Software Engineering Apprenticeship – Registration of Interest

Flexible working:
This apprenticeship combines academic study with practical experience, helping develop your skills throughout the programme. Most learning takes place on site, giving you the opportunity to learn directly from colleagues and gain valuable experience in our working environment.

Curious about programming or problem-solving? Keen to learn new skills, and unlock a rewarding career?

Our Software Engineering Apprenticeship might be for you. On this three-year programme, you’ll develop skills and gain practical experience working alongside teams that design, build and maintain some of the world’s most sophisticated electronic equipment.

And the most surprising part? You don’t need any technical experience to apply. So, if you’ve ruled yourself out of a career in technology because you don’t have the ‘right’ background, this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.

Through a mix of comprehensive training and rotations across different software teams, you’ll gain practical experience developing and supporting innovative software solutions. Working alongside our friendly, welcoming teams, you’ll learn to build technology that expands our AI software capabilities and supports our national security mission.

Plus, as part of the programme, you’ll have our full support as you work towards a recognised Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship, leading to a BSc (Hons) Degree.

No one is expected to know everything from day one. This apprenticeship is focused on unlocking your potential and developing your skills in a supportive environment. You might be finishing school or already employed and seeking a career change.

You don’t need any technical experience or technology-related qualification to apply. You’ll need to have, or expect to obtain by September 2027, 96 UCAS points from Level 3 qualifications (such as A Levels, BTECs, T Levels, apprenticeships, or equivalent), together with GCSE English language and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above (or Functional Skills Level 2 equivalents).

Most importantly, you’ll have a genuine interest in programming, technology or problem-solving. We’re looking for natural aptitude and a desire to learn.

Please note that, for the duration of the apprenticeship, applicants must be able to live in or commute to London or Greater Manchester.

The application window for the Software Engineering Apprenticeship opens on 16 October 2026. In the meantime, we encourage the following groups to register their interest:

• Individuals from an ethnic minority background
• Women (of any background)*

As part of registering your interest, you’ll be invited to some online events prior to the campaign opening. These virtual insight events will give you the opportunity to find out more about our organisation and the role.

The Insight events will take place on Thursday 15 October 2026, with sessions available at 1:00pm and 6:00pm.

Each event will last approximately one hour and will provide an opportunity to learn more about our organisation, the apprenticeship programme and the work you’ll be involved in.

Please note that registering your interest is not the same as submitting an application and will not form part of, or influence, the recruitment process. If you register your interest and later decide to apply for the Software Engineering Apprenticeship, you will need to complete an application form once the application window opens.

* We are currently limiting registrations of interest to these groups due to their under-representation in our workforce. Once the application window opens, we welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of ethnic background, gender, disability, or any other characteristic. Please check our nationality eligibility criteria: