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Less is more, except when it comes to an apprenticeship. Because you don’t just want a job. You want career-defining moments. Real-world impact. And unforgettable experiences.

Your future just got bigger

Join us as an apprentice and you’ll open up many different paths and possibilities. You could help global government projects stay on track and on budget. Keep visa applications secure in the Cloud. Ensure diplomatic packages cross continents and arrive in the right hands. Help build a secure embassy in a remote corner of the world. Or help the UK’s diplomatic network shrink their carbon footprint, across the globe. Whether you’re returning to work, changing jobs or just starting out – this isn’t just an apprenticeship – it’s a chance to do work that means more, in a place where everyone feels welcome. This is FCDO Services. Your future just got bigger.

Applications for 2023 are now closed

Sorry, but we’re now closed for applications for our 2023 programmes. We’ll reopen again in February 2024 and it’s never too early to start thinking about applying for next year. Explore this page to find out all about an apprenticeship with FCDO Services and how it could make your future, bigger.

Who are FCDO Services?

We’re a trusted government organisation with over 75 years’ experience of providing secure services to UK government departments and our global overseas partners. Our work helps support UK diplomacy, defence and development opportunities across the globe. Operating in over 250 destinations, across 168 countries, our work includes construction projects, digital and cloud solutions, logistics services, counter-eavesdropping, translation, and more, all delivered with high-level security at its heart. To find out more about how we help protect our customers’ physical assets, data and people visit our About us page. Or you can visit our corporate site here.

Our 2023 programmes

Although applications for this years’ programmes are now closed, it’s never too early to start thinking about your future and to begin exploring our range of apprenticeships; although please note, specific programmes may vary year-on-year. Most of our programmes are based at our Hanslope park site (near Milton Keynes) with its great onsite facilities, while some are based in our London office at the heart of Whitehall. Some of our programmes will even give you the chance to travel all over the world. Getting to Hanslope Park is easy – even without a car: just take advantage of our free shuttle between the Park and central Milton Keynes. And if your role involves hybrid working, you can base yourself elsewhere on certain days.
  • Level 3 apprenticeship, working towards a Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
  • 39-month programme, with a potential full-time role at the end
  • Starting package £22,750 (including location allowance) with a potential yearly increase of base salary, depending on performance
  • Potential salary package upon qualification £29,400 (including location allowance)
  • Excellent benefits, including competitive pension scheme, fully-funded qualification and 25 days’ annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
  • Based at Hanslope Park near Milton Keynes
  • Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park
  • Opportunity for overseas travel
  • Candidates will need to undergo Security Check (SC) clearance before joining, and Developed Vetting (DV) clearance shortly after joining

What will I do?

Your work will be on some of the most important and fascinating projects we do. Like installing a state-of-the-art CCTV system in a new embassy, or advanced intruder detection equipment in a particularly unstable region; preventing or detecting potential eavesdropping attacks, or helping to design a new generation of security products. Projects on which people’s safety – and the interests of the whole of the UK – depend.

Along the way, you’ll benefit from exceptional training, and have an incredibly experienced team to learn from. Your three years will begin with a full-time course at a local college, where you’ll develop your knowledge in a range of topics – from health and safety to maths to electric and electronic engineering. During college breaks, you’ll also take in-house courses at our dedicated training centre at Hanslope Park to build up your practical skills. Once you’ve finished your college course in year one, you’ll spend the next few years really getting get to grips with the practical side of your role, helping us deliver projects in the UK – and most likely, as you progress, travelling overseas too. You’ll be a real and valued part of the team, learning from experts who’ll help you build up essential skills as you work towards professional status and begin to carve out your career.

What do I need?

This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

  • Have a minimum of four GCSEs (or equivalent e.g. O levels) grade 9-4 (A*-C) including Maths, English and Science, preferably Physics, or a technical-based subject such as Engineering or Product Design
  • Have good communication skills
  • Be IT literate and proficient in the Microsoft Office suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
  • Show us you’re genuinely interested in engineering and technology
  • Ideally, have some experience of using tools such as drills and saws
  • Be interested in overseas travel
  • Be a British citizen who’s lived in the UK for the last three years before the first day of your apprenticeship (aiming to start September 2023), and for at least five of the last ten years
  • Be at least 16 years old by 30 April 2023 so you can complete Security Check (SC) clearance before your start date

Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.

Applications for 2023 are now closed.

  • Level 3 apprenticeship, working towards a Level 3 Information Communication Technician apprenticeship qualification
  • Up to 22-month programme, with a potential full-time role at the end
  • Starting package £22,750 (including location allowance) with a potential yearly increase of base salary, depending on performance
  • Potential salary package upon qualification £29,400 (including location allowance)
  • Excellent benefits, including competitive Civil Service pension, fully funded qualification and 25 days’ annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
  • Based at Hanslope Park, Milton Keynes
  • Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park
  • Candidates will need to undergo Security Check (SC) clearance before joining, Developed Vetting (DV) clearance shortly after joining

What will I do?
This is your chance to become an IT champion. Working with ground-breaking technology and enjoying top-quality training, you’ll soon see for yourself just how vital IT is to our organisation. After all, our work keeps government-level customers’ data safe at all times, and even protects them from technical espionage attacks.

