Technical Engineering Apprentice

FCDO Services

Milton Keynes MK19 7BH, UK

Hybrid

Expires: Expiring in less than 4 weeks

Full time

£27,500 - £35,623 per year

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.

Installing, maintaining and servicing bespoke security systems. Working to help protect government buildings from potential eavesdropping attacks. Just a few examples of the incredible work our Engineering team does. They're the people who plan, design and deliver innovation across all corners of the globe. And now, you've got the opportunity to join them.

Job description

Bringing innovation to embassies.

Designing systems that protect.

Realising the power of your skills.

It all matters.

Learn how to keep people safe with cutting-edge technical engineering solutions

From learning how to set-up the most sensitive intruder detection systems through to brainstorming ideas on how to prevent eavesdropping by foreign enemies, this is a unique opportunity to develop sector-leading knowledge in designing, installing and maintaining electronic systems. Combining your studies for a Level 3 qualification with hands-on experience with multiple engineering teams, you’ll be exposed to state-of-the-art security systems and innovation that is unsurpassed.

Central to our mission is the need to keep people safe. We do this by implementing the measures needed to protect government buildings and their occupants - and we do it on an international scale. Over a period of 39-months you’ll therefore have the chance to work both at home and overseas with the people who plan, design and deliver the most cutting-edge solutions. And when your apprenticeship has come to an end, we hope you’ll be ready to launch your career with a permanent role in our impressive team.

From London to Libya, discover fascinating projects around the world

If you want to learn how to install complex CCTV cameras, maintain digital radio installations or design futuristic security products, you’ll flourish in our team. Regardless of whether you’re working in the UK with some international travel, or you’re based in one of our overseas regional hubs, you’ll start your apprenticeship with 9-months of full-time studies at a local college. So a passion for learning about engineering and technology will be essential, and it would be useful if you’ve previously used tools such as drills and saws.

Proficient in Microsoft Office, with at least two GCSEs (or an equivalent qualification) at grades 9-4 (A*-C) in both Maths and English, and a keen interest in engineering and/or electronics. You’ll also be at least 16-years old, and you’ll be a British citizen. Just as importantly, you’ll be a friendly team-player who we can rely on – someone who brings a proactive approach to every opportunity that we present you with, including the chance to travel overseas.

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
Experience of using basic engineering hand tools; e.g. drills, saws, files, etc (lead criteria)
An understanding of basic electronic/electrical theory
An interest in overseas travel

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:

Communicating and Influencing
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
Experience of using basic engineering hand tools; e.g. drills, saws, files, etc
An understanding of basic electronic/electrical theory
An interest in overseas travel

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

Salary range

£27,500 - £35,623 per year