Uptree

Placement details

Overview

Location: Manchester

Please note that the location of this opportunity is confidential and will be confirmed directly if you are successful. The address shown above is for illustrative purposes only. 

There is the possibility of flexible working. The apprenticeship has a set timetable for academic modules with fixed leave periods and offers a mix of in-person and remote learning or working.

Start Date: Autumn 2026

Application Criteria: 

• You need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality
• You’ll need to have or expect to have by September 2026: 72 UCAS points, along with GCSE grade 4/C or above in English language and maths, or equivalent functional skills Level 2
• You should not have completed or undertaken a Level 4 qualification or higher in a Software Engineering subject such as Computer Science prior to commencing the apprenticeship
• You do not need to have any previous technical experience - the most important qualities they look for are aptitude and the potential to learn
• You will need to be 17+ in order to apply, if successful, you’ll not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday

Key Skills: 

• Interest in programming, problem-solving, or technology 

Application deadine: to be confirmed - we advise applying as soon as possible!

How to apply: click 'Apply' at the top of this page! Make sure to select Uptree as your 'application source' when applying!

 

About the Software Engineering Apprenticeship

Technology is at the core of MI5 and MI6, enabling them to counter serious threats to UK national security. They're seeking passionate individuals eager to learn and grow their skills in a supportive environment. Over three years, you’ll engage in exciting, practical work, helping to build and maintain some of the world’s most sophisticated electronic equipment, while being supported as you work towards a BSc Honours Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions (software engineering pathway). As a vital part of a team that ensures the UK Government can operate in cyberspace with confidence and stay ahead of the pace demanded by the evolving digital world, you’ll be contributing to the safety and security of the nation.

Working as a Software Engineering Apprentice, you’ll rotate through various product teams, working with product owners, business analysts, and agile delivery colleagues. This gives you a unique look into the intelligence agencies’ work and a chance to apply your new skills. You’ll team up with colleagues to build technology that helps catch criminals, expand our tech capabilities, and improve national security efforts.

As your work constantly evolves, there will be opportunities to learn and work with some of the most advanced technology. Developing a broad range of skills, including teamwork, communication, and leadership, is a key part of the role.  They use modern approaches and cloud technologies such as AWS and Azure. Our tech stacks vary between products (Java, C#, React.js, Oracle, Mongo, Elastic Search, and Hadoop), but don’t worry if these are new to you. There is plenty of support from our experienced engineers, along with certifications, training, and the degree programme to help you along the way. Additionally, there are opportunities to participate in technology events, develop soft skills, and collaborate with fellow apprentices.

 

About the UK’s Intelligence Agencies

The UK Intelligence Agencies, MI5, MI6 and GCHQ, work together to keep the country safe. Their highly trained staff use cutting edge techniques to uncover and stop plans to harm our people, buildings and computer systems, both in the UK and around the world.

Whilst all three Agencies have the same mission, each Agency has a different set of tools they can use and each one focuses on a slightly different area. MI5 stops threats from inside the UK, MI6 protects our people overseas and GCHQ looks after our Cyber security. It’s incredibly important work, although most people will never know what they do.

You can find out more about the UK's Intelligence Agencies by visiting their Company Profile page.

 

Next Steps

Click ‘Apply’ at the top of this page! Make sure to select Uptree as your 'application source' when applying!