After settling in, you’ll start balancing work with study. You’ll enrol with your training provider and begin a series of learning modules; covering everything from the fundamentals of networking to the principles of Cloud-based services. At the same time, you’ll get to work on live projects. Starting with small technical issues, you’ll learn the basics and gradually build up your skills as you work with a variety of Technology and Operations teams, including the UK National Authority for Counter-Eavesdropping (UK NACE). Along the way you’ll learn things like: configuration management, fault diagnosis, patch and vulnerability management, and how to protect systems from technical espionage attacks As your skills grow, you’ll get involved in more and more complex work, experiencing for yourself how we deliver secure IT and mobile solutions for our government-level customers.

What do I need?
This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

  • Have a minimum of two GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9-4 (A*-C) in Maths and English
  • Have a genuine interest in computing and IT
  • Have good attention to detail
  • Be a British citizen who’s lived in the UK for the last three years before the first day of your apprenticeship (aiming to start September 2023), and for at least five of the last ten years
  • Be at least 16 years old by 30 April 2023 so you can complete Security Check (SC) clearance before your start date

Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.

Applications for 2023 are now closed.

  • Level 6 degree apprenticeship, working towards a Part 1 qualification in architecture (as prescribed by the Architects Registration Board)
  • 51-month programme, with a potential full-time role at the end
  • Starting package £26,775 (including location allowance) with a potential yearly increase of base salary, depending on performance
  • Potential salary package upon qualification £38,500 (including location allowance)
  • Excellent benefits, including competitive pension scheme, fully funded qualification and 25 days’ annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
  • Based at King Charles Street, London, with the flexibility of hybrid working depending on business need
  • Opportunity for overseas travel
  • Candidates will need to undergo Security Check (SC) clearance before joining

What will I do?

Join an Apprenticeship in Architecture with FCDO Services, and you’ll work on projects you won’t find anywhere else. Like designing a brand-new office layout for an embassy in the heart of a bustling city. Or producing drawings and specifications for an extension of a High Commission in the Caribbean. Or incorporating physical security plans into the design of office spaces at the heart of government. Projects that keep people, assets and information safe.

Based in our King Charles Street offices in London, you’ll benefit from exceptional training, and have an incredibly experienced team ­– including experienced architects, architectural technologists, CAD technicians and interior designers – to learn from. You’ll attend university one day a week, developing knowledge in a variety of topics ­– from design and technology to cultural context and professional practice. And you’ll put this to practice on live projects that will take you to destinations all over the globe. Equally, the skills you learn on the job, such as computer-assisted drawing, budgeting, stakeholder management and conflict resolution, will bolster your study.

You’ll be a valued member of the Design team and get the chance input your own ideas to projects with global impact. All while working towards a fully recognised degree qualification in architecture Part 1 and enjoying the benefits of working in Civil Service.

What do I need?

This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

  • Have a minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent e.g. O levels) including Maths and English at grades 9-4 (A*-C)
  • Plus a Level 3 qualification worth a minimum of 128 UCAS points, which must include an art or design subject
  • Have a genuine interest in architecture, design and construction
  • Be passionate about collaboration
  • Be willing to travel overseas as part of your apprenticeship
  • Be a British citizen who’s lived in the UK for the last three years before the first day of your apprenticeship (aiming to start September 2023), and for at least five of the last ten years
  • Be at least 16 years old by 30 April 2023 so you can complete Security Check (SC) clearance before your start date

Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.

Applications for 2023 are now closed.

  • Level 4 apprenticeship, working towards an APM Project Management Qualification or International Project Management Association (IPMA) Level D
  • 24-month programme, with a potential full-time role at the end
  • Starting package £22,750 (including location allowance) with a potential yearly increase of base salary, depending on performance
  • Potential salary package upon qualification £29,400 (including location allowance)
  • Based at Hanslope Park, Milton Keynes, with the flexibility of hybrid working depending on business need
  • Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park
  • Candidates will need to undergo Security Check (SC) clearance before joining, and Developed Vetting (DV) clearance shortly after joining

What will I do?

You’ll learn what it takes to manage and deliver complex and challenging IT projects for government-level customers. Whether it’s updating vital IT security features for our customers across the globe or ensuring infrastructure migrations go to plan, you’ll discover how we deliver secure IT solutions at pace, while ensuring cost and quality. Alongside learning how to manage stakeholders and their expectations, you’ll learn the fundamentals of project management, everything from sound cost control to how to plan and manage risk, essentially, all the tools and techniques you’ll need to become a fully qualified professional.

Your training will be delivered in a variety of ways to ensure that you get the best learner experience. You’ll complete off-site classroom workshops, work-based challenges and have regular sessions with a skills coach to get you thinking about how to apply your learning to workplace scenarios. Then you’ll put that into practice as you work as part of our Project Delivery team on live projects, helping us deliver successful IT solutions around the globe. You’ll get to work alongside and learn from experienced project managers and as you develop, you’ll start to head up smaller projects of your own.

What do I need?

