Language Talent Programme - Registration of Interest

Language Talent Programme - Registration of Interest

Location(s):
Cheltenham, London, Manchester

£6,380 to £7,059 dependent on location for the 11‑week programme

Flexible working: This programme is full‑time and office‑based for the duration of the 11 weeks, to ensure you get the most out of your time with us. Full‑time attendance is 36 to 37 hours per week, with some specific hourly attendance required, e.g. for training courses. You’ll be notified of these well in advance.

Language Specialists play a uniquely valuable role translating, interpreting and contextualising foreign language content, providing mission‑critical insights that have a tangible influence on our operations. The Language Talent Programme is an 11‑week paid programme that provides a pathway to becoming a specialist in Russian or Mandarin on a permanent basis. With dedicated training, support and on‑the‑job exposure, it’s designed to equip you with the skills and experience required to apply and fulfil a full‑time role with us.

You don’t need any previous experience or technical ability to apply. However, you will have, or be expected to obtain, a 2:2 degree or above in Russian or Mandarin. You’ll either be starting the final year of your degree in Autumn 2026, or have graduated in Summer 2023 or later. Adaptable, collaborative and keen to learn, you’ll be passionate about language and keen to apply your skills.

Importantly, you’ll be genuinely interested in a career with us and committed to starting immediately should you decide it’s right for you.

Across the 11‑week programme, you will:

• begin with a three‑day induction to GCHQ or MI5 and our ways of working
• get privileged access to operational intelligence, language tools and a range of audio and written materials which you’ll analyse, transcribe and translate, all supervised by a mentor
• be embedded within a friendly, welcoming team who share your love for language
• develop the skills you need to pass the language test element of the full‑time role assessment (with the support of an experienced linguist)

Around 7 to 9 weeks in, you’ll sit your language test and competency interview. Should you be successful, you’ll transition directly into a role as a Language Specialist with either GCHQ or MI5. As a result, we ask that you only apply if you’re able to begin a full‑time role once the programme ends.

Please note that the Mandarin programme is at GCHQ only in either Cheltenham or Manchester, while the Russian programme can be done at either GCHQ in Manchester or Cheltenham, or MI5 in London.

• be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality
• comply with our no‑drugs policy from the point of application and, if successful at the end of the recruitment process, you will need to undergo Developed Vetting
• familiarise yourself with our guidance on the use of AI in applications for GCHQ and MI5
• complete your registration, application and all recruitment processes from within the UK

The Russian and Mandarin Language Talent Programmes are based in Cheltenham or Manchester for GCHQ and the Russian Language Talent Programme for MI5 is based in London, so you’ll need to live within a commutable distance. A relocation loan is available to support those moving to London.