Main content
Less is more, except when it comes to an apprenticeship. Because you don’t just want a job. You want career-defining moments. Real-world impact. And unforgettable experiences.

Your future just got bigger

Join us as an apprentice and you’ll open up many different paths and possibilities. You could help global government projects stay on track and on budget. Keep visa applications secure in the Cloud. Ensure diplomatic packages cross continents and arrive in the right hands. Help build a secure embassy in a remote corner of the world. Or help the UK’s diplomatic network shrink their carbon footprint, across the globe. Whether you’re returning to work, changing jobs or just starting out – this isn’t just an apprenticeship – it’s a chance to do work that means more, in a place where everyone feels welcome. This is FCDO Services. Your future just got bigger.

Applications for 2024 now closed

This page will be updated in the coming weeks with two new programmes that are available this year. Keep an eye out for updates.

Who are FCDO Services?

We’re a trusted government organisation with over 75 years’ experience of providing secure services to UK government departments and our global overseas partners. Our work helps support UK diplomacy, defence and development opportunities across the globe. Operating in over 250 destinations, across 168 countries, our work includes construction projects, digital and cloud solutions, logistics services, counter-eavesdropping, translation, and more, all delivered with high-level security at its heart. To find out more about how we help protect our customers’ physical assets, data and people visit our About us page. Or you can visit our corporate site here.

Our 2024 programmes

Where will our apprenticeships take you? Most of our programmes are based at our Hanslope park site (near Milton Keynes) with its fantastic onsite facilities. Some of our programmes will even give you the chance to travel all over the world. Getting to Hanslope Park is easy – even without a car: just take advantage of our free hourly shuttle between the Park and central Milton Keynes. And if your role involves hybrid working, you can base yourself elsewhere on certain days. That’s the locations covered.
  • Level 3 Engineering Technician apprenticeship, working towards a professional qualification
  • 39-month programme leading to a potential full-time role
  • Starting salary package £24,550 (including location allowance) with a potential yearly increase of base salary, depending on performance
  • Potential salary package upon qualification £31,336 (including location allowance)
  • Pension scheme, fully-funded qualification and 25 days’ annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
  • Opportunity for overseas travel

What will I do?

You’ll work on fascinating projects that keep people safe. Such as installing state-of-the-art CCTV systems or advanced intruder detection equipment in an embassy. Preventing or detecting potential eavesdropping attacks. Or helping to design a new generation of security products.

Along the way, you’ll have exceptional training and learn from an experienced team. Your three years will begin with a full-time course at a local college, where you’ll work on everything from health and safety to maths to electrical and electronic engineering.

During college breaks, you’ll return to Hanslope Park to build up your practical skills. Once you’ve finished your college course in year one, you’ll spend the next 2.5 years really getting get to grips with the practical side of your role, helping us deliver projects in the UK – and possibly overseas too. You’ll be a real and valued part of the team, learning from experts who’ll help you build up essential skills as you work towards professional status and begin to carve out your career.

What do I need?

This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

  • Have a minimum of four GCSEs (or equivalent e.g. O levels) grade 9-4 (A*-C) including Maths, English and Science, or a technical-based subject such as Engineering or Product Design
  • Be able to use the Microsoft Office suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
  • Be genuinely interested in engineering and technology
  • Ideally, be familiar with of using tools such as drills and saws
  • Be interested in overseas travel
  • 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 2024), and for at least five of the last ten years
  • Be at least 16 years old by 1 July 2024 so you can complete Security Check (SC) clearance before your start date

This programme is open this year, visit Apprenticeship Programmes to find out more.

  • Level 3 apprenticeship, working towards a Level 3 Information Communications Technician apprenticeship qualification
  • Up to 22-month programme leading to a potential full-time role
  • Starting salary package £24,550 (including location allowance) with a potential yearly increase of base salary, depending on performance
  • Potential salary package upon qualification £31,336 (including location allowance)
  • Pension scheme, fully-funded qualification and 25 days’ annual leave, plus Bank Holidays

What will I do?

