Our Teams - Apprenticeships

Turn your curiosity into a reality

You may not have heard of the work we do, but behind the closed doors of our hi-tech facilities, some of the world’s most inventive experts are crafting, designing, and creating exciting one-off products to solve unique and interesting problems. With our fully funded government apprenticeship opportunities, we can help you push technology to its limits, and turn your curiosity into a reality.

Apprenticeship programmes

Our apprenticeships

Career comparison - apprentice vs. graduate

Application guidance

FAQs

Information for parents and influencers

Our stories

Have you got what it takes?

Are you naturally curious about technology? Do you delve into the heart of gadgets, pursuing what’s possible - while constantly asking ‘what if?’ at every corner? If this has led to a fascination for how tech works, and an interest in designing, improving or making repairs to gadgets or programming and de-bugging nifty software applications, then our apprenticeship is the right one for you.

To earn a place as an HMGCC apprentice, you'll need to meet our entry requirements, have bags of enthusiasm and a genuine interest in software, technology or engineering.

We are offering the following apprenticeship programmes

These are fully funded government apprenticeships, with different entry levels depending on the programme.

Find out more

What is software development?

Software development refers to the process of creating, designing, deploying and supporting software, usually by writing, modifying and testing code. This could be for a variety of different mediums such as creating applications, websites, system-level programs, network programs or even cloud infrastructure. A software developer could be expected to apply software engineering principles to build software and solve various technical challenges.

Career path

Working as a software developer within HMGCC, you’ll design and build software solutions that deliver mission critical impact within national security. You’ll be involved in creating and developing new products and will have the opportunity to research next-generation systems and cyber technologies. You’ll work with the cyber security team to spot and correct weaknesses in existing products and ensure new products are secure by design. You’ll provide practical guidance and tools to help our customers make the best use of our products.

What will I learn?

  • Programming languages including Python, JS and C#
  • Algorithms
  • Encryption and decryption techniques
  • Debugging and testing
  • Databases including SQL and NoSQL technologies
  • Protocols and network layers
  • Client/server communication
  • Security methodologies
  • Agile ways of working
  • Data analysis techniques
  • Cloud solutions and architecture design including AWS
  • DevOps practices including CI/CD and automation tooling
  • Group project experience

End qualification

  • BSc Honours degree in Digital and technology solutions (Software development)

Entry point

Level 3

You will have or be predicted to achieve:

  • Five GCSEs or equivalent, including English and Maths at grade 4/C or above.
  • Three A-Levels at grade C or the equivalent, including Maths

OR

  • Equivalents which could include experience gained through industrial apprenticeship schemes, BTEC or NVQ level 3 in a STEM related subject or experience

Duration

Three years

What is IT?

Information Technology refers not only to just a physical computer but everything that makes it run including the networks, servers, databases, applications and operating systems. Our IT department also look after the telephone system. It means that we can create, process, store and exchange data electronically.

Career path

There are four areas the IT apprenticeship could take you.

Service desk / Desktop services

Working in a team which is the single point of contact for IT users and other government IT service desks across the UK. You’ll provide first and second line technical support and escalate to relevant technical teams, when necessary. You’ll assist with equipment moves and rollouts in support of change programmes. You’ll assist with upgrades and new system releases and you’ll develop solid working relationships with customers across our organisation.

Server / Application teams

You’ll be responsible for resolving technical server issues. You’ll carry out development and ongoing maintenance of our IT systems and our customers’ core business solutions. You’ll assist with change programmes, upgrades, task automation and remedy server and system issues.

Network / Infrastructure teams

You’ll be responsible for maintaining and enforcing corporate network security. You’ll help to plan and monitor network usage and investigate network issues and liaise with colleagues and suppliers regarding our secure WAN connectivity. You’ll assist with change programmes, anti-virus systems, data backups and remedy connectivity issues.

Web / Product teams

You’ll be responsible for supporting HMGCC’s system applications. You’ll be evaluating business applications and will be involved in integrating appropriate solutions with existing in-house applications. You’ll also assist with change programmes, upgrades and new system releases by supporting and investigating user queries.

What will I learn?

