current and future defence programmes. You will work in a hugely collaborative environment to ensure that DE&S continues to deliver the very best equipment to the front line.

What You Will Do:

• Part time completion of your BSc with a local academic training provider.
• Technical focused placements in Bristol Abbey Wood project delivery teams.
• Potential to work with industry partner and our military customers.
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and an extra privilege day).
• Employer pension contribution of 28.97%.
• Flexible working options and access to on‐site facilities.
• Professional training and funding for qualifications.
• Access to employee networks promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Huge range of discounts.

Eligibility Criteria:

• UK residency for the last 5 years.
• Security Check (SC) clearance required.
• Right to work in the UK (DE&S does not sponsor visas).
• Must not hold existing higher‐level qualifications in the same or a similar subject.
• Must no longer be in full‐time education by the start of the scheme.
• GCSE English language and Maths at a minimum grade 4.
• Three full A Levels at grade C or above to include Maths and a Science, or 96 UCAS points from STEM subjects.
• Pass at online assessment stage.
• Final‐year students can apply with official predicted grades; all qualifications must be evidenced by end of August 2026. (Equivalent level qualifications to GCSEs in the required subject and grades will also be considered).

Application Process:

• Apply Online (26 Jan – 16 Feb 2026): Complete an online application form using the link in this advert. Complete all information accurately including how you meet our minimum selection criteria. Please allow sufficient time to complete and submit your application to meet the deadline and be able to contact us in case of technical difficulties. Applications that are not fully submitted by the deadline cannot be accepted.
• Online Assessments (Feb 2026): We will ask you to complete some interactive assessments. These should take around 30‐35 minutes. They will provide us with insight into your adaptability, how you interact and learn new skills, and how you will naturally act and think at work.
• Eligibility checks (March 2026): We will review your application form to ensure you meet our minimum selection criteria and nationality requirements. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an assessment centre at DE&S headquarters, MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol. There will be limited dates available. You will undertake an interview, presentation and a group activity. Please note, attendance is required in person, as virtual participation is not available.
• Provisional Offer (May 2026): We will offer based on order of merit to the number of roles available.
• Onboarding (May – Aug 2026): All pre‐employment checks will take place to ensure you evidence our minimum selection and eligibility criteria to undertake a role within the MOD. If all are successful, we will provide a formal offer of employment.
• Induction (September 2026): Subject to confirmation, this scheme is expected to start September 2026.

Additional Information:

• Your application form must list your qualifications to meet the minimum selection criteria; if missing, we will be unable to qualify you against our eligibility checks.
• Should you encounter any technical difficulties submitting your application please take screenshots and email us DESHR-ETCoE-Recruitment@mod.gov.uk. Without screenshots of the issue, we may be unable to progress your application.
• On occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to invite all successful candidates to an assessment centre, we may limit the number of invites offered. In this circumstance we may prioritise interviewing candidates who align most closely to the selection criteria. Information for this will be drawn from other sources of information from your application such as your CV.
• We will assess you on the following DE&S Behaviours during the selection process: Communicating and Influencing, Working Together, Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace.
• The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria and offer them an interview or assessment centre opportunity if they meet the minimum criteria for the job.
• This post is not eligible for relocation allowances.

Apply now to start your career and make a difference for the UK Armed Forces!