Software Engineering Apprenticeship – Registration of Interest

To gain a BSc (Honours) degree.

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.

What can you achieve at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ?
Surprise yourself!

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 on 19 October 2026.

In the meantime, we encourage those from an ethnic minority backgrounds and women from any background to register their interest* and attend our online events.

*Please note that we’re confining registrations of interest to the above groups only due to their current underrepresentation in our workforce.

Any individuals who register their interest and who subsequently decide to apply for our Software Engineering Apprenticeships will need to complete an application form once the application window has opened.

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.

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.

1e127ede32d8f816eacfb0aed73cee11

This button will open a new tab and take you directly to the employer's website.
Please remember, if asked, that you found this opportunity on Gradcracker.
Add to Shortlist
Shortlisted
  • Deadline
    October 12th, 2026
  • Salary
    London: £28,556 to £31,154 (depending on organisation), Greater Manchester: £29,081 + benefits
  • Location
    London and Manchester
Show location/s on map
The 2026/27
Gradcracker Toolkit
Explore the online version
For our new webinar season we are inviting students to submit questions to our featured employers.
Find out more here
© 2007 - 2026 Gradcracker Limited
Log in/Register
Gradcracker Limited, October House, Long Street, Easingwold, York, YO61 3HX
01347 823822
info@gradcracker.com
Company registration number: 6370348