IT Apprentice

Job summary

At FCDO Services we protect the UK’s interests at home and overseas. We design and construct secure government buildings and courier diplomatic packages worldwide, safeguard government tech and a whole lot more. Our work is as varied and vital as it gets, but we never lose sight of our people. Their skills, aspirations and growth mean as much as the global mission we’re on. In our world, it all matters.

Our Digital and Data technology team are at the forefront of digital innovation. They provide best in-class solutions for our clients, helping to shape and support a data driven future for UK government. Whether it’s creating bespoke, secure software, offering programme and application support or moving an entire embassy’s servers to a Cloud platform. No matter the task, they are on hand to support. Now, you’ve got the opportunity to join them.

Job description

Providing innovation to government partners.

Delivering best-in-class solutions.

Working at the cutting-edge of technology

It all matters.

Work with sector-leading technology to protect those with the highest security classifications

At the heart of this interesting 21-month apprenticeship is a focus on keeping assets, information and people safe. You’ll do that by combining your studies for a Level 3 Information Communication Technician qualification, with hands-on experience. We’ll start with the small but vital stuff – things like fault diagnosis and the specifics of secure networks and Cloud-based services. But those skills will quickly grow so that you become fluent in patch and vulnerability management, plus you’ll be well-versed in the most cutting-edge developments in securing IT and mobile solutions for teams across the continents.

By the end of your apprenticeship, we’re hopeful that you’ll be interested in securing a permanent job with our talented team, and from there, your career could really take off. We work with government-level customers who are reliant on IT and mobile solutions they can trust in every conceivable situation, so this is a unique chance to embed yourself in a world-class team.

Get to grips with real IT projects and operations impacting on countless people

You’ll be exposed to a wealth of multidisciplinary talent during your placements with our Technology and Operations teams, so this opportunity would be ideal for someone who has a genuine interest in computing and technology. We’re open to people from all backgrounds and all life stages, so regardless of whether you’re a school-leaver, someone who is returning to work after a career break or someone who is looking for a career change, you’ll excel with us if you’re reliable and proactive.

As a British national who is at least 16-years old, you’ll also have a sharp eye for detail, and you’ll enjoy working collaboratively with others. With at least two GCSEs (or an equivalent qualification) at grades 9-4 (A*-C) in both Maths and English, you’ll be keen to learn and absorb knowledge from our ambitious teams.

Person specification

• British citizenship, having lived in the UK for the last three years before the first day of the apprenticeship, (aiming to start September 2026) and for at least five of the last ten years
• To be at least 16 years old by 1 July 2026 so you can complete Security Check (SC) clearance before your start date
• Good personal planning and organisational skills
• Creative and intuitive approach to problem solving
• Passion for technology and/or IT and computing (lead criteria)

Qualifications

A minimum of two GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9-4 (A*-C), in Maths and English. We can’t accept your application if you already hold a qualification in the same subject at the same level as (or higher than) the one you’d study on our programme. If your qualification is in a different subject or field then you can apply.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Developing Self and Others

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• A minimum of two GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9-4 (A*-C), in Maths and English
• Good personal planning and organisational skills
• Creative and intuitive approach to problem solving
• Passion for technology and/or IT and computing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £27,500, FCDO Services contributes £7,966 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension
• A leave allowance of 25 days per annum
• 9 days per annum public and privilege days

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

To apply for this role, you will be asked to provide your CV, a personal statement, and provide answers to some job specific/technical skills.

Your CV and personal statement will not form part of the assessment they will provide an insight into your work history and experience.

Your CV should include:

• no personal identifying details
• career history with key responsibilities
• achievements
• qualifications

Your personal statement should outline your interest in the role, candidates will only be sifted on answers provided to the technical/ job specific questions which are outlined in the application form.

Those that are successful at sift will be invited to attend an in-person group assessment centre to test your interpersonal and communication skills.

Should you be successful at the group assessment you will be asked to attend a face to face interview where you will be asked a blend of questions on technical/job specific skills and behaviours.

At interview we will use the lead criteria highlighted in the person specification section to determine merit order in the event of tie break between candidates.

For all guaranteed interview schemes, there may be exceptions made on reasons of time or resource for high-volume recruitment where the vacancy manager may decide to select the candidates who best meet the minimum criteria, rather than all of those who meet the minimum criteria.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Fcdoservices.recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk
• Email : Fcdoservices.recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : Fcdoservices.recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk

Attachments

Candidate Pack IT Apprenticeship Opens in new window (pdf, 1900kB)