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.
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.
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:
Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.
Applications for 2023 are now closed.
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:
Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.
Applications for 2023 are now closed.
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:
Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.
Applications for 2023 are now closed.
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:
Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.
Applications for 2023 are now closed.
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:
Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.
Applications for 2023 are now closed.
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:
Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.
Applications for 2023 are now closed.
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:
Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.
Applications for 2023 are now closed.
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:
Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.
Applications for 2023 are now closed.
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:
Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.
Applications for 2023 are now closed.
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:
Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.
Applications for 2023 are now closed.
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:
Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.
Applications for 2023 are now closed.
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:
Interested? You can get more details by downloading our factsheet here.
Applications for 2023 are now closed.
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:
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
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.
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.
“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
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.
How can you make the most of an apprenticeship? Check out these words of wisdom from FCDO Services apprentices. Read now
Test what you know about apprenticeships and learn a thing or two about us along the way. Ready to bust a few myths?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Apprenticeships have been at the heart of FCDO Services for decades read more here
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our Brochure brings together lots of handy information click on the links below to download your copy.
