Manufacturing unique products. Building custom one-offs. Thinking up solutions to practical engineering problems. It’s all happening in our workshops, where we make a wide range of products: everything from window frames for an 18th Century embassy to bespoke security door hinges at a brand-new government site. Join as an Apprentice Metal Workshop Technician, and you’ll enjoy a blend of hands-on experience and specialist training, learning the tools of the trade from the very best. Succeed, and you’ll come away with an Engineering Technician Advanced Apprenticeship qualification – as well as the chance to bag a full-time role in the team.

But who 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?
Throughout your programme, you’ll roll up your sleeves and develop your practical skills by working closely with the multi-disciplined Production team. It’s a flexible and collaborative approach: you might also join other workshops for a while (Electronic, Wood, Locks, Quality Assurance) to get stuck in, help out and gain a well-rounded understanding of how we build unique products at FCDO Services.

At the same time, you’ll focus on developing your own expertise, taking on specialist machine-specific training, and growing your technical skills. It’ll see you learn everything from traditional welding and sandblasting to more modern CNC laser cutting and engraving. It’s also about looking ahead: keeping an eye on the latest technologies and helping to research and develop potential future products or services.

In short, no matter if you’re a school-leaver, career-changer, or simply interested in metalwork, you’ll build your skills, have exceptional 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 manual dexterity
• Be genuinely interested in metalwork/mechanical engineering

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.

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.