Interested in engineering for the built environment? Intrigued by the possibility of working on governmental building projects with the aim of protecting the UK’s best interests, here and overseas? This could be the apprenticeship for you. You’ll be part of a multi-disciplinary team, working alongside experienced civil, structural and physical security engineers, as well as quantity surveyors, architects, project managers and interior designers on a varied portfolio of projects. From initial stages of scheme designs for a new embassy compound in Mogadishu, Somalia to a detailed analysis of the capacity of an existing floor slab in Manila, Philippines. And along the way, you’ll develop a wealth of skills while working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (BEng) and Incorporated Chartership with the Institute of Civil Engineers (IEng).

Whether you’re a school-leaver, returning to work after a career break or just looking for a career change, this apprenticeship is a unique opportunity to combine technically challenging work with adventure, as you visit places you wouldn’t normally go to. It’ll be packed full of real-world impact and unforgettable experiences. That’s why we think it’s safe to say: 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?
Over the course of the programme, you’ll split your time between one day of study per week and four days’ working alongside your team on live projects. Day-to-day, you could be doing anything from preparing design calculations and drawings for high commissions, to completing technical reports and reviewing construction progress on a brand-new embassy. This could be as large-scale as helping to design a new perimeter boundary wall or a smaller project advising on the reconfiguration of the internal layout of an office. Everything you do will be to ensure the safety and security of our government-level clients around the world.

What will you learn? Other than the incredible theory you’ll dive into, you’ll be exposed to the practical world of civil and structural engineering. Everything from how to design new structures and civil works (walls, drainage, roads), to gaining understanding of seismic engineering and the construction process. What’s more, you’ll boost your communications skills and learn what it takes to be part of a cohesive team taking a project from start to finish.

It's an apprenticeship packed with variety, impact and unforgettable experiences. And after five years, you’ll have an appreciation and in-depth understanding for design and construction techniques on buildings all over the world. And you’ll have built knowledge and skills that will be recognised and valued no matter where you go. All while enjoying the benefits of a career in Civil Service. And with a professional qualification and extensive real-world experience under your belt, you could even apply for a permanent role with us. Whatever you decide to do afterwards, it’s fair to say, 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) including Maths and English at grades 9-4 (A*- C)
• Have a minimum of three A levels at grades BBC (or higher) worth a minimum of 112 UCAS points and including Maths and preferably either Chemistry or Physics; or a BTEC National Diploma DDM; or Access to Engineering qualifications with 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits including Maths and Physical Science credit; or equivalent Level 3 qualifications worth 128 UCAS points, Level 3 qualification must include Maths and Physics or you must have completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship as a Civil Engineering Technician
• Have a genuine interest in the built environment
• Have great problem-solving and interpersonal skills
• Be willing to travel around the UK and 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) clearance 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/

FCDO Services are regulated by the Civil Service Commission.

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