Lead a project to update vital IT security features, around the globe. Ensure infrastructure migrations go to plan, from start to finish. Deliver new desktop applications, on time and budget. Have the kind of impact that’s rare to find anywhere else. It’s all in store for you as an Associate Project Management (IT) Apprentice at FCDO Services, where you’ll work towards an APM Project Management Qualification or International Project Management Association (IPMA) Level D 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?
Based at Hanslope Park, you’ll complete off-site classroom training and exams as part of your Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship. There’ll be extra training in Prince2 and Agile Project Management, as well as a range of core Civil Service competencies. And alongside, you’ll complete a series of work placements that build your understanding of IT project delivery. So, while you’re building advanced skills in the classroom, you’ll be doing real work in the field, helping us to deliver a range of secure IT projects around the world.

Becoming fully immersed in our Technical and Operations Group, you’ll work as part of our Project Delivery teams. Working alongside experienced project managers, you’ll work on live projects to develop the advanced skills and experience you need to succeed in this field. As well as absorbing knowledge from larger projects, you’ll take on responsibility for delivering smaller projects, always with the support of your colleagues.

Like all our apprenticeships, this opportunity is designed to nurture your talents, give you well-rounded experience and help you grow. You’ll find out what it means to be an Associate Project Manager in IT at FCDO Services. And you’ll come away with
an APM Project Management Qualification or International Project Management Association (IPMA) Level D. 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 five GCSEs (or equivalent e.g. O levels) at grade 9-4 (A*-C) including English and Maths
• Have a minimum of 48 UCAS points or equivalent
• Have good communication skills, numeracy and IT literacy
• Have a genuine interest in project management in the IT environment
• Have the ability to plan, lead and communicate
• Be organised with a creative, intuitive approach to problem solving
• 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 to know, 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. To find out more about what kind of projects you could be working on, explore these links: https://www.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/case-studies/the-tech-overhaul-programme/
https://www.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/career-areas/project-delivery/
https://www.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/our-people/project-management/

FCDO Services are regulated by the Civil Service Commission.

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