Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship 2027

MI5; Manchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Season ticket loan

On-site facilities

Job summary

MI5 in London and the Greater Manchester Area is offering a three-year Software Engineering Apprenticeship designed for curious beginners. You’ll rotate across product teams, work with product owners, business analysts and Agile delivery colleagues, and study for a BSc (Honours) in Digital and Technology Solutions.

Most learning is on site, with supported mentoring and technical training, and you’ll have opportunities to travel to training sites in London and Greater Manchester while you develop

Qualifications

• Aptitude, curiosity and willingness to learn aptitude for technology.
• Requires 96 UCAS points by Sep 2027 and GCSEs in English & Maths (C/4 or higher).
• No Level 4+ qualification in Software Engineering or Computer Science.

Responsibilities

• Rotate across product teams to gain diverse exposure to projects.
• Collaborate with product owners, business analysts and Agile delivery colleagues.
• Engage in rotations across different teams to apply new skills on meaningful projects.
• Support development of AI capabilities and software operations in a national security context.
• Balance study with practical experience, progressing toward a BSc (Honours) Degree.
• Join inductions and ongoing mentoring, with on-site learning and limited remote study.

Skills

Aptitude

Curiosity

Willingness to learn

Interest in technology

Education

96 UCAS points by Sep 2027

GCSE English & Maths at grade C/4+

No Level 4+ qualification in Software Engineering/CS

Job description

Location: London or Greater Manchester Area

Salary: London: £28,556 to £31,154 (depending on organisation); Greater Manchester: £29,081

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.

The Role

Curious about programming or problem-solving, but think you need previous experience to explore a career in technology? On our Software Engineering Apprenticeship, we don’t expect you to be an expert. In fact, you don’t need any previous technical experience to apply.

• 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.
• You’ll have our support as you work towards a BSc (Honours) 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.

What We Are Looking For

• You don’t need previous technical experience or qualifications to apply.
• We’re looking for aptitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn, together with a genuine interest in technology, programming or problem-solving.
• 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.

Rewards and Benefits

• In addition to the dedicated training and development package, you’ll receive a starting salary of £26,199 to £28,066, depending on location.
• 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.

Diversity and Inclusion

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.

At MI5 and MI6 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: people with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking, as well as those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including people from groups that are under‑represented in our workforce, such as women, those from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and those from low socio‑economic backgrounds. Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity and inclusion on our websites.