This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

  • Have five GCSEs (or equivalent e.g. O levels) at grade 9-4 (A*-C) including English and Maths
  • A minimum of 48 UCAS points or equivalent
  • Have good communication skills, numeracy and IT literacy
  • Have a genuine interest in project management in the IT environment
  • Have the ability to plan, lead and communicate
  • Be organised with a creative, intuitive approach to problem solving
  • Be a British citizen who’s lived in the UK for the last three years before the first day of your apprenticeship (aiming to start September 2023), and for at least five of the last ten years
  • Be at least 16 years old by 30 April 2023 so you can complete Security Check (SC) clearance before your start date

Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.

Applications for 2023 are now closed.

  • Level 6 apprenticeship, working towards a BEng (Hons) degree in Broadcast and Communications Engineering
  • 48-month programme, with a potential full-time role at the end
  • Starting package £23,525 (including location allowance) with a potential yearly increase of base salary, depending on performance
  • Potential salary package upon qualification £35,250 (including location allowance)
  • Excellent benefits, including Civil Service pension, fully-funded qualification, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, flexible working opportunities
  • Based at Hanslope Park, Milton Keynes, with the flexibility of hybrid working depending on business need
  • Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park
  • Opportunity for overseas travel
  • Candidates will need to undergo Security Check (SC) clearance before joining, and Developed Vetting (DV) clearance shortly after joining

What will I do?

Our customers need to stay connected, and when you join us, you’ll be helping to keep critical diplomatic, defence and intelligence communications secure on behalf of our government customers. From ensuring vital communication channels stay up and running following a natural disaster to ensuring that our systems stay secure in unstable environments, you’ll experience the real impact of our work.

You’ll split your time between university and working with the team at our Hanslope Park site, developing your knowledge and skills working on live projects. And when your coursework allows, you’ll travel to site visits both in the UK and across the world to work on a range of communications projects which are essential to the prosperity of the UK.

What do I need?

This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

  • Have two GCSEs (or equivalent e.g. O levels) in Maths and English Language at grades 9-4 (A*-C)
  • Plus a minimum of 112 UCAS points gained through BBC at A levels including Maths; or a BTEC Level 3 at D*D* with a Distinction in Maths or a Merit in Further Maths; or a BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3 at DMM with a Distinction in Maths or a Merit in Further Maths; or equivalent
  • Have good communication skills, numeracy and IT literacy
  • Have a genuine interest in engineering, broadcast communications, computer networks and systems
  • Be a British citizen who’s lived in the UK for the last three years before the first day of your apprenticeship (aiming to start September 2023), and for at least five of the last ten years
  • Be at least 16 years old by 30 April 2023, so you can complete Security Check (SC) clearance before joining

Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.

Applications for 2023 are now closed.

  • Level 6 apprenticeship, working towards a BEng (Hons) in Buildings Services Design Engineering
  • 60-month programme, with a potential full-time role at the end
  • Starting package £23,525 (including location allowance) with a potential yearly increase of base salary, depending on performance
  • Potential salary package upon qualification £35,250 (including location allowance)
  • Based at Hanslope Park, Milton Keynes
  • Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park
  • Opportunity for overseas travel
  • Candidates will need to undergo Security Check (SC) clearance before joining, and Developed Vetting (DV) clearance after joining

What will I do?

On this apprenticeship, you’ll help us to keep people in government departments safe and sound. How? By making sure the buildings they’re working in are fit for use, efficient and totally secure. You’ll learn the theory, the law, the processes of building services design engineering: from technical drawing, work planning, design techniques, energy conservation and sustainable development. Everything you’ll need to help us design, plan and maintain government buildings around the world.

Launching straight into a balance of academic study and practical work, you’ll attend university or college (depending on your course/provider) on a day-release basis, over the course of five years. Then, when you’re not studying, you’ll put what you’ve learnt into practice on live projects, developing your skills alongside professional engineers, surveyors, architects and project managers. Over the course of your programme, you’ll take on increasing responsibility as you work on live projects, tackling challenges that will take you around the world.

What do I need?

This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

  • Have five GCSEs (or equivalent e.g. O levels) including Maths and English at grades 9-4 (A*- C)
  • Plus a minimum of three A levels at grades BBC (or higher), including Maths and preferably Chemistry or Physics; or a BTEC National Diploma DDM; or Access to Engineering qualifications with 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits including Maths and Physical Science credit; or equivalent Level 3 qualifications worth 128 UCAS points. Level 3 qualification must include Maths and preferably Physics or Chemistry; or you have completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship as a Building Services Design Technician
  • Have good communication skills and IT literacy
  • Have a genuine interest in CAD and building services design engineering
  • Be willing to travel overseas as part of your apprenticeship
  • Be a British citizen who’s lived in the UK for the last three years before the first day of your apprenticeship (aiming to start September 2023), and for at least five of the last ten years
  • Be at least 16 years old by 30 April 2023 so you can complete the Security Clearance (SC) process before your start date

Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.

Applications for 2023 are now closed.

  • Level 6 degree apprenticeship working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (BEng) and Incorporated Chartership with the Institute of Civil Engineers (IEng)
  • Five-year programme, with a potential full-time role at the end
  • Starting package £26,775, (including location allowance) with a potential yearly increase of base salary, depending on performance
  • Potential salary package upon qualification £38,500 (including location allowance)
  • Excellent benefits, including competitive pension scheme, fully funded qualification and 25 days’ annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
  • Based at King Charles Street, London, with the flexibility of hybrid working depending on business need
  • Opportunity for overseas travel
  • Candidates will need to undergo Security Check (SC) clearance before joining, Developed Vetting (DV) clearance shortly after joining

What will I do?