You’ll work with ground-breaking technology helping to keep government-level customers’ data safe

After settling in, you’ll balance work with study, enjoying top-quality training covering everything from the fundamentals of networking to the principles of Cloud-based services.

Alongside your studies, you’ll work on live projects. Starting with small technical issues, you’ll learn the basics and gradually build up your skills as you work with a variety of Technology and Operations teams,

You’ll learn things like: configuration management, fault diagnosis, patch and vulnerability management, and how to protect systems from cyber attacks.

As your skills grow, you’ll get involved in more complex work, experiencing for yourself how we deliver secure IT and mobile solutions for our government-level customers.

What do I need?

This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

  • Have a minimum of two GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9-4 (A*-C) in Maths and English
  • Have good attention to detail
  • Have a genuine interest in computing and technology
  • 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 2024), and for at least five of the last ten years
  • Be at least 16 years old by 1 July 2024 so you can complete Security Check (SC) clearance before your start date

This programme is open this year, visit Apprenticeship Programmes to find out more.

  • Level 2 apprenticeship, working towards a Level 2 as a Supply Chain Warehouse operative apprenticeship
  • 15-month programme leading to a potential full-time role
  • Starting salary package £24,550 (including location allowance) with a potential yearly increase of base salary, depending on performance
  • Potential salary package upon qualification £27,560 (including location allowance)
  • Pension scheme, fully-funded qualification and 25 days’ annual leave, plus Bank Holidays

What will I do?

You’ll carry out a wide range of logistics responsibilities. Packing construction supplies for repairs to an embassy overseas. Scanning a delivery of new electrical parts, to make sure it’s safe and secure for government use. Making sure that every project has the vital supplies it needs to run precisely on schedule, no matter where in the world.

You’ll go straight into a role in one of our Logistics teams. We want you to understand the full breadth of the team’s responsibilities and specialisms, so you’ll have the opportunity to work across all our teams. Along the way, you’ll get plenty of support from your colleagues.

You’ll also take on nine structured learning sessions, delivered either onsite or at the training provider’s base. Those modules will reflect the practical work you’re doing within the Logistics team, including everything from Goods In and Picking to Stock Management and Dispatch.

What do I need?

This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

  • Have a minimum of two GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9-4 (A*-C) in Maths and English
  • Have a logical approach to managing your time and work well within a team
  • Be proficient using IT systems efficiently and accurately
  • Be a British citizen who’s lived in the UK for the last five years before the first day of your apprenticeship (aiming to start September 2024), and for at least five of the last ten years
  • Be at least 16 years old by 1 July 2024 so you can complete Security Check (SC) clearance before your start date

This programme is open this year, visit Apprenticeship Programmes to find out more.

  • Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship, working towards a professional qualification
  • 24-month programme leading to a potential full-time role
  • Starting salary package £24,550 (including location allowance) with a potential yearly increase of base salary, depending on performance
  • Potential salary package upon qualification £28,535 (including location allowance)
  • Pension scheme, fully-funded qualification and 25 days’ annual leave, plus Bank Holidays

What will I do?

You’ll learn what it takes to manage and deliver projects that protect our customers’ physical assets, people and data across the world. From rolling out new secure Wi-Fi in government buildings in the most isolated areas of the world to overseeing renovation works and coordinating repairs to flood-damaged embassies in bustling cities – the projects are as varied as they are vital. And packed full of global impact.

With a combination of academic study and practical work over, this apprenticeship will nurture your talents and support you to become a qualified Project Manager. The skills you learn on live projects, including communication and stakeholder management, financial control, effective risk management and project planning, will support the success of your studies. And the modules you cover, from business case, budgets and cost control to project leadership will help you deliver a world-class service to our customers.

What do I need?