  • Networking and architecture
  • Mobile & operating systems
  • Cloud services
  • Coding and logic
  • ITIL foundation

End qualification

  • Level 3 Information communications technician apprenticeship

Entry point

Level 2

You’ll already have or predicted to achieve:

  • GCSEs or equivalent at grade C/4 or above, in Maths and English
  • A GCSE in science or an IT or computing subject or a Level 2 BTEC in digital technology

Duration

22 months

What is electronics?

Electronics plays a major role in everyday life. Just look around a typical living room you can see many electronic devices such as TVs, remote controls, mobile phones, games consoles and sound systems etc. The electronics apprenticeships offered gives you the fundamentals needed to design and build such products. The word electronics comes from a combination of the words electron and mechanics. Electronics as a discipline is therefore the design and manufacture of machines created from electrons.

Career path

You'll undertake placements across our electronics teams that do everything from design and test simple single board computers right the way through to the development of software defined radios. You would be designing systems such as single board computers and circuits that enable these computers to connect and control things in our physical environment. This could include building prototypes to test out your new ideas.

What will I learn?

Our electronic apprentices will undertake modules through a University provider covering areas such as:

  • Computer system fundamentals
  • Embedded C
  • Electronic principles
  • Mathematics
  • Signals 
  • Electromagnetic radiation
  • Radio frequency systems
  • Electronic systems design

*University units are subject to change

End qualification

  • Level 6 embedded electronics degree apprenticeship

Entry point

Level 3

You will have or be predicted to achieve:

  • Five GCSEs or equivalent, including English and Maths at grade 4/C or above.
  • Three A-Levels at grade C or the equivalent, including Maths

OR

  • Equivalents which could include experience gained through industrial apprenticeship schemes, BTEC or NVQ Level 3 in a STEM related subject or experience.

Duration

59 months

What is production engineering?

Production engineers work with design engineers and manufacturing staff providing technical advice which enables products to be manufactured. They require a broad range of knowledge including electronic design, mechanical design and their associated manufacturing techniques. They also advise on how parts can be made more efficiently.

Career path

Working as an engineering technician in production engineering means you’ll be involved in multiple areas of work. You’ll have gained knowledge and experience in electronic and mechanical design and also have learnt how parts are manufactured and assembled. You will be able to provide advice to others on the most appropriate method of manufacture to enable parts to be made more efficiently. You will draw on the wide range of your knowledge to solve problems and make continuous improvements.

 
What will I learn?

Our Production engineering apprentices undertake modules through a training provider covering areas such as:

  • Engineering design
  • Engineering maths
  • Engineering science
  • Managing a professional engineering project
  • Mechanical principles
  • Automation, robotics, and programmable logic controllers
  • Electrical and electronic principles
  • Computer-aided design

* modules are subject to change.

End qualification

  • Level 4 production engineering apprenticeship
  • HNC in Engineering

Entry point

  • 2 A-Levels at grade A*-C (including Mathematics or Physics), OR
  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma (minimum 90 credits) including Further Maths, OR
  • An equivalent Level 3 qualification (120 credits) in a related engineering discipline (at merit or above) including Further Maths

You’ll also have:

A keen interest in engineering

Duration

Three and a half years

Apply Now

What is electronic assembly?

Electronic assembly is the vital step in engineering which makes our everyday electronics work. It merges precision engineering, automation, and human expertise to build and test functional products. This process is just one of the reasons our devices have become smaller and smarter over time.

Career path

Working as a wiring and assembly technician, depending on your interests and skills, you might find yourself working with automated assembly equipment, soldering irons and hand assembly tools or test equipment such as signal generators.

What will I learn?

Our engineering fitter apprentices undertake modules through a training provider covering areas such as:

  • Reading, interpreting, and understanding diagrams and specifications.
  • Testing and inspection techniques.
  • Planning techniques.
  • Health and safety within an engineering environment.
  • Problem solving techniques.

*University units are subject to change

End qualification

  • Level 3 Engineering fitter apprenticeship

Entry point

Level 2

You’ll already have or be predicted to achieve:

  • GCSEs or equivalent at grade C/4 or above, in Maths and English
  • A GCSE in Science or a technical based subject such as Engineering or Product Design or a Level 2 intermediate apprenticeship in Engineering or a Level 2 BTEC in Engineering

Duration

Three and a half years

Apply Now

Our apprenticeships

We invest a huge amount of time in developing and supporting our apprentices because we recognise just how important you are for the future success of HMGCC. And once you join us, you’ll see what an amazing career you could have with us – the majority of our ex-apprentices still work for our organisation. Why? Because we value our staff and help you to develop your potential in order to get the career you want: this could include further training, online learning or secondments internally and across government to try something new or even a little bit different!