The projects we work on are unique and varied. What they all have in common is their global impact. They keep our government level customers’ people, assets and information safe, here and overseas. Whether it’s preparing the design for a new Guard House to make improvements to the entrance of a British Embassy Compound in the Middle East, or carrying out a detailed analysis of the load capacity of an Embassy floor in in Asia to see if it can bear more weight, we help improve the working and living environment for UK diplomats and government employees at home and overseas with safety at the forefront of our minds.

As an Apprentice in Civil and Structural Engineering, you’ll gain world-class skills from a talented team of civil, structural and physical security engineers and other design colleagues who will value your contribution and ideas. These skills will include everything from learning how to design new structures and civil works (walls, drainage and road), to gaining an understand of seismic engineering and the whole construction process.

And when you’re not working at our King Charles Street offices in the heart of Whitehall – or visiting sites across the world – you’ll attend university one day a week, studying towards a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. You’ll cover modules such as advance mathematics, construction practice, fluid and soil mechanics and hydraulics. And you’ll put this knowledge into practice on the real-world projects you work on. One thing’s for sure, once you’ve completed the programme, you’ll be a fully qualified professional with all the skills and experience you need to carve a career in civil and structural engineering.

What do I need?

This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

  • Have five GCSEs (or equivalent e.g. O levels) including Maths and English at grades 9-4 (A*- C)
  • Have a minimum of three A levels at grades BBC (or higher) worth a minimum of 112 UCAS points and including Maths and preferably either Chemistry or Physics; or a BTEC National Diploma DDM; or Access to Engineering qualifications with 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits including Maths and Physical Science credit; or equivalent Level 3 qualifications worth 128 UCAS points, Level 3 qualification must include Maths and Physics or you must have completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship as a Civil Engineering Technician
  • Have a genuine interest in the built environment
  • Have great problem-solving and interpersonal skills
  • Be willing to travel overseas as part of your apprenticeship
  • Be a British citizen who’s lived in the UK for the last three years before the first day of your apprenticeship (aiming to start September 2023), and for at least five of the last ten years
  • Be at least 16 years old by 30 April 2023 so you can complete Security Check (SC) clearance before your start date

Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.

Applications for 2023 are now closed.

  • Level 6 degree apprenticeship, working towards a BSc (Hons) in Data Science
  • Up to 50-month programme, with a potential full-time role at the end
  • Starting package £23,525 (including location allowance) with a potential yearly increase
    of base salary, depending on performance
  • Potential salary package upon qualification £35,250 (including location allowance)
  • Based at Hanslope Park, Milton Keynes, with the flexibility of hybrid working depending on business need
  • Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park
  • Candidates will need to undergo Security Check (SC) clearance before joining, Developed Vetting (DV) clearance shortly after joining

What will I do?

Data is a powerful tool and, on this programme, you’ll learn how to use it. Exploring cutting-edge software capabilities and mastering how to use technology solutions to get results, you’ll help us to meet the needs of our government-level customers. This isn’t just work shadowing. You’ll contribute to genuine projects, and learn how to use technology, software tools, and your own curiosity to identify and deliver impactful, accurate results that will help us protect highly sensitive information.

You’ll get stuck in from the start, balancing practical work and academic studies. Placed with one of three teams on a rotational basis, you’ll see how data is used across the business, working with colleagues in areas such as cyber security, project management and finance. Whether you’re processing data, spotting anomalies, liaising with stakeholders or developing and testing software systems, you’ll learn how to meet the needs of government-level customers. Alongside live work, you’ll also undertake your academic studies with a combination of face-to-face tutoring/workshops, and remote and e-learning. Meaning you’ll have the perfect blend of theory and practical know-how to start your career as a qualified Data Scientist.

What do I need?

This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

  • Have two GCSEs (or equivalent e.g. O levels) in Maths and English at grades 9-4 (A*-C)
  • Have a minimum of three A Levels at grade A*-C worth a minimum of 96 UCAS points and including one STEM subject; or a relevant Level 3 qualification
  • Be genuinely passionate about data and data science
  • Have the ambition and commitment to make constant improvements through innovation
  • Be a British citizen who’s lived in the UK for the last three years before the first day of your apprenticeship (aiming to start September 2023), and for at least five of the last ten years
  • Be at least 16 years old by 30 April 2023 so you can complete Security Check (SC) clearance before your start date

Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.

Applications for 2023 are now closed.

  • Level 4 apprenticeship in Data Analysis, working towards entry onto the Register of IT Technicians
  • 27-month programme, with a potential full-time role at the end
  • Starting package £22,750 (including location allowance) with a potential yearly increase of base salary, depending on performance
  • Potential salary package upon qualification £29,400 (including location allowance)
  • Based at Hanslope Park near Milton Keynes, with the flexibility of hybrid working depending on business need
  • Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park
  • Candidates will need to undergo Security Check (SC) clearance before joining, Developed Vetting (DV) clearance shortly after joining

What will I do?