This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:

  • Have five GCSEs (or equivalent e.g. O levels) including Maths and English at grades 9-4 (A*-C) and
  • A minimum of 48 UCAS points or equivalent
  • Have great communication skills, numeracy and IT literacy
  • Have a genuine interest in project management in the IT environment
  • Be able to juggle multiple tasks and manage your time
  • Be proactive, collaborative, inquisitive and eager to learn
  • 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 2024), and for at least five of the last ten years
  • Be at least 16 years old by 1 July 2024 so you can complete Security Check (SC) clearance before your start date

This programme is open this year, visit Apprenticeship Programmes to find out more.

“I’ve had the opportunity to visit places I didn’t even know existed.” Technical Engineering Apprentice

Insight from our apprentices

Why did you chose to do an apprenticeship?
Read transcript
What’s the best thing about doing an apprenticeship at FCDO Services?
Read transcript
Can you do an apprenticeship at any age?
Read transcript
Why an apprenticeship with FCDO Services?
Read transcript
Can you make an impact as an apprentice?
Read transcript
What happens after my apprenticeship?
Read transcript
Out of everything FCDO Services offers you, what do you value the most?
Read transcript
How are you supported during your programme?
Read transcript
What’s surprised you most about your experience as an apprentice?
Read transcript
How has your future gotten bigger since joining FCDO Services?
Read transcript
What would you say to a female-identifying student, interested in engineering?
Read transcript
How would you describe FCDO Services in three words?
Read transcript

What makes our apprenticeships bigger?

Our apprenticeship programmes are as varied as the work we do. So, you’ll find plenty of paths to choose from and explore – each designed to set you up for a long-term career. Whether you’re interested in engineering, IT, Project Management or Logistics, there’s an apprenticeship for you at FCDO Services. Explore our programmes

Whichever apprenticeship you take, you’ll be helping us protect the nation – at home and across the world. It’s highly important, highly impactful work. From London to Bangkok, Brussels to Pretoria, you’ll help us provide a range of secure services to government-level customers. And it’s your chance to help safeguard people and assets, around the world.

Apprentices are the future of our business. That’s why we put so much into our programmes. We’ll invest in your training, work with you to build up valuable experience, and put you in teams that will support you and help you learn. Your progression doesn’t end there: take on a role with us once you’ve completed an apprenticeship and you’ll continue to benefit from opportunities and resources to help you develop.

We have an inclusive, friendly and supportive culture. We want our people to feel they belong. From day one, you’ll be treated as part of the team. Whatever your background or experiences, here’s where your skills – and your future – have a home.

As well as funding your qualification, we’ll offer encouragement and support at every step. You’ll get a competitive salary and pension from the start. And we’ll grow your experience across a series of fascinating, live projects. So, you’ll be ready to take on a future role in the business.

Benefits

Stack of coins and bank notes. Illustration.

Competitive salary

Certificate with pound sign in crossed out. Illustraion.

Debt-free paid qualifications

Person in front of a white board with a graph on it. Illustration.

In-house training facilities

Globe illustration with plane across it

Possibility of global travel

stack of coins on blue background with the word Pension on

Civil Service pension

piece of paper with a pen showing a completed form.. Illustration.

Potential full-time job on completion

Helping you feel included and supported

Everyone deserves to enjoy a welcoming, inclusive environment; one that supports them not just as a professional, but as a person. Equality, inclusion, and a focus on your mental and physical wellbeing are all top of our agenda. We’ve designed a wide range of initiatives for you to take advantage of – from discounted fitness classes and gyms to an onsite fresh deli bar, Ofsted-approved nursery and wellbeing rooms around the world. We also host a range of diversity networks to inspire and empower you, alongside regular events to educate and engage everyone who works here. You can learn more about life at FCDO Services here and our commitment to diversity inclusion here.

 

Read our apprentice stories

“Being at FCDO Services is brilliant for me. Being near Milton Keynes, it’s local to home but with the opportunity to travel too. I can be almost on my doorstep, but with a job that has worldwide experiences built in. It means I can stay nearby, but also really build up unique expertise too and keep learning all the time.”