What you’ll learn

Apart from the chance to learn a profession, gain real life work experience and earn money, you will gain several qualifications. These are:

Apprenticeship standard

On completing your end point assessment, you will gain a nationally recognised apprenticeship which is based on knowledge (the theory), skills (on the job competency) and behaviours (attitude, team working, communication, influencing etc).

Accredited qualifications

Depending on your programme, you will complete assignments and tests leading to accredited qualifications. These might include vendor specific or professional qualifications.

Personal development

In addition to your employment-specific training, you will gain skills and experience that will help you to develop as an individual. These include, for example:

Outward bound team build (1 week residential away) Courses on time management, presenting skills, creative thinking and many more You’ll have a blend of classroom training, online learning, mentored work placements and projects. Each programme is specifically tailored to get the most out of your learning and practical sessions.

Your on-the-job training will be based in our high-tech facilities in Milton Keynes and your classroom training will take place at a nearby college.

Who's involved in your training?

Your college learning coordinator

As well as your classroom tutors, the college will assign a dedicated learning coordinator to both you and your employer throughout the apprenticeship programme. They will:

  • Explain the learning systems and assessment process to you
  • Identify any additional training or skills needs
  • Set tasks and activities to support your progress
  • Help you to develop your portfolio of evidence and prepare for the end point assessment
  • Conduct regular progress reviews with you and us to keep all parties up to date on your progress.

Your line manager / task supervisor / mentor

These are the people who will supervise your work, support your workplace learning and development and offer guidance to help you achieve your apprenticeship.

Workplace apprenticeship team

These are the people who will ensure the quality of your training at college, and support your line manager, task supervisors and mentors regarding apprenticeship compliance and assurance.

Your apprenticeship includes:

  • Training to support the creation of one-off, cutting-edge products
  • Learning from the most inventive experts around
  • Working in an impressive, hi-tech facility
  • Being part of a well-supported team, with other apprentices who will share your experience.

Why should you choose an
apprenticeship with us?

  • We’ll cover all your tuition and training fees
  • You’ll receive a starting salary £21,116, which increases each year (subject to you successfully passing the year)
  • And you’ll also get the same brilliant benefits that everyone who works here does, which includes gym access, bikes for work scheme and a balcony café. Look through our benefits to find out more
  • We listen to what you're thinking, and show you how the work we do is beyond anything you've seen or heard of before.

Career comparison - apprentice vs. graduate

We understand that university isn’t for everyone, just the same as an apprenticeship isn’t, so to help you decide, see a table below to compare the apprentice and graduate routes to becoming a software developer:

Item Apprentice Degree Graduate

Time to achieve qualification

3 years

3 years depending on course

Level

6

6 depending on the course

Cost

No tuition fees

£9,250 per year (£27,750 over 3 years)

Career prospects

Providing you pass your apprenticeship you will be offered a role with us

You must apply for a role with us dependant on if there are vacancies

Salary (correct as of Sept 2023)

Year 1 - £21,116

Year 2 - £24,133

Year 3 - £25,943

Software Technician salary = £27,028

5 Year total- £125,248

Year 1 – no salary

Year 2 – no salary

Year 3 – no salary

Graduate salary = £34,564

5 year total - £69,128 (From which student loan repayable)

Work experience during the course

Practical on the job experience through a variety of placements across business – (approx. 100 weeks across the 3 years)

Possible summer internships in industry through the CyberFirst scheme, for which you must apply (approx. 18-24 weeks over 3 years)

Further info

To date, apprentices have been promoted to the same level as a graduate role within 2 years of completing their apprenticeship

Potential for salary uplifts through our ‘progression in grade’ process

Application guidance

We know the assessment process can be daunting so on the following pages we’ve provided some guidance to help you.

If you have any questions at all about the scheme, your eligibility or the assessment process, please email opportunities@hiringteam.org.uk.