Whether you’re cutting through data to identify new trends, or analysing security data to discover threats to our customer’s information, this programme will give you a well-rounded understanding of how data helps us to protect UK government assets. You’ll jump right in by working on rotation across different teams, including the UK National Authority for Counter-Eavesdropping (UK NACE) and our Sustainability and Environment team. Each team will teach you the different ways to gather and scrutinise vital data, whether that’s reviewing project information, designing easy-to-understand dashboards, or checking the quality of data and spotting anomalies. You’ll learn to tell the story behind the data – creating meaningful reports that help influence senior leaders too.

In addition to your work within each team, you also learn through a mix of face-to-face and remote e-learning, tutoring and workshops. You’ll get plenty of support throughout from your colleagues and your training provider as you study towards your qualification. And, by the end of the programme, you’ll have all the tools you need to help drive improvement across a business that helps protect the UK’s interests all over the world, every day.

What do I need?

This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

  • Have five GCSEs (or equivalent e.g. O levels) including Maths and English at grades 9-4 (A*-C)
  • Have a minimum of two A levels at grades A*-C, including Maths or another numerate subject; or a relevant Level 3 qualification
  • Have a genuine interest in data analysis and its application to real-world applications
  • Have good attention to detail, communication skills, numeracy and IT literacy
  • Be able to demonstrate good IT skills
  • Be a British citizen who’s lived in the UK for the last three years before the first day of your apprenticeship (aiming to start September 2023), and for at least five of the last ten years
  • Be at least 16 years old by 30 April 2023 so you can complete Security Check (SC) clearance before your start date

Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.

Applications for 2023 are now closed.

  • Level 6 apprenticeship, working towards a BSc (Hons) degree in Design and Construction Management
  • Four-year programme, with a potential full-time role at the end
  • Starting package £23,525 (including location allowance) with a potential yearly increase of base salary, depending on performance
  • Potential salary package upon qualification £35,250 (including location allowance)
  • Excellent benefits, including competitive pension scheme, fully funded qualification and 25 days’ annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
  • Based at Hanslope Park, Milton Keynes, with the flexibility of hybrid working depending on business need
  • Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park
  • Opportunity for overseas travel
  • Candidates will need to undergo Security Check (SC) clearance before joining, Developed Vetting (DV) clearance shortly after joining

What will I do?

During this four-year programme, you’ll help keep our government level customers’ people and assets safe. How? By making sure the buildings they work and live in are fit for purpose and totally secure. Like overseeing upgrades to a flood damaged Embassy. Or helping to design the construction of new diplomatic residences or secure perimeters. Or reconfiguring an embassy’s office space to make room for a new secure communications system. Whichever project you’re working on they’ll be as varied, as they are vital and could you take you anywhere from remote islands to bustling cities across the globe. And they’ll certainly be packed full of impact.

You’ll dive straight into a mixture of live work and academic study. When you’re at university, you’ll cover various modules; everything from design procedures and construction technology to risk management and health and safety. And you’ll put that learning into practice when you’re working alongside our Secure Construction Design team delivering projects of national importance. The industry professionals you work with will value your input and ideas, while supporting you to achieve the highest grade possible. All while teaching you invaluable skills such as drawing with AutoCAD and REVIT and using specification software like NBS that will bolster your study.

And not only will you enjoy all the benefits that come from working in the Civil Service, you’ll also be working toward a fully recognised qualification ­– a BSc (Hons) in Design and Construction Management. It’s an apprenticeship filled with variety and value. You’ll get a sense of pride from being part of protecting the UK’s best interests, here and overseas.

What do I need?

This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

  • Have a minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent e.g. O levels) including Maths and English at grades 9-4 (A*-C)
  • Hold a construction-related Level 4 Apprenticeship; or a construction-related HE/HNC/HND qualification; or commensurate work experience
  • Be willing to travel overseas as part of your apprenticeship
  • Be a British citizen who’s lived in the UK for the last three years before the first day of your apprenticeship (aiming to start September 2023), and for at least five of the last ten years
  • Be at least 16 years old by 30 April 2023 so you can complete Security Check (SC) clearance before your start date

Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.

Applications for 2023 are now closed.

  • Level 2 apprenticeship, working towards a Level 2 AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting
  • 15-month programme, with a potential full-time role at the end
  • Starting package £22,750 (including location allowance)
  • Potential salary package upon qualification £26,100 (including location allowance)  
  • Based at Hanslope Park, Milton Keynes,with the flexibility of hybrid working depending on business need
  • Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park
  • Candidates will need to undergo Security Check (SC) vetting before joining

What will I do?

Working side by side with our transactional finance teams, you’ll learn the ins and outs of transactional finance. You’ll build up specialist skills in everything from setting up and credit checking suppliers, providing prompt and accurate invoicing to global government bodies, administer credit cards, create and issue detailed reports and more. As you grow these skills, you’ll be doing important work as you provide prompt, accurate invoicing to global government bodies.

And as you learn how to balance the books, you’ll also learn how to balance your work and your studies. The perfect blend, you’ll work towards a level 2 AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting whilst getting to put your knowledge into action. You’ll be helping us to provide value for money for taxpayers everywhere. So, if you’re ready to make an impact as you learn, your future just got bigger.

What do I need?

