Future opportunity
Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship
Turn ideas into products that support the UK’s national security
- Qualification level
- Level 4 Qualification
- Salary:
- £22,176
Apprenticeships
Build skills. Earn a qualification. Turn your curiosity into a career.
Build skills. Earn a qualification. Turn your curiosity into a career.
Future opportunity
Electronics Apprenticeship
Design, build and test electronic technologies in specialist engineering environments.
- Qualification level
- Level 6 Qualification
- Salary:
- £27,769
Future opportunity
Software Development Apprenticeship
Design, build and improve software that helps solve complex technology challenges.
- Qualification level
- Level 6 Qualification
- Salary:
- £27,769
"I have found community, technology and a life–long career through the apprenticeship. I’ve explored a whole new world that not many people get to immerse in."
– Lara, former apprentice and now PCB engineer at HMGCC
Why choose an apprenticeship at HMGCC?
At HMGCC, you’ll contribute to meaningful work while receiving the support and development you need to succeed. Here are six reasons why apprentices choose us.
What makes a successful HMGCC apprentice?
An apprenticeship at HMGCC is a great option if you:
✓ Enjoy solving problems
✓ Like understanding how things work
✓ Are curious about technology, engineering or making things
✓ Work well with others
✓ Are open to new ideas and different perspectives
✓ Enjoy learning new skills
✓ Like being creative and doing practical things
So far, from all of our Apprentice intakes:
▸ 60% still work at HMGCC
▸ 20% of former apprentices are now in leadership roles
▸ And though it's not a guaranteed position, so far 100% of HMGCC apprentices who have completed their apprenticeship have progressed into a permanent role
Your interest in engineering or tech might come from school projects, coding, gaming, building things, clubs or just tinkering - that all counts! Whether you’re keen to design, build, test, manufacture or solve problems, discover where your skills and curiosity can take you.
Different perspectives drive innovation
We thrive on the spark you get when different minds meet.
Bringing together people with different backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking helps us solve complex engineering challenges and develop better ideas. That's why we're committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, supported and able to do their best work.
What could you be doing?
Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll experience different parts of the organisation and learn how products move from concept to reality.
Understanding apprenticeship levels
Level 4 Apprenticeship
Equivalent to higher education study such as a Higher National Certificate (HNC) and broadly comparable to the first year of degree-level study.
Level 6 Apprenticeship
Equivalent to an undergraduate or bachelor's degree.
“I wanted to try something new but wasn’t sure if Uni was the way to go and I didn’t need loads of prior knowledge to apply for HMGCC. It also had lots of opportunities not offered by other companies once my apprenticeship is over.”
– Anaya, Software Apprentice
Learning at HMGCC
An apprenticeship at HMGCC gives you so much more than just a qualification. You'll build technical knowledge, practical experience and professional skills through a combination of real work, structured learning and support from experienced specialists.
What you'll learn
Real work
Work on real projects from day one and see how your contribution helps move ideas forward.
Examples include:
‣ Supporting live projects
‣ Working towards project goals and deadlines
‣ Exploring different placements and teams
‣ Helping solve real-world challenges
‣ Contributing to improvement projects
Technical knowledge
Learn how technology, engineering and specialist systems are designed, built, tested and improved.
Examples include:
‣ Software development and coding
‣ Electronics and embedded systems
‣ Manufacturing processes and techniques
‣ Product design, testing and evaluation
‣ Industry standards and best practice
Practical and transferable skills
Develop skills you’ll use throughout your career, wherever it takes you.
Examples include:
‣ Problem solving
‣ Time management
‣ Planning and organisation
‣ Analytical thinking
‣ Adapting to new challenges
Teamwork and communication
Learn how to work effectively with people from different teams, specialisms and backgrounds.
Examples include:
‣ Sharing ideas and information
‣ Working collaboratively on projects
‣ Giving and receiving feedback
‣ Building professional relationships
‣ Presenting your work to others
Personal development
Build confidence, resilience and self-awareness as you explore your interests and develop new skills.
