Software Engineering Apprenticeship

Prospects; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days’ annual leave

Season ticket loan (interest-free)

On-site facilities

Job summary

Prospects is offering a three-year Software Engineering Apprenticeship in the UK, combining academic study with practical rotations across product teams. Most learning takes place on site, enabling you to learn directly from colleagues and gain valuable experience in our working environment.

You’ll earn £28,556 to £31,154 per year, depending on location such as London or Greater Manchester. The programme includes training, mentoring, and opportunities to travel to training sites while you work

Qualifications

• 96 UCAS points by September 2027.
• GCSE English language and Maths at Grade C/4 or above or Functional Skills Level 2.
• Must not have a Level 4 qualification in Software Engineering or related subject.

Responsibilities

• Rotate across product teams to gain practical software engineering experience.
• Learn from product owners, business analysts, and Agile delivery colleagues.
• Complete induction and balance study time with hands-on work.
• Travel to training sites in London and Greater Manchester when required.

Education

96 UCAS points by September 2027

GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above (or Functional Skills Level 2)

No Level 4 qualification in Software Engineering or related subject

Job description

Flexible Working

This apprenticeship combines academic study with practical experience, helping develop your skills throughout the programme. Most learning takes place on site, giving you the opportunity to learn directly from colleagues and gain valuable experience in our working environment.

MI5 and MI6 are part of the UK’s Intelligence Services. We work together to safeguard UK’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.

Curious about technology and looking for a meaningful way to start your career in software engineering? Our Software Engineering Apprenticeship offers the opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive environment, and you don’t need any previous technical experience to apply.

In addition to the dedicated training and development package, you’ll receive a starting salary of £28,556 to £31,154, depending on location, as well as a host of other benefits including

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after five years’ service
• an interest-free season ticket loan
• access to our on-site facilities at some of our sites

We are proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment. Our workplace encourages open-mindedness and respect for different perspectives, creating an environment where everyone can thrive. As organisations committed to providing equitable opportunities, we value and nurture your wellbeing and talent, supporting you to reach your full potential. Additionally, we have a range of thriving staff-led affinity networks that champion awareness of gender, ethnicity, disability, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ communities and more.

You’ll have, or be expecting to obtain, 96 UCAS points by September 2027, plus GCSE English language and Maths at Grade C/4 or above (or the equivalent Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications). You must not have completed, or be due to complete before starting the apprenticeship, a Level 4 qualification (or higher) in Software Engineering or a related subject, such as Computer Science.

You don’t need to have studied software engineering or a related discipline to apply. You might be finishing university or looking for a career change. The most important qualities we look for are aptitude and a drive to learn. However, you’ll need a genuine interest in technology, programming, or problem‑solving.

This three-year apprenticeship is focused on unlocking your potential and growing your skills in a supportive environment. You’ll gain fascinating insights into our software operations through various product teams, collaborating closely with friendly product owners, business analysts, and Agile delivery colleagues. With each rotation, you’ll get unique exposure to our work and apply your new skills to meaningful projects. You’ll help to build technology that makes a real difference to national security outcomes, while expanding innovative AI capabilities that strengthen our effectiveness in this area.

Plus, you’ll have our support as you work towards a BSc (Hons) Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions. It’s a great opportunity to gain unique practical experience, exposure to work you won’t find anywhere else, and a recognised degree qualification.

You’ll combine academic study with practical experience, supported by technical training, mentoring and opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues. Upon joining, you’ll complete an induction alongside fellow apprentices before developing your skills through a series of rotations across different product teams. You’ll have dedicated time for study throughout the programme, enabling you to balance your learning with valuable workplace experience.

Due to the secure nature of our work, most learning and working will take place on site, although there will be limited opportunities for remote study where appropriate. You’ll also have opportunities to travel to our training sites in London and Greater Manchester.