Technical Engineering Apprentice

“I’ve honestly enjoyed every part of my apprenticeship so far, and I truly believe it was the best decision I’ve ever made. The programme has been amazing. It’s structured to best suit each individual and there are objectives to complete on every placement, ensuring you get a well-rounded, comprehensive experience. I truly value the skills and knowledge I’ve gained.”

IT Apprentice

“The structure of our programme is part of what makes it so interesting. In terms of the practical work element, it’s probably split about 50:50 between desk work and going out onto overseas sites for things like feasibility studies. You’re designing; creating drawings, schematics and specifications; and you’re also spending time on the ground in-country.”

Building Services Engineering Apprentice

“As a 20-year-old, I never thought I would have achieved or done as much as I have since starting my apprenticeship. I’ve gained so much experience that I will carry with me throughout my life.”

Technical Engineering Apprentice

“I’m getting a great qualification at the end of the course, as well as highly valuable and respected work experience. After my apprenticeship, there is also the opportunity to progress in this role, or in the future to even change roles into another team.”

Data Analyst Apprentice

“You look at an invoice and it tells you something fascinating about a project at an embassy somewhere. It scales up everything you do; gives it more impact.”

Finance Apprentice

“I’d highly recommend an apprenticeship with FCDO Services. I’ve really valued the diverse and inclusive work environment and found that everyone is down-to-earth. Working in the Civil Service also gives you great career and progression prospects.”

Associate Project Manager (IT) Apprentice

“I think for me, a degree apprenticeship like this one, balancing degree-level studies and real experience, was always the best option. I’m getting all these qualifications, doing interesting work, and I’m getting paid for it, so it was definitely a win-win.”

Project Management Apprentice

“Five years of working here has taught me a lot, and I genuinely can’t imagine a career anywhere else. But if you do want to explore different paths within FCDO Services, there’s so much opportunity – and support – to find the role that’s perfect for you.”

Former Technical Engineering Apprentice

“Thanks to the structure of the apprenticeship, I can dip my toe in lots of different IT areas, rather than focusing on just the one. It gives me a well-rounded picture of where I could take my future career.”

IT Apprentice

“I was a childminder while my own kids were small. Now that they’re a bit older, this seemed like a great way to start a new career, in a place where I’d have plenty of support and flexibility.”

Former IT Apprentice

Vetting – what you need to know

The security of the UK relies on the work we do. Because of that, we need to put strict security measures in place to make sure everyone who joins us is honest, reliable and trustworthy. So, if your application is successful, we’ll ask that you undergo an independently-run process called ‘vetting’ so that you can gain security clearance. The process checks details like your background, family, employment history, where you’ve lived, any criminal convictions and your financial status. It’s designed to be as inclusive as possible, regardless of your background or circumstances: ultimately, we want to understand you as an individual and identify any potential risks upfront. What’s more, any information we gather will always be done sensitively, respectfully and, of course, confidentially.

 

What to expect along the way

Scroll to read on

We want all our apprentices to succeed here, moving into permanent roles wherever possible. We have many programmes and possible paths your apprenticeship could take you but here’s a snapshot of one of our former Technical Engineering apprentices experiences of life on and after her apprenticeship:

Learning the ropes

“They really want you to learn here. We had space to play around with new systems, to get to know how they work. You’re there to take in and understand as much as you can, so that you can be valuable in the long-term.”

Becoming a professional

“During my programme, I spent some time manufacturing alarm system panels. I knew what I was making wasn’t just for fun – it would be boxed, deployed, and installed at an overseas government site. It’s practical and hands-on.”

Help to find a permanent role

“Immediately after my programme, I became an installation engineer. I was travelling the world on overseas trips for 4-6 weeks, installing security systems. I even progressed to become leader of the team.”

