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Flexible working: flexible working is possible as the apprenticeship combines academic modules with fixed leave periods, as well as a mix of in-person and remote learning.
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.
On our Software Engineering Apprenticeship, you’ll bring your passion for technology and eagerness to gain new skills to our organisations and help ensure we stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital world. Over the course of three years, you’ll build and maintain sophisticated electronic equipment, engage with our supportive tech teams, and realise your potential. You’ll receive a formal training package comprised of both classroom-based and on-the-job learning as you work towards a BSc Honours degree in Digital and Technology Solutions (software development), meaning you’ll earn a degree as well as a salary.
You’ll do an induction followed by a 6-month period spent on your degree and an innovation project to develop your knowledge and skills. From there, you’ll take on real business tasks in software engineering, collaborate with fellow apprentices, and gain experience across diverse multi-disciplinary teams. Throughout the three-year programme, you’ll continue to receive training, mentoring and support. During a standard week, you’ll be expected to work 36 hours with 20% of your time dedicated to study, which is possible to do from home. Occasionally, you’ll be required to travel to our training site based in London or Central Manchester.
If you’re looking for a new challenge, this apprenticeship will provide you with all the support and training you need to build a career with us. You don’t need experience using cloud technologies or engineering frameworks as we’ll teach you all you need to know. The important thing is to have a natural curiosity for technology and a desire to learn more. Plus, you’ll be working with our friendly, experienced software engineers who’ll provide plenty of advice and support, ensuring you’re never on your own. And at the end of the apprenticeship, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a permanent role at MI5 or MI6.
To join, you’ll have (or be expecting by September 2025) 72 UCAS points as well as GCSE grade 4/C or above in English language and maths, or equivalent functional skills (Level 2).
Please note that you must not have completed or undertaken a Level 4 qualification or higher in a software engineering subject prior to commencing this apprenticeship.
In addition to the dedicated training and development package, you’ll receive a starting salary of £25,996 to £27,846 (dependent on location) as well as a host of other benefits including 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years’ service), an interest-free season ticket loan, and access to our on-site facilities including a gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars at some of our sites.
We are proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment. Our workplace encourages open minds and attitudes, helping you feel comfortable bringing your whole self to work. As organisations committed to providing equitable opportunities, we value and nurture your wellbeing and talent, supporting you to reach your potential. Additionally, we have a range of thriving affinity networks led by staff that champion awareness around gender, ethnic minority, disability, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ and more.
This unique opportunity offers you the chance to start a career in software engineering while earning a degree. To find out more and apply, visit our website.
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: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with 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 an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our websites.
To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you’ll nonetheless be considered. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You can apply at the age of 17 years, if successful you’ll not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday. Full eligibility details can be found on our websites.