Application form

  • Read the job description thoroughly before starting your application form so you can familiarise yourself with what we’re looking for.
  • You can copy and paste the education and work history from your CV if you already have one.
  • You will be asked to complete a brief personal statement. You could include:
    • A little background on you - Are you studying or working at the moment?
    • What do you consider to be your strengths and how will that aid you in the role you’ve applied for?
    • What are your career goals?
  • We will be asking a couple of questions as part of the application to understand why you’re interested in applying for our apprenticeship scheme. We’re not looking for huge examples so don’t worry! We’re just looking for a genuine interest and enthusiasm in the area you’re applying to and how you’ve pursued this.
  • We encourage you to use the full word limit to give yourself the best chance of demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role.
  • Get someone to read through your application before you submit it to check how it reads.
  • If you have any questions at all about the application form or if you’re unsure if you’re eligible please contact the hiring team so we can help.
  • Once your application is submitted, the hiring team will review it to confirm you’re eligible to apply for the apprenticeship scheme.

Situational judgement test

  • As long as you meet the eligibility requirements you will be invited to complete a situational judgement test.
  • You will be presented with a number of scenarios and you will be asked to select from four options which of these you would most likely do.
  • The purpose of the situational judgement test is to assess whether you have the core behaviours we’re looking for in an apprentice. You don’t need to have experience; we’re just looking for aptitude at this stage, we can teach you the rest.
  • The test isn’t timed so don’t rush. Read through each scenario and the multiple-choice answers carefully to allow you to select the one you feel you would most likely do.
  • We can’t go into detail about the awesome projects we work on due to the nature of our work, but we’ve created these scenarios to be as close to real situations that our apprentices experience as possible. Not only to test how you would respond, but also to give you an idea of what it’s like to be an apprentice at HMGCC.
  • There are lots of websites where you can practise completing a situational judgement test if you google ‘situational judgement test’. Whilst it won’t be the same as ours as tests are usually specific to each company that runs them, it will give you a feel for what to expect.

Interview

  • If you’re successful at the assessment centre, you’ll be invited to a technical interview and an occupational psychologist interview.
  • The technical interview is designed to assess your level of understanding, your passion and why you’re interested in the area you’ve applied for. As we’ve mentioned before, we’re not looking for you to have lots of experience, we’re looking for enthusiasm and the aptitude to learn.
  • Ahead of the interview, you will be sent a personality questionnaire to complete and this is what the occupational psychologist will base their interview on. There are no right or wrong answers and no set type of person we’re looking for. The purpose of this interview is to understand more about you as an individual.
  • The best way to prepare is by thinking about why you want to work in the area you’ve applied to, what interests you about it and how you’ve furthered your knowledge.
  • You can take in some notes with you if this would help.
  • Listen carefully to the question being asked. It’s OK to ask for the question to be repeated or rephrased and if you get stuck you can ask to come back to that question at the end.
  • You will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end, think about if there’s anything you may want to ask about the apprenticeship or HMGCC.

Assessment centre

  • If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend an assessment centre.
  • It usually lasts for around 3 hours in total with some short breaks built in and we will be assessing you against our organisation’s competencies.
  • The assessment centre involves 3 exercises which will include some individual aspects as well as working in pairs and small groups. There will also be a short individual interview, then we’ll tell you a bit more about HMGCC and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
  • The best thing you can do to prepare is by looking at our website and finding out more about us. Our competencies are on our website so you can get an idea as to what you will be assessed against.
  • It’s totally understandable that you may be nervous, it’s likely that the other candidates will feel exactly the same! Our assessors know what it’s like to be in your shoes which is why they do their best to put candidates at ease as we know that’s how we’ll get the best from you.

Frequently asked questions

To apply for one of our apprenticeships, you must be 17 years old and will have turn 18 by the time you start in September. There is no upper age limit.

We recommend you:

  • Look at the ‘Technical skills’ criteria for the position and answer all the questions in full
  • Tailor your C.V. to show us how your skills match our job description
  • Tell us about why you want to work at HMGCC and why you’re interested in the role
  • Tell us about anything you do in relation to engineering at home/work/college. Do you build or fix computers? Have you got an interest in computer programming or making things?
  • Don’t be afraid to sell yourself and shout about your skills.

