Software Engineering Apprenticeship - London

Software Engineering Apprenticeship - London

Locations: London or Greater Manchester

Salary: £27,213 to £29,150 depending on location

Flexible working: flexible working is available as the apprenticeship combines academic modules with fixed leave periods and a mix of in-person and remote learning.

MI5 and MI6 are part of the UK’s Intelligence Services. We work together to safeguard Britain’s people, interests, and businesses from various threats at home, overseas and online, including cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime. Working across our vital missions, you’ll deliver impact at the heart of national security, all within a supportive and inclusive environment that allows everyone to thrive.

About the role

On our Software Engineering Apprenticeship, you’ll bring your passion for technology and eagerness to learn into a unique and meaningful role. Through rotations across various teams, you’ll work closely with product owners, business analysts, and agile delivery colleagues–gaining broad exposure to different functions within the intelligence agencies and a deeper understanding of how technology supports national security. These placements offer the chance to contribute to real products, support the development of complex systems, and collaborate in a mission-driven environment. Working alongside our experienced and supportive software engineers, you’ll help create innovative digital solutions that underpin critical operations. This experience provides a rare insight into the work of the UK’s Intelligence Services and lays the foundation for a truly rewarding career.

You’ll begin with an induction, followed by a six-month period focused on your degree and an innovation project to develop your knowledge and skills. From there, you’ll take on real software engineering tasks, collaborate with fellow apprentices, and gain experience across diverse, multi-disciplinary teams. Throughout the three-year programme, you’ll continue to receive training, mentoring and support. During a standard week, you’ll be expected to work 36 hours, with 20% of your time dedicated to study, which can be done from home. Occasionally, you’ll be required to travel to our training site based in London or Central Manchester.

About you

Looking for a new challenge? This apprenticeship provides the support and training you need to launch your career with us. You don’t need experience using cloud technologies or engineering frameworks as we’ll teach you everything you need to know. The important thing is to have a natural curiosity for technology and a desire to learn more. Plus, you’ll be working with our friendly, experienced software engineers who’ll offer plenty of advice and support–ensuring you’re never on your own. And at the end of the apprenticeship, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a permanent role at MI5 or MI6.

To join, you’ll need 72 UCAS points by September 2026, as well as GCSE grade 4/C or above in English language and Maths, or equivalent Functional Skills Level 2.

Please note that you must not have completed or undertaken a Level 4 qualification or higher in a software engineering subject prior to commencing this apprenticeship.

Why join us?

In addition to the dedicated training and development package, you’ll receive a starting salary of £27,213 to £29,150 depending on location, as well as a host of other benefits including 25 days’ annual leave, which rises to 30 after 5 years’ service, an interest-free season ticket loan, and access to our on-site facilities such as a gym, restaurant, and coffee bars at some of our sites.

We are proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment. Our workplace encourages open minds and attitudes, helping you feel comfortable bringing your whole self to work. As organisations committed to providing equitable opportunities, we value and nurture your wellbeing and talent, supporting you to reach your full potential. Additionally, we have a range of thriving affinity networks led by staff that champion awareness around gender, ethnic minority, disability, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ and more.

This unique opportunity offers you the chance to start a career in software engineering while earning a degree. To find out more and apply, visit our website.

At Mi5 and MI6 diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce such as women, those from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our websites.

To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you’ll nonetheless be considered. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You can apply at the age of 17; if successful, you’ll not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday. Full eligibility details can be found on our websites.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.

Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.