Keep people and projects connected, from Belgrade to Bangkok. Upgrade an embassy’s entire voice and data infrastructure. Ensure systems stay secure in unstable environments, where circumstances can change in a heartbeat. Have the kind of impact that’s rare to find anywhere else. It’s all in store for you as a Broadcast & Communications Engineering Apprentice at FCDO Services, where you’ll work towards a BEng (Hons) degree in Broadcast and Communications Engineering, and become a fully qualified professional.

Whether you’re just starting out, returning to work after a career break, or looking to change careers, you’ll find our apprenticeships are packed full of real-world impact and unforgettable experiences. Put another way: your future just got bigger.

Let’s introduce ourselves

We are FCDO Services, and our work is as varied and vital as it gets. A trusted government partner for over 75 years, we provide a range of secure services to help support diplomacy, international development and defence for UK government departments at home and abroad. We operate in over 250 destinations, across 168 countries. We design and construct secure government buildings. We help earthquake-proof embassies. We courier diplomatic packages over land, sea and air. We keep complex projects on track, and on budget. We store visa applications securely in the Cloud. And a whole lot more besides.

So what will you do?
You’ll help us to keep government communications running smoothly and securely, wherever the location and whatever the weather. How? By learning how to design reliable and secure communications systems that ensure our customers can keep talking, especially when they need to the most.

You’ll launch straight into academic study, attending university on a block-release basis. At the same time, you’ll work on live projects, alongside our professional engineers, installation technicians and project managers based out of Hanslope Park. You’ll learn how to design radio, satellite, audio/visual and network infrastructure systems for embassies, government buildings and more. You’ll absorb how to inspect existing systems, design upgrades and rewires. And you’ll even help develop new products that allow people to stay better connected than ever before. You’ll also have the chance to visit different locations around the world to help make communication systems secure in unpredictable or remote locations. No two days are ever the same. No two projects are ever alike. So, this isn’t sitting on the side lines. It’s real work and real responsibility.

So you see, this is an apprenticeship with real impact. You’ll gain vital on-the-job experience as you learn what it means to be a Broadcast & Communications Engineer at FCDO Services, alongside academic learning and the support to help you grow. You’ll come away with a BEng (Hons) degree and achieve your IET membership. It’s why we think it’s fair to say: join us, and your future will get a whole lot 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 (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
• 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 passionate about innovation and developing new ideas
• Be willing to travel overseas as part of your apprenticeship
• Be reliable, responsive, easy to work with and able to build relationships

Please note: if you already have a qualification at the same (or a higher level) in a similar discipline, 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. If your qualification is in a different field, then you are eligible to apply.


Vetting
Because of the secure nature of what we do for our government-level customers, all our employees have to be security cleared before joining us. That’s why, if you’re successful in your application, you’ll need to go through a vetting process. This role will require you to undergo Security Check (SC) clearance before joining, and Developed Vetting (DV) shortly after joining. It’s important information so make sure you read the details before applying. You can find out more about vetting on our careers site or by visiting: www.gov.uk/guidance/united-kingdom-security-vetting-applicant

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 Employers for Carers. And it’s how you know you’re joining an inspiring, inclusive organisation.

Step into our Virtual Embassy
Want to take a closer look at what we do? Our Virtual Embassy will give you lots of different insights about our world, and the impact you could have here. To get exploring, visit: https://virtual-embassy.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/

What kind of work could you do?
There’s nothing more inspiring than knowing you’ll make a real difference. So, why not learn how we helped our customers upgrade their communications with digital radio in the capital of Cameroon? For the full story, head over to: https://www.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/case-studies/radio-systems-upgrade-for-yaoundes-high-commission/


FCDO Services are regulated by the Civil Service Commission

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK FOR FULL DETAILS AND TIMETABLE