Language Talent Programme - Mandarin Ref. 3263

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 6,000 - 7,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is offering an exciting 11-week paid internship in London, focusing on language skills and cultural knowledge. Interns will engage in analyzing and translating materials, collaborating with teams to provide valuable insights. This role promises a unique opportunity to develop language proficiency while contributing to national security efforts. With comprehensive training and support, candidates will thrive in a diverse and inclusive environment, paving the way for potential permanent positions. Join a community of language enthusiasts and make a real impact!

Benefits

5.5 days of annual leave

Access to subsidised gym

On-site coffee bars

Restaurant access

Qualifications

• Adaptable and motivated individuals with strong language skills.
• Willingness to learn new technical skills complementing language abilities.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, transcribe, and translate audio and written materials.
• Collaborate with customers and partners to provide context for operations.

Skills

Mandarin Language Proficiency

Cultural Understanding

Analytical Skills

Education

2:2 degree or above in Mandarin

Tools

Language Analysis Tools

Job description

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Language Talent Programme - Mandarin Ref. 3263, London

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Client:

GCHQ

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

beee6ef0df97

Job Views:

11

Posted:

29.04.2025

Expiry Date:

13.06.2025

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Job Description:

Department Languages Location(s) Cheltenham, London Salary £6,193 - £6,908 for the 11-week internship Job description

Flexible working: This is a full-time role, and you will be based in the office for the duration of the Language Talent Programme.

About Us

GCHQ and MI5 are part of the UK’s Intelligence Services. We work together to safeguard Britain’s people, interests and businesses from various threats at home, overseas, and online, including cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime. Working across our vital missions, you’ll deliver impact at the heart of national security, all within a supportive and inclusive environment that allows everyone to thrive.

The Role

In this exciting 11-week paid placement, you’ll use your language skills and cultural knowledge to make a real impact on our operations. Day to day, you’ll develop your understanding of language as you analyse, transcribe, and translate audio and written materials. Some of these materials may be technical or specialised in nature, giving you a chance to master new skills in a unique field, but it doesn’t stop there.

Here, your influence goes beyond language. Your cultural understanding will be invaluable as you collaborate closely with customers and partners, providing context for your team. In fact, you may even get the chance to draft Intelligence reports and conduct research using a variety of tools during your time with us. Equipped with specialist tools, you’ll uncover valuable insights that you’ll then present back to your team. Your work will be unique, varied and far from average. Importantly, you’ll be surrounded by colleagues who share your passion for languages, and you’ll get the opportunity to use your language skills and make an impact.

We have limited spaces in London and Cheltenham, so we’d encourage you to be open and flexible with your application.

About You

We welcome applications if you have, or expect to obtain, a 2:2 degree or above in Mandarin, you’ll either be in the final year of your degree or have graduated in Summer 2021 or later. Whatever your background, you’ll be adaptable, motivated and collaborative, always keen to use your language skills and learn new things. You don’t need a technical background for this role, but you must be willing to pick up new skills - especially those that are technical and complement your language abilities.

Training and Development

From day one, we’ll be here to support you. Whether you join GCHQ or MI5, you’ll receive a comprehensive training and development package in both language and analysis, including classroom-based learning and hands-on training, which will enable you to grow your skills and perform to the best of your abilities. Throughout your internship and career, you’ll be supported by trained professionals.

We’re committed to developing our staff, but we know this will look different for everyone. That’s why there’ll be lots of tailored training, coaching and mentoring as we work with you to build the skills you need, enabling you to excel throughout your internship and chosen career. At MI5 and GCHQ, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive working environment that’s designed to encourage open minds and attitudes. We value and nurture talent and are committed to helping you fulfil your potential.

At GCHQ, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a permanent position with us once you’ve completed the programme. If successful in your tests and competency interview, you’ll join our vibrant community as a Language Specialist.

If you do decide to join us as a Language Specialist, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for our Language Career Development Scheme within the first five years of working at GCHQ. This scheme is designed to help you broaden and develop your language skills. In addition to this, you’ll also have the chance to become a member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL) and gain recognised professional linguist qualifications.

At MI5, you’ll have a personal mentor who will introduce you to the organisation, and a language mentor who will enhance your language skills. This mentor will tailor practice materials to your needs to prepare you for your language test. Plus, as one of the government’s leading employers of linguists, when you join us, you’ll become part of a vibrant network of language enthusiasts who share your love of language.

Like GCHQ, you’ll also have the opportunity to apply for a permanent MI5 position at the end of your placement. As a permanent member of our team, you’ll be provided with regular language lessons so you can maintain and develop your skills and become part of a thriving linguist community.

Please note, the MI5 roles are based in London, and the GCHQ roles are based in Cheltenham.

Rewards and Benefits

At GCHQ you’ll receive a starting salary of £6,193. Applicants who pass the end-of-programme graduate-entry language tests and assessment centre, and who are made and accept an offer of employment at our agency, will receive a starting salary in excess of £34,663.

At MI5 you’ll receive a starting salary of £6,908. Applicants who pass the end-of-programme graduate-entry language tests and assessment centre, and who are made and accept an offer of employment at our agency, will receive a starting salary of £37,281.

On the 11 – week Internship you’ll receive a salary of £6,193 - £6,908 dependent on the organisation, plus other benefits including:

5.5 days of annual leave during the internship.

Access to a subsidised gym, restaurant, and on-site coffee bars in the Cheltenham office.

Equal Opportunities

At GCHQ and MI5 diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.