Flexible Working: The apprenticeship follows a structured timetable for academic modules, with set leave periods throughout the programme. Due to the secure nature of our work, most of your learning and working will be undertaken in person. However, some remote learning opportunities may be available, depending on the requirements of the programme and your academic studies.
About us
MI5 and MI6 are part of the UK’s Intelligence Services. We work together to safeguard Britain’s people, interests, and businesses from various threats at home, overseas and online, including cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime. Working across our vital missions, you’ll deliver impact at the heart of national security, all within a supportive and inclusive environment that allows everyone to thrive.
The role
If you’re passionate about technology and looking for a meaningful way to start your career in software engineering, our Software Engineering Apprenticeship could be the opportunity for you.
On this three-year programme, you’ll develop skills and gain practical experience working alongside teams that design, build and maintain software solutions that support our national security mission.
We’re looking for potential, curiosity and a logical approach to problem-solving. You don’t need a formal technical background to apply, but you should have a genuine interest in technology and a desire to learn. We’ll provide the training and support needed to help you develop your skills throughout the apprenticeship.
You’ll start with comprehensive training before rotating through various product teams, collaborating closely with friendly product owners, business analysts, and Agile delivery colleagues keen to answer your questions and share their knowledge. With each rotation, you’ll gain unique exposure to our work and apply your new skills to real‑world situations, helping to design, develop and test software solutions that support our national security mission.
You’ll help build technology that makes a real difference to national security outcomes, developing modern cloud-based solutions across platforms such as AWS and Azure, while expanding innovative AI capabilities that strengthen our effectiveness in this area.
You’ll also gain experience working with a range of technologies and tools used in software engineering, including languages such as Java, C#, Python and TypeScript, alongside technologies such as PostgreSQL, MongoDB, GraphQL, Elasticsearch and Oracle. Throughout the programme, experienced engineers will be on hand to answer your questions, share their knowledge and support your development.
Alongside developing your technical expertise, you’ll build valuable professional skills, including teamwork, communication and leadership.
Through dedicated training and development, you’ll have the opportunity to attend industry events, earn professional certifications, and learn alongside your fellow apprentices. In addition to your technical growth, you’ll have access to employee networks, mentoring, and communities dedicated to increasing representation across the technology profession, including specific support for women in tech. Plus, as part of the programme, you’ll have our support as you work towards a BSc (Hons) Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions. Annual leave is scheduled to match your academic timetable. Due to the secure nature of our work, most of your learning and working will take place on site. There may be limited opportunities for remote study where appropriate. You’ll also have opportunities to travel to our training sites in London and Greater Manchester.
Successful completion of the programme may lead to further career opportunities within MI5 or MI6, subject to meeting the required academic and behavioural standards, organisational need, and the maintenance of the necessary security clearances.
In short, this is an exciting opportunity to earn a degree, gain unique practical experience, and unlock a meaningful career contributing to the safety and security of the nation.
About you
You don’t need any previous technical experience or qualifications to apply. We’re looking for aptitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn, together with a genuine interest in technology, programming or problem-solving.
You’ll need to have, or expect to obtain by August 2027, 96 UCAS tariff points from Level 3 qualifications (such as A Levels, BTECs, T Levels, apprenticeships, or equivalent), together with GCSE English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4/C 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.
Training and development
MI5 and MI6 are proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment, designed to encourage open minds and attitudes. As organisations that value and nurture talent, we’re committed to helping you fulfil your potential. We don’t expect you to have extensive technical knowledge or experience using programming languages. On this apprenticeship, we’ll teach you everything you need to know through full training and dedicated support.
You’ll combine university‑accredited classroom learning (in‑person and virtual) with technical training, mentoring, job shadowing, research and development, and work‑based placements and projects.
You’ll have our full support from day one. We’ll provide training across technical and non‑technical abilities such as time management and presenting. Our Software Engineering profession is aligned to the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework (GDDPCF), which provides guidance , tools and support to help you develop throughout your career. Whether you aspire to become a leader or deepen your technical knowledge and expertise, the framework will help you identify and achieve your professional goals. You can find out more about the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability framework here:
In our collaborative learning environment, you'll soon be working on projects that contribute to the safety and well‑being of the UK. At the end of your apprenticeship, you could be considered for full‑time employment. Your career with MI5 or MI6 offers a variety of technically skilled roles, many of which qualify for additional skills‑based pay. As you develop, grow, and maintain your technical skills, you’ll have the opportunity to be rewarded for your progress through assessed skills pay points.
Rewards and benefits
You’ll receive a starting salary of £28,556 to £31,154 (depending on organisation) in London or £29,081 in Greater Manchester, plus other benefits including:
- 25 days of annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays.
- Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme.
- Personal learning budget (Mi5 only)
- Interest‑free season ticket loan.
- Excellent pension scheme.
- Facilities such as a subsidised gym, restaurant, and on‑site coffee bars (at some locations).
- Paid parental and adoption leave.
Equal opportunities
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, including people with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking, and disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under‑represented in our workforce such as women, those from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and those from low socio‑economic backgrounds.
Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our websites:
https://www.mi5.gov.uk/careers/working-at-mi5/diversity
https://www.sis.gov.uk/working-at-mi6/diversity-and-inclusion
Offer of Interview
We are committed to providing equitable opportunities throughout the recruitment process to support candidates with disabilities. As part of this, we aim to ensure that a fair and
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Software Engineering Apprenticeship Ref. 3867 in Manchester employer: UK Intelligence Services
At MI5, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and innovation. With flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training and development opportunities, and a commitment to employee well-being, you will find a rewarding career path in our London or Cheltenham offices, where your contributions directly enhance national security. Join us to engage in meaningful work that not only challenges you but also allows you to make a significant impact on the safety of the UK.