This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

  • Have two GCSEs (or equivalent e.g. O levels) in Maths and English Language grades 9-4 (A*-C)
  • Have a genuine interest in finance and accounting
  • Have some numerical and analytical skills
  • Be IT literate, familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Be a British citizen who’s lived in the UK for the last three years before the first day of your apprenticeship (aiming to start September 2023), and for at least five of the last ten years
  • Be at least 16 years old by 30 April 2023 so you can complete Security Check (SC) clearance before joining

Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.

Applications for 2023 are now closed.

  • Level 6 degree apprenticeship, working towards either a BA or BSc (Hons) degree in Project Management, plus an International Project Management Association (IPMA) Level D qualification and an APM Fundamentals and APM (PMQ) Project Management Qualification during the course
  • Four-year programme, with a potential full-time role at the end
  • Starting package £22,750 (including location allowance) with a potential yearly increase of base salary, depending on performance
  • Potential salary package upon qualification £32,750 (including location allowance)
  • Excellent benefits, including competitive pension scheme, fully funded qualification and 25 days’ annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
  • Based at Hanslope Park, Milton Keynes, with the flexibility of hybrid working depending on business need
  • Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park
  • Opportunity for overseas travel
  • Candidates will need to undergo Security Check (SC) clearance before joining, Developed Vetting (DV) clearance shortly after joining

What will I do?

You’ll learn what it takes to manage and deliver projects that protect our customers’ physical assets, people and data across the world. From rolling out new secure Wi-Fi in government buildings in the most isolated areas of the world to overseeing renovation works and coordinating repairs to flood-damaged embassies in bustling cities – the projects are as varied as they are vital. And packed full of global impact.

With a combination of academic study and practical work over four years, this apprenticeship will nurture your talents and support you to become a qualified Project Manager. The skills you learn on live projects, including resource and stakeholder management, financial control, effective risk management and project planning, will support the success of your studies. And the modules you cover at university, from quality management and control to project supply chain and contracts management will help you deliver a world-class service to our customers.

And once you’ve completed the programme, you’ll have gained a BA or BSc (Hons) degree in Project Management, a Level D qualification in International Project Management Association and an APM Fundamentals and APM Project Management Qualification.

What do I need?

This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

  • Have a minimum of four GCSEs (or equivalent e.g. O levels) including Maths and English at grades 9-4 (A*-C)
  • Have a minimum of three A levels at grades A*-C, preferably with at least one in Maths, Business Studies, IT, Engineering, Science or another numerate subject, or an equivalent qualification
  • Have a genuine interest in project management
  • Be able to juggle multiple tasks and have good time management skills which will be vital to keeping everything on track
  • Be proactive, collaborative, inquisitive and eager to learn
  • Be willing to travel overseas as part of your apprenticeship
  • Be a British citizen who’s lived in the UK for the last three years before the first day of your apprenticeship (aiming to start September 2023), and for at least five of the last ten years
  • Be at least 16 years old by 30 April 2023 so you can complete Security Check (SC) clearance before your start date

Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.

Applications for 2023 are now closed.

  • Level 3 apprenticeship working towards qualification as a Safety, Health and Environment Technician. On completion, you will also be able to join the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) at TechIOSH Level
  • 27-month programme, with a potential full-time role at the end
  • Starting package £22,750 (including location allowance) with a potential yearly increase of base salary, depending on performance
  • Potential salary package upon qualification £28,535 (including location allowance)
  • Excellent benefits, including competitive pension scheme, fully funded qualification and 25 days’ annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
  • Based at Hanslope Park, Milton Keynes, with the flexibility of hybrid working depending on business need
  • Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park
  • Candidates will need to undergo Security Check (SC) clearance before joining, Developed Vetting (DV) clearance shortly after joining

What will I do?

In short? You’ll make a positive impact to the lives of every employee across our organisation. As part of the Health, Safety, Security and Quality team, you’ll advise on, maintain and improve the statutory health, safety and environment requirements and processes of our organisation. You might carry out risk assessments and assist in hazard identification and safety audits to keep our electricians safe on site – preventing incidents before they arise. You might deliver training sessions and advise teams on the safe handling of heavy equipment in a warehouse or garage environment. You may even investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses, so we’re able to implement safer systems of work. And along the way, you’ll gain experience and skills that will supplement your studies.

And the knowledge you pick up as part of your fully funded qualification will wide-ranging. Everything from the moral reasons for good safety, health and environmental working practices to the appropriate methods for identifying, evaluating and controlling hazards relevant to the workplace. You’ll be able to put this learning into practice when you’re supporting the team to drive our processes and culture, with the wellbeing, health and safety of our employees in mind.

The work you do will be varied, vital and packed full of real impact. And once you’ve completed the programme, you’ll have gained a Level 3 qualification as a Safety, Health and Environment Technician, enabling you to the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) at TechIOSH Level, which you can use to further your studies, or springboard your career.

What do I need?

This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

  • Have a minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent e.g. O levels) in Maths and English at grades 9-4 (A*-C)
  • Be analytical, organised, enthusiastic and willing to learn
  • Be a proactive problem solver who likes to think outside the box and seek new and better ways of doing things
  • Be a British citizen who’s lived in the UK for the last three years before the first day of your apprenticeship (aiming to start September 2023), and for at least five of the last ten years
  • Be at least 16 years old by 30 April 2023 so you can complete Security Check (SC) clearance before your start date

Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.

Applications for 2023 are now closed.

