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Working here - learning and development

National security engineering demands constant innovation, new ideas and approaches. That’s why Learning and development is central to how we work.

So when you first join us, we’ll make sure you’re fully supported. You’ll have the chance to be paired up with a buddy and have access to a mentor. Everyone who joins also attends a helpful 3-day induction course. And with a handy new starter pack, you’ll quickly get to grips with the way things work.

Even in the current challenging financial climate, we’re still heavily investing in our people’s ongoing development – because it’s important to us. We’ll work with you to keep your skills fresh, and you can join our in-house scheme, which ensures your skills are benchmarked against industry best practice. Alongside formal technical training, we also provide support to individuals working towards professional registration – be that chartership, fellowship or something else. And you’ll also have opportunities for internal progression. We share our expertise across the whole range of engineering, technology, manufacturing and corporate sectors every day, offering support and opportunities for everyone – regardless of where they work. It means our people enjoy a far broader and, in many respects, much deeper organisational exposure than most other employers can offer.

“HMGCC helped me to go on testing courses, and even paid for me to gain an OU certificate in higher education.”

Anne

Work and play

Open lab days
Our open lab days give you an opportunity to explore and experience different parts of HMGCC. It’s an interesting way of meeting new colleagues, sharing knowledge and even planning your next career move!

Innovation time
Innovative thinking is welcome in every department at HMGCC, not just our technical teams. As part of our quest to realise the future, we dedicate 10% of our organisational effort to innovation projects.

Whoever you are, whatever your role - if you have a good idea, you’ll be encouraged to explore it and then make it work.

Learning at Work Week
Learning at Work Week is an annual national learning event that focuses on your development. It’s a great way to exchange ideas and skills, as well as to expand your knowledge and creativity through the passions and interests of others. A range of activities are offered during the week, from inspiring guest speakers to members of staff sharing their latest projects or hobbies - there’s something for everyone!

Professional accreditation and affiliation

We are affiliated with the Association for Project Management, and are a corporate partner with the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET). Our professional development is aligned to the UK Engineering Council UKSPEC.

We also actively encourage and support our people to achieve their affiliation with any professional association, such as:

BCS - British Computing Society
IMechE - Institution of Mechanical Engineers
The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Chartered Management Institute

“I was seriously impressed with the amount of courses I attended.”

Mark

Your career here could end up taking you in many directions – we’re happy for our people to switch between teams and roles as their knowledge and skills grow.

You’ll also have the chance to learn a huge amount from your co-workers, who are genuinely willing to give their time and knowledge – because they are passionate about what they do.

Throughout your time at HMGCC, you’ll be supported in your personal development plan so you can shape and direct your career to realise your full potential. We also offer a blended approach to learning, with plenty of opportunities, including:

  • Classroom training
  • Mentoring, coaching and buddying
  • Briefings and lunchtime talks
  • Manufacturing master classes
  • Conferences
  • Networking forums
  • Seminars
  • Exhibitions
  • Secondments
  • Digital learning, including Safari books and PluralSight

You will also be able to take advantage of cross-government development initiatives.

At HMGCC, we want to make sure you have the best environment to learn new skills and develop your knowledge. So if you spot a development opportunity that fits your talents and goals, we’ll try to support it.

Going further

There’s a clear pathway into leadership at HMGCC, and many comprehensive leadership and management training programmes designed to develop, challenge and guide you. But promotion doesn’t have to mean a move into management. We’ve created many opportunities for you to progress in your chosen field too. As you progress in proficiency, tackling increasingly complex projects, you’ll be able to demonstrate your expertise and be promoted through the ranks, eventually reaching a principal level.

“I joined as a software developer, but I still had the chance to move departments and I was even seconded to one of our customers in London.”

Ashreef

Benefits

At HMGCC, we want our people to feel happy, appreciated and inspired. We offer a range of benefits - from an on-site gym and nursery, to flexible hours and counselling. Discover more about how we can support your ambitions.