Location: London or Greater Manchester Area
London: £28,556 to £31,154 (depending on organisation); Greater Manchester: £29,081
Flexible working: Most learning and work will be undertaken in person, but some remote working and learning opportunities may be available subject to business and team requirements.
For our upcoming Software Engineering Apprenticeship opportunities, we’ll be hosting two online Insight Events on Thursday 15 October, at 1:00pm and 6:00pm. Each event will last approximately one hour and give you the opportunity to hear from colleagues with experience of the Software Engineering Apprenticeship programme, as well as take part in a live Q&A session. We’re offering two sessions to provide greater flexibility, so you can attend the one that best suits your availability.
Where curiosity leads
Interested in technology and eager to learn? Our three-year Software Engineering Apprenticeship will help you develop your skills while contributing to technology that supports critical national security missions. Working alongside experienced engineers, you’ll gain practical experience and learn from experts as you build your career in software engineering.
You’ll work with modern cloud technologies, including AWS and Azure, and help advance innovative AI capabilities, while gaining experience with a range of software engineering tools, technologies and programming languages. Through training, study and work rotations across different software teams, you’ll build your skills while completing a recognised Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship, leading to a BSc (Honours) degree.
Software Engineering Apprenticeships at MI5 and MI6
You’ll rotate through various product teams, collaborating closely with friendly product owners, business analysts and Agile delivery colleagues who are keen to answer your questions and share knowledge. Along the way, you’ll receive comprehensive training and support, helping you grow in confidence, gain unique exposure to work, and apply your skills in real-world situations. This apprenticeship is designed to provide the guidance, development and experience needed to help you unlock your potential in a collaborative learning environment.
About you
You don’t need any technical experience or technology-related qualification to apply. If you meet the programme’s academic entry requirements, this could be an opportunity to turn your curiosity and interest in technology into a rewarding career. The most important qualities we look for are aptitude and the drive to learn. However, you will need a genuine interest in programming, problem-solving or technology. You’ll need to have, or expect to obtain by September 2027, 96 UCAS points from Level 3 qualifications (such as A Levels, BTECs, T Levels, apprenticeships, or equivalent), together with GCSE English language and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above (or Functional Skills Level 2 equivalents).
You must not have completed, or be due to complete before starting the apprenticeship, a Level 4 qualification (or higher) in Software Engineering or a related subject, such as Computer Science
When do applications open?
The application window for the Software Engineering Apprenticeship opens on16 October 2026.
We welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of their ethnic background, gender, disability and/or any other characteristic. All applications will be assessed solely on merit.
At MI5 and MI6 diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word, with colleagues from different backgrounds, age groups, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations and ways of thinking, as well as those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are underrepresented in our workforce, such as women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Find out more about our culture, working environment and approach to diversity and inclusion on our websites.
You must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. If you’re successful at the end of the recruitment process, you’ll need to undergo Developed Vetting and comply with our no-drugs policy. You must complete your registration, application and all recruitment activities from within the UK. Finally, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with our guidance on the use of artificial intelligence tools in applications.
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Register Your Interest - Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship employer: MI5
At GCHQ, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. As part of the National Cyber Security Centre, you will have the unique opportunity to work alongside leading experts in cyber security, contributing to vital national missions while enjoying extensive professional development opportunities. Our commitment to employee growth, coupled with the chance to engage with cutting-edge technology, makes GCHQ a truly rewarding place to advance your career in AI and cyber security.