“I’ve had the opportunity to visit places I didn’t even know existed.” Technical Engineering Apprentice

Insight from our apprentices

Why did you chose to do an apprenticeship?
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What’s the best thing about doing an apprenticeship at FCDO Services?
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Can you do an apprenticeship at any age?
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Why an apprenticeship with FCDO Services?
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Can you make an impact as an apprentice?
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What happens after my apprenticeship?
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Out of everything FCDO Services offers you, what do you value the most?
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How are you supported during your programme?
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What’s surprised you most about your experience as an apprentice?
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How has your future gotten bigger since joining FCDO Services?
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What would you say to a female-identifying student, interested in engineering?
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How would you describe FCDO Services in three words?
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What makes our apprenticeships bigger?

Our apprenticeship programmes are as varied as the work we do. So, you’ll find plenty of paths to choose from and explore – each designed to set you up for a long-term career. Whether you’re interested in engineering, sustainability, marketing, data and numbers, tech or communications, there’s an apprenticeship for you at FCDO Services. Explore our programmes above

Whichever apprenticeship you take, you’ll be helping us protect the nation – at home and across the world. It’s highly important, highly impactful work. From London to Bangkok, Brussels to Pretoria, you’ll help us provide a range of secure services to government-level customers. And it’s your chance to help safeguard people and assets, around the world.

Apprentices are the future of our business. That’s why we put so much into our programmes. We’ll invest in your training, work with you to build up valuable experience, and put you in teams that will support you and help you learn. Your progression doesn’t end there: take on a role with us once you’ve completed an apprenticeship and you’ll continue to benefit from opportunities and resources to help you develop.

We have an inclusive, friendly and supportive culture. We want our people to feel they belong. From day one, you’ll be treated as part of the team. Whatever your background or experiences, here’s where your skills – and your future – have a home.

As well as funding your qualification, we’ll offer encouragement and support at every step. You’ll get a competitive salary and pension from the start. And we’ll grow your experience across a series of fascinating, live projects. So, you’ll be ready to take on a future role in the business.

Benefits

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Competitive salary

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Debt-free paid qualifications

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In-house training facilities

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Possibility of global travel

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Civil Service pension

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Potential full-time job on completion

Helping you feel included and supported

Everyone deserves to enjoy a welcoming, inclusive environment; one that supports them not just as a professional, but as a person. Equality, inclusion, and a focus on your mental and physical wellbeing are all top of our agenda. We’ve designed a wide range of initiatives for you to take advantage of – from discounted fitness classes and gyms to an onsite fresh deli bar, Ofsted-approved nursery and wellbeing rooms around the world. We also host a range of diversity networks to inspire and empower you, alongside regular events to educate and engage everyone who works here. You can learn more about life at FCDO Services here and our commitment to diversity inclusion here.

 

Read our apprentice stories

“Being at FCDO Services is brilliant for me. Being near Milton Keynes, it’s local to home but with the opportunity to travel too. I can be almost on my doorstep, but with a job that has worldwide experiences built in. It means I can stay nearby, but also really build up unique expertise too and keep learning all the time.”

Technical Engineering Apprentice

“I’ve honestly enjoyed every part of my apprenticeship so far, and I truly believe it was the best decision I’ve ever made. The programme has been amazing. It’s structured to best suit each individual and there are objectives to complete on every placement, ensuring you get a well-rounded, comprehensive experience. I truly value the skills and knowledge I’ve gained.”

IT Apprentice

“The structure of our programme is part of what makes it so interesting. In terms of the practical work element, it’s probably split about 50:50 between desk work and going out onto overseas sites for things like feasibility studies. You’re designing; creating drawings, schematics and specifications; and you’re also spending time on the ground in-country.”

Building Services Engineering Apprentice

“As a 20-year-old, I never thought I would have achieved or done as much as I have since starting my apprenticeship. I’ve gained so much experience that I will carry with me throughout my life.”

Technical Engineering Apprentice

“I’m getting a great qualification at the end of the course, as well as highly valuable and respected work experience. After my apprenticeship, there is also the opportunity to progress in this role, or in the future to even change roles into another team.”

Data Analyst Apprentice

“You look at an invoice and it tells you something fascinating about a project at an embassy somewhere. It scales up everything you do; gives it more impact.”

Finance Apprentice

“I’d highly recommend an apprenticeship with FCDO Services. I’ve really valued the diverse and inclusive work environment and found that everyone is down-to-earth. Working in the Civil Service also gives you great career and progression prospects.”

Associate Project Manager (IT) Apprentice

“I think for me, a degree apprenticeship like this one, balancing degree-level studies and real experience, was always the best option. I’m getting all these qualifications, doing interesting work, and I’m getting paid for it, so it was definitely a win-win.”

Project Management Apprentice

“Five years of working here has taught me a lot, and I genuinely can’t imagine a career anywhere else. But if you do want to explore different paths within FCDO Services, there’s so much opportunity – and support – to find the role that’s perfect for you.”

Former Technical Engineering Apprentice

“Thanks to the structure of the apprenticeship, I can dip my toe in lots of different IT areas, rather than focusing on just the one. It gives me a well-rounded picture of where I could take my future career.”

