Degree Apprentice - Cyber & Software

Roke; Romsey; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive reward package

Private medical cover

Work-life balance

Health and wellbeing support

Recognition and rewards

Learning and development

Supportive and inclusive culture

Job summary

Roke is seeking a Cyber & Software Degree Apprentice based at Romsey, Hampshire. You’ll split time between hands-on software development, cyber security and network technology while studying towards a degree with Solent University.

Joining our Early Careers Boot Camp, you’ll gain mentors, work on real projects supporting national security, and develop broad technical knowledge with opportunities for chartership.

Qualifications

• A keen interest in computer systems, programming and software applications.
• Interest in communications networks and network protocols.
• Low-level development in C or assembler is beneficial.
• Security analysis and systems security interest.
• Meet entry requirements of the apprenticeship partner (Solent University).
• Proactive communicator who can work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Learn software development, cyber security and network technologies while studying towards your degree.
• Join projects that protect national security and critical systems.
• Receive mentoring from experienced engineers and participate in the Early Careers Boot Camp.
• Build a portfolio of work and develop broad technical knowledge with possible chartership appeal.

Skills

Cyber security

Software development

Networking

Low-level programming

Security analysis

Systems security

Tools

Solent University partnership

Job description

With a heritage spanning more than 70 years, Roke delivers specialist expertise across sensors, communications, cyber, artificial intelligence and machine learning. We transform complex data into actionable insight, helping organisations make smarter decisions and stay ahead of evolving challenges.

United by purpose and driven by innovation, we're on an exciting growth journey. We invest in technology, push technical boundaries, and empower our people to make a meaningful difference through work that protects what matters most.

Shaping the future of digital defence and security. Solving complex, high-stakes challenges with purpose and lasting impact.

Help develop and secure technology that supports critical National Security and Defence missions.

As a Cyber & Software Degree Apprentice, you'll be curious about how software, networks and hardware systems work. You'll learn how to design, build, assess and secure modern systems, developing the skills needed to help protect critical technology and information.

Working alongside experienced engineers, you'll gain hands‑on experience in software development, cyber security and network technologies while studying towards your degree. This apprenticeship provides an excellent platform to launch your career, giving you the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that help keep people safe.

You'll be joining Roke's Global Services Business Unit, working with teams that help customers identify, prioritise and mitigate network weaknesses, protect critical assets and build resilient systems. Our engineers have expertise across operating systems, networking, network protocols, software development, reverse engineering, security research and digital forensics.

Key Requirements

• A keen interest in one or more of the following domains (beneficial but not essential):


• Computer systems, programming and software applications


• Communications networks and network protocols


• Low‑level development in C or assembler


• Security analysis


• Systems security


• Meet any course entry requirements of our apprenticeship partner, Solent University.


• Proactive and an effective communicator.


• Able to work well independently and as part of a team.


• Curious, motivated and driven to find the best solution to a problem.

Previous experience is not required, as training and support will be provided throughout the apprenticeship.

Training and Development

You'll be studying for your degree with our apprenticeship partner, Solent University in Southampton, spending one day per week at university alongside your workplace learning. Find out more about the course: Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship

As an Apprentice Engineer, your initial weeks at Roke will be spent in a dedicated Early Careers Boot Camp designed to equip you with the fundamental skills needed to succeed at Roke.

Following Boot Camp, you'll join a project team, continue your development and start contributing to real challenges that support national security and critical systems. The Early Careers Scheme lasts throughout your degree apprenticeship years and provides plenty of variety, giving you the opportunity to build a portfolio of work that showcases your developing skills and supports your future career aspirations.

You’ll benefit from:

• Support from experienced engineers and mentors.


• A combination of academic learning and hands‑on engineering experience.


• Exposure to a variety of technologies, domains and projects.


• Opportunities to develop broad technical knowledge alongside deeper specialist expertise.


• Support towards professional development, relevant institution membership and future chartership aspirations.

Location

This role is based at our Romsey site in Hampshire: Our Locations & Offices | Roke

We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements, with a minimum of two days per week spent working at your base location, customer site or engineering facility. However, this role is likely to lead to work on projects requiring up to 5 days per week at either Roke or customer sites.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of this position, you'll need to be eligible and willing to achieve BPSS, SC and DV clearance. As a result, you must be a British Citizen, have resided in the UK for the last ten years for DV clearance, and be prepared to declare any travel that involved being outside the UK for more than 28 days during the last five years.

Further information on security clearances can be found on the GOV.UK website.

• Competitive reward package – highly competitive salary, performance-related bonuses, salary reviews and pension scheme.


• Private medical cover – access to private healthcare through Bupa.


• Work-life balance – flexible working through flexi-time and hybrid arrangements, plus 30 days' annual leave with the option to buy or sell additional holiday.


• Health and wellbeing support – flexible benefits including life assurance, a Healthcare Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme and eye care support.


• Recognition and rewards – length of service awards that celebrate and reward your contribution.


• Learning and development – access to LinkedIn Learning courses and our dedicated Roke Academy, supporting continuous learning and career development.


• Supportive and inclusive culture – a range of employee community groups that bring colleagues together, foster meaningful connections and create a genuine sense of belonging.

All benefits are subject to eligibility, terms and conditions.

Application Process

Our recruitment process is people‑focused and does not use AI, reflecting the importance we place on a personal approach. If your initial application is successful, you’ll be invited to a Roke assessment centre, where you can meet members of the team and learn more about life at Roke.

Assessment centres are expected to take place in January 2027.

Roke welcomes applications from neurodiverse candidates and is committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Please contact the Recruitment Team if you would like to discuss any specific requirements.