Hitting new heights

“From being team leader, I went on to an overseas posting for five years in Kenya. With a mixture of technical maintenance support and project management, I had responsibility for servicing ten different embassies in East Africa.”

How can you make the most of an apprenticeship? Check out these words of wisdom from FCDO Services apprentices. Read now

True or False?

Test what you know about apprenticeships and learn a thing or two about us along the way. Ready to bust a few myths?

Question mark
1 of 8

#1

Apprentices get given all the tasks no-one else wants to do

That’s false! When you’re not studying, you’ll enjoy real responsibilities with the teams you join. You’ll be treated as an equal and trusted with important work, building up the skills you need in your career with hands-on training and experience.

false
Question mark
2 of 8

#2

Apprenticeships are just as valuable as going to university

That’s true! In the same time, or less, as studying for a degree, you’ll come away with invaluable on-the-job experience, training and relevant qualifications that get your career off to a flying start – all without the student debt.

true
Question mark
3 of 8

#3

Apprentices aren’t paid well

That’s false! Our apprentices are paid competitively. Depending on your programme, your apprentice salary package could be between £22,750 – £26,775, rising to £26,100 – £38,500 when you qualify.

false
Question mark
4 of 8

#4

There’s only one kind of person who works in the Civil Service

That’s false! We’re proud to be a diverse organisation; our people come from all backgrounds and walks of life. But we also recognise that there’s still progress to be made, and we’re doing everything we can to make this a truly inclusive place for all.

false
Question mark
5 of 8

#5

Apprentices have a say in where they want to take their career

That’s true! You’ll get involved in all kinds of work throughout your programme, giving you the chance to discover what really interests you and where you want to take your career. You’re in control.

true
Question mark
6 of 8

#6

Apprentices experience first-hand how we protect the UK’s interests

That’s true! We run counter-eavesdropping operations. Renovate centuries-old embassies. Design custom, one-off products. Deliver secure government packages. Build and install security systems. And our apprentices get to learn first-hand how we provide these vital services.

true
Question mark
7 of 8

#7

Apprenticeships aren’t just for school-leavers and young people

That’s true! Our apprenticeships are for anyone, at any stage in life. We have apprentices from school-leavers to parents returning to work to career-changers looking for a fresh challenge.

true
Question mark
8 of 8

#8

Apprenticeships don’t lead anywhere

That’s false! Most of our apprentices join us on a permanent basis. That said, even if you don’t continue your career with us, you’ll be equipped with the skills, qualifications and knowledge you need in your chosen industry.

false
Question mark

Apprenticeships have been at the heart of FCDO Services for decades read more here

 

Explore our work

Our work is fascinating – but it can be hard to explain the sheer variety of what we do. Recently, our teams have designed and fitted a brand new British embassy in Bangkok. Repaired storm damage to buildings in the British Dependency of Tristan da Cuhna. And improved IT connectively in Islamabad. As an apprentice, you could be working on anything that keeps the UK’s interests safe, at home and abroad – from construction to digital innovation, couriering packages to designing security features, translation to counter-eavesdropping. To get a further taste of our work, why not read some of our case studies – and who knows, maybe one day your story will feature here too.

Welcome to the virtual embassy

Ready to see the work you might do as an apprentice? Enter the Virtual Embassy and select the guide ‘Apprentices – All programmes’, to see the kinds of work apprentices do here. It’s not programme-specific, so you’ll learn a little about every apprenticeship – giving you a sense of where you fit in.

Information for parents and teachers

Funded qualifications. A competitive salary. A great pension. All the benefits of a Civil Service career. And the chance to help protect the UK’s interests, around the world. If you know someone who’s looking for more from their career, this will make their future bigger.

Helpful tips

For your application

Ready to find out what makes a great application? We’ve gathered together some top tips from our recruitment team, and some excellent advice from our apprentices. You can also find out more about the process.

Download our brochure

Our Brochure brings together lots of handy information click on the links below to download your copy.