There are 20 positions available on this apprenticeship

Ready to open up all kinds of possibilities for your future? Whether you’re a school-leaver, a career-changer, or just looking to enhance your current skills, this apprenticeship is for you. You’ll take part in many exciting and cutting-edge engineering projects, each one helping to keep people and information safe and secure around the world. So it’s your chance to do meaningful work for incredible customers, all while studying for impressive paid qualifications and getting to grips with an extensive range of technology.

But who exactly are we?
At FCDO Services (formerly known as FCO Services), we work with government-level customers to protect the UK’s interests at home and overseas. We do that through a wide range of services, all delivered to the highest security standards, including construction, digital solutions, communications, logistics, and counter-eavesdropping. And in everything we do, we always keep our customer promise: to be reliable, responsive, and build relationships.

So what will you do?
You’ll get a real feel for lots of different engineering teams and how they design, install and maintain the electronic systems that keep our government-level customers secure. Maybe you’ll work on CCTV systems, intruder detection systems, or a digital radio installation in one of the UK’s embassies. Perhaps you’ll prevent and detect technical eavesdropping attacks, or help design the next generation of security products. The options are endless – and each project and placement will help you build skills to be deeply proud of. Plus, it’s likely that you’ll get to do some overseas travel too.

But that’s not all. We’ll also support you to study for a variety of technical qualifications that will give you the knowledge and skills to start rising to the top of your field. That starts with spending the first nine months studying full-time at a local College, learning theoretical and practical elements of engineering. At the end of the programme, you’ll have gained a Level 3 apprenticeship qualification, including certificates in Foundation Competence, Development Competence and Development Knowledge.

Complete your apprenticeship successfully and there’s a strong chance we’ll offer you a permanent position – whether that’s in Technical Services, Innovation and Design, Counter-Eavesdropping or the Regional Technical Support Service. In short, you’ll build your specialist skills, have far-reaching impact and widen your options – all with the benefits of a career in the Civil Service. So we think it’s fair to say: your future just got bigger.

What we look for
This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

• Be a British citizen who’s lived in the UK for the last three years before the first day of your apprenticeship (usually September of the year you apply), and for at least five of the last ten years
• Be at least 16 years old by mid June 2021
• Have a minimum of four GCSEs (or equivalent) 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
• Be interested in overseas travel

If you already have a qualification at the same or a higher level, you may not be able to apply unless the apprenticeship qualification provides learning and skills that are materially different to what you’ve studied before.

It takes a diverse team to protect a diverse world.
The vital work we do takes an incredible community of colleagues, with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. We support every individual, so that you always know you’re welcome and valued. It’s what makes us a Disability Confident employer. And a Stonewall Diversity Champion. And Employers for Carers. And it’s how you know you’re joining an inspiring, inclusive organisation.

Vetting
All our employees have to be security cleared before joining us, so you will need to undergo a vetting process if you’re successful in your application. This role would require you to undergo Security Check (SC) clearance before joining, and Developed Vetting (DV) shortly after joining. You can find out more about vetting on our website or on Gov.uk.

Colour Blindness
Candidates invited to the assessment centre will be asked to undertake a colour blindness test, since distinguishing between different colours of electrical wire will be a critical part of your role.

IMPORTANT: For further information on these roles and the assessment and interview dates, please download the Candidate Information Pack x 2 and Role Profile highlighted below.

FCDO Services are regulated by the Civil Service Commission.