Examples include:
‣ Team-building activities
‣ Personal development workshops
‣ Career development conversations
‣ Learning new ways of working
‣ Building confidence in unfamiliar situations
Professional confidence
Gain the experience and self-belief needed to succeed in the workplace, with support from the
Examples include:
‣ Working alongside experienced professionals
‣ Taking ownership of tasks and projects
‣ Developing professional behaviours
‣ Understanding workplace expectations
‣ Growing in confidence as your skills develop
Qualifications
Alongside your workplace learning, you'll work towards qualifications relevant to your apprenticeship programme.
You may gain:
‣ A nationally recognised apprenticeship standard
‣ Programme-specific qualifications
‣ Industry or professional certifications (where relevant)
‣ Evidence of the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed throughout your apprenticeship
Supported to Succeed
Starting your first job can feel like a big step.
That's why you'll be supported by people who want to see you succeed from day one. Whether you're learning something new, working towards your qualification or exploring different career paths, you'll have a team around you to help you thrive as you develop your skills and confidence.
"I was researching antennas for a project. My manager arranged for a subject expert from the HMGCC antennas team to come in and run a session for apprentices who wanted to learn more. It wasn't something I expected before joining."
– Liam, Manufacturing Apprentice
Location and working environment
Based near Milton Keynes, our site is home to specialist engineers, software developers, technicians and manufacturing experts who work together to solve complex challenges.
The site has a campus feel, with specialist facilities, a strong sense of community and opportunities to learn from people across the organisation. It's a place where people collaborate, share knowledge and support one another’s development - and an opportunity for you to become part of a close-knit apprentice community.
Application Tips
Step 1: Check the requirements
Before you apply, take a few minutes to read the apprenticeship information and job description carefully.
This will help you understand:
• What you'll be doing
• The qualifications you'll need
• What we're looking for in applicants
Step 2: Complete your application
We'll ask for some basic information about your education, qualifications and any work experience you may have.
If you already have a CV, you can use it to help complete these sections.
You'll also be asked a few questions about your interest in the apprenticeship.
Tell us about:
• What interests you about the apprenticeship
• Why you've chosen this area
• Projects, hobbies or activities you've enjoyed
• Skills you've developed through school, college, work, volunteering, clubs or personal interests
• What you'd like to learn and achieve in the future
Remember, we're interested in your potential. Whether you've built a website, repaired a bike, helped organise an event, volunteered in your community, enjoy solving problems, or have pursued something that genuinely interests you, we’d love to hear about it.
Step 3: Submit your application
Before submitting your application, take time to review your answers.
It can help to:
• Use the full word count where appropriate
• Give specific examples
• Ask someone you trust to read through your application
• Check spelling and grammar
Use of AI
Using AI tools to help with your application is fine, but it does need to be used appropriately and responsibly to ensure it is accurate and reflects your own skills, experience and achievements.
Please familiarise yourself with our guidance for using AI in applications before beginning your application.
We don’t use AI to review apprenticeship applications. Every application is reviewed by a member of our recruitment team who understands the programme you’re applying for.
If you have any questions at all about the scheme, your eligibility or the assessment process, our team is here to help. Email opportunities@hiringteam.org.uk.
What is vetting?
Because we support the UK's national security community, everyone who joins HMGCC goes through vetting.
The process helps ensure people can be trusted to work with sensitive information and systems. The best advice is simple: be open and honest throughout.
If you're unsure about any part of the process, support is available. Vetting officers are experienced, approachable and there to guide you through each stage. They're not there to judge you – they're there to help you complete the process successfully.
Need adjustments?
At HMGCC, we're committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, so everyone feels comfortable, supported, and able to do their best.
If you have a disability, a neurodivergent or long-term health condition, or require reasonable adjustments for any other reason, please let us know if we can make any adjustments to support you. There's a wide range of support available including, but not limited to, additional time for assessments, interview adjustments, or providing information in alternative formats to support with accessibility. To discuss how we can support you, please contact us at opportunities@hiringteam.org.uk.
You can request adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, either in your application form or through the contact information provided, and we will do our best to accommodate you. Requesting an adjustment will not affect your application.
If you still have questions about the process, please visit our application process page.
FAQs
Chatbot
Visit our Recruitment Chatbot to get answers to questions about the application process, and what it's like to work here.