IT Apprentice

“I was a childminder while my own kids were small. Now that they’re a bit older, this seemed like a great way to start a new career, in a place where I’d have plenty of support and flexibility.”

Former IT Apprentice

Vetting – what you need to know

The security of the UK relies on the work we do. Because of that, we need to put strict security measures in place to make sure everyone who joins us is honest, reliable and trustworthy. So, if your application is successful, we’ll ask that you undergo an independently-run process called ‘vetting’ so that you can gain security clearance. The process checks details like your background, family, employment history, where you’ve lived, any criminal convictions and your financial status. It’s designed to be as inclusive as possible, regardless of your background or circumstances: ultimately, we want to understand you as an individual and identify any potential risks upfront. What’s more, any information we gather will always be done sensitively, respectfully and, of course, confidentially.

 

What to expect along the way

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We want all our apprentices to succeed here, moving into permanent roles wherever possible. We have many programmes and possible paths your apprenticeship could take you but here’s a snapshot of one of our former Technical Engineering apprentices experiences of life on and after her apprenticeship:

Learning the ropes

“They really want you to learn here. We had space to play around with new systems, to get to know how they work. You’re there to take in and understand as much as you can, so that you can be valuable in the long-term.”

Becoming a professional

“During my programme, I spent some time manufacturing alarm system panels. I knew what I was making wasn’t just for fun – it would be boxed, deployed, and installed at an overseas government site. It’s practical and hands-on.”

Help to find a permanent role

“Immediately after my programme, I became an installation engineer. I was travelling the world on overseas trips for 4-6 weeks, installing security systems. I even progressed to become leader of the team.”

Hitting new heights

“From being team leader, I went on to an overseas posting for five years in Kenya. With a mixture of technical maintenance support and project management, I had responsibility for servicing ten different embassies in East Africa.”

How can you make the most of an apprenticeship? Check out these words of wisdom from FCDO Services apprentices. Read now

True or False?

Test what you know about apprenticeships and learn a thing or two about us along the way. Ready to bust a few myths?

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#1

Apprentices get given all the tasks no-one else wants to do

That’s false! When you’re not studying, you’ll enjoy real responsibilities with the teams you join. You’ll be treated as an equal and trusted with important work, building up the skills you need in your career with hands-on training and experience.

false
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#2

Apprenticeships are just as valuable as going to university

That’s true! In the same time, or less, as studying for a degree, you’ll come away with invaluable on-the-job experience, training and relevant qualifications that get your career off to a flying start – all without the student debt.

true
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#3

Apprentices aren’t paid well

That’s false! Our apprentices are paid competitively. Depending on your programme, your apprentice salary package could be between £22,750 – £26,775, rising to £26,100 – £38,500 when you qualify.

false
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#4

There’s only one kind of person who works in the Civil Service

That’s false! We’re proud to be a diverse organisation; our people come from all backgrounds and walks of life. But we also recognise that there’s still progress to be made, and we’re doing everything we can to make this a truly inclusive place for all.

false
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#5

Apprentices have a say in where they want to take their career

That’s true! You’ll get involved in all kinds of work throughout your programme, giving you the chance to discover what really interests you and where you want to take your career. You’re in control.

true
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#6

Apprentices experience first-hand how we protect the UK’s interests

That’s true! We run counter-eavesdropping operations. Renovate centuries-old embassies. Design custom, one-off products. Deliver secure government packages. Build and install security systems. And our apprentices get to learn first-hand how we provide these vital services.

true
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#7

Apprenticeships aren’t just for school-leavers and young people

That’s true! Our apprenticeships are for anyone, at any stage in life. We have apprentices from school-leavers to parents returning to work to career-changers looking for a fresh challenge.

true
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#8

Apprenticeships don’t lead anywhere

That’s false! Most of our apprentices join us on a permanent basis. That said, even if you don’t continue your career with us, you’ll be equipped with the skills, qualifications and knowledge you need in your chosen industry.

false
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Apprenticeships have been at the heart of FCDO Services for decades read more here

 

Explore our work

Our work is fascinating – but it can be hard to explain the sheer variety of what we do. Recently, our teams have designed and fitted a brand new British embassy in Bangkok. Repaired storm damage to buildings in the British Dependency of Tristan da Cuhna. And improved IT connectively in Islamabad. As an apprentice, you could be working on anything that keeps the UK’s interests safe, at home and abroad – from construction to digital innovation, couriering packages to designing security features, translation to counter-eavesdropping. To get a further taste of our work, why not read some of our case studies – and who knows, maybe one day your story will feature here too.

Welcome to the virtual embassy

Ready to see the work you might do as an apprentice? Enter the Virtual Embassy and select the guide ‘Apprentices – All programmes’, to see the kinds of work apprentices do here. It’s not programme-specific, so you’ll learn a little about every apprenticeship – giving you a sense of where you fit in.

Information for parents and teachers

Funded qualifications. A competitive salary. A great pension. All the benefits of a Civil Service career. And the chance to help protect the UK’s interests, around the world. If you know someone who’s looking for more from their career, this will make their future bigger.

Helpful tips

For your application

Ready to find out what makes a great application? We’ve gathered together some top tips from our recruitment team, and some excellent advice from our apprentices. You can also find out more about the process.

Download our brochure

Our Brochure brings together lots of handy information click on the links below to download your copy.