Qualifications will depend on which apprenticeship you apply for. You can find the details in the job description.

If you are the type of person who:

  • Enjoys working in a team and treats everyone with respect
  • Enjoys coming up with creative solutions to problems by looking at them from different perspectives
  • Is able to explain your thinking and ideas to others
  • Enjoys sharing your knowledge and experiences with colleagues
  • Takes pride in doing your best, even in a challenging situation
  • Is open minded, willing to try something new, to improve and to learn along the way

... then we'd love to have you in our team.

Your application will be sifted against our essential entry criteria and if it’s chosen, we’ll invite you to attend an initial situational judgement test. Throughout the process, you’ll be asked to attend a technical interview and group assessment centre.

If you’re successful, you’ll be invited to attend an open day. You’ll have to go through our security vetting, as the work we do with the government is confidential. If you pass, you’ll be invited back to sign your contract of employment and attend a new starter induction that takes place in September.

Once you've finished your apprenticeship, support for additional qualifications is available along as they meet our business requirements, as well as your development needs.

Applications in October.

No. You can only make one application, so please select the apprenticeship most suited to you. But don’t worry, if we think you’d be more suited to a different area, we’ll chat about that with you at interview.

You can still apply, as long as your qualifications or experience is in a different area to the apprenticeship that you are applying for. Please get in contact with us to discuss whether you’re eligible.

At the end of the scheme, you’ll continue to build on your career at HMGCC while continuing to develop your skills. The opportunities here are boundless if you have the potential and the ambition.

If you have any further questions about our apprenticeship schemes or your apprenticeship application, please get in contact with us and someone will get back to you with the answers.

Information for parents and influencers

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications while working on the job, gaining industry experience at the same time.

Apprenticeships previously had a bad reputation for being low paid and low quality however things have come a long way since then. They now offer a comparable alternative to university to provide not only the skills needed but also future career potential.

Benefits of an apprenticeship at HMGCC

  • Earning a salary from day one - Starting salary currently £21,116 which rises every year (subject to successful completion of the year)
  • Tuition paid for by HMGCC
  • Paid annual leave
  • Building skills and experience on-the-job including soft skills as well as the technical skills of the role
  • Excellent progression opportunities within the organisation but also potential to undertake further qualifications in the future.
  • Mentor and buddy scheme to provide support in addition to the line manager

Entry Requirements

Whilst we do have minimum entry requirements as detailed in the job descriptions, we’re not expecting lots of experience. We want to see that they’re really interested in the area they’re applying to and an aptitude to learn as we can teach the rest.

When should they apply?

We recruit for apprentices once a year to coincide with the September intake for the education provider providing the academic side of the qualification, however, as all of our employees undergo developed vetting we begin recruiting in the October of the year before. Below is the approximate timeline:

March – September – Candidates can register their interest in the scheme and will receive an email once we are open for applications
October – Accepting applications
October – Online assessment
November – Interviews
December – Assessment centres
January & February – Open day
February – July – Vetting and drugs test
September – Start

View IT apprenticeship transcript

Our stories

An apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications while working on the job, gaining industry experience at the same time.

“I would highly recommend HMGCC's apprenticeship
to anyone.”

Jack

I joined HMGCC as a software testing apprentice working towards a HNC in computing and systems development and a firm platform to build a career by the end of the programme.

My apprenticeship involved a year full-time at college followed by a couple of years spent working in the various software departments and visiting college every few weeks. As well as a solid start to my career in software, I made some fantastic friends in my fellow apprentices, and we were all warmly welcomed into the organisation. I'd also earned enough money while studying to buy myself a new car!

At the end of my apprenticeship, I was offered the chance to top up my HNC into a HND, and I was given a day a week to attend college. After working in software testing for a while, HMGCC supported my move into software development. I was given all of the relevant training I would need and went through our software landing zone to get me ready.

I've now got the same level job that I would have applied for after university, but instead, I've been paid to learn the same skills, and have got several years of work experience!

HMGCC is a great place to work; they actively promote professional development, want to see their staff do well, and promote a good work/ life balance. I would definitely recommend HMGCC's apprenticeship scheme, to anyone.

Graduates

It's challenging and yours to make your own.

Are you already studying? Perhaps this is more what you're looking for.