Transform data into tangible results. Explore new software capabilities. Use technology to achieve a competitive advantage. Discover an organisation with global reach. As an Apprentice in Data Science at FCDO Services, you’ll do it all while working towards a Level 6 BSc (Hons) degree and a meaningful career.

Whether you’re a school-leaver or looking for a career change, you’ll apply your inquisitive mind and keen interest in data science to real-world projects. One thing’s for sure – 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 support us in keeping UK government information as secure as possible. This isn’t just work shadowing. You’ll contribute to genuine projects, and use technology, software tools, and your own curiosity to identify and deliver impactful, accurate results.

It’s varied and interesting work with real purpose. We secure a huge amount of highly sensitive information, and we need to ensure it stays protected. Combining work and study, you’ll gain practical experience within our data science community – all while receiving no end of support with your learning. Whether you’re processing data, spotting anomalies, liaising with stakeholders or developing and testing software systems, you’ll apply your own intellectual curiosity to everything you do.

From the outset, you’ll be placed within one of three teams on a rotational basis. That means you’ll be exposed to a wealth of different areas of our business, ranging from Cyber Security to Finance. You’ll see how we use data, and as your confidence grows, identify opportunities where you can improve our ways of working. So it’s an apprenticeship with real impact. By the end, you’ll be a Level 6 Data Scientist with plenty of real-world experience, and a recognised authority in your specialism.

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 at grades 9-4 (A*-C)
• Have a minimum of three A Levels at grade A*-C worth a minimum of 96 UCAS points and including one STEM subject; or a relevant Level 3 qualification
• Be genuinely passionate about data and data science, and have the drive to work within a data science community
• The motivation to develop experience building data pipelines at scale, using a range of tools and technologies
• The ambition and commitment to make constant improvements through innovation and industry best practice
• Be proactive, 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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