Uptree

Placement details

Location: Samlesbury (Lancashire)

Application Criteria

• Applicants must be British Citizens or dual Nationals (as long as one component is British) 
• GCSE Maths and English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) - they'll still consider applications from those with higher qualifications (e.g. A Levels or a degree), provided you can demonstrate equivalent Maths and English skills as part of your studies. 
• A basic or working knowledge of Linux or Windows operating systems

Key Skills:

• Interest in technology (you don’t need a technical background or any previous experience working in tech or cyber to apply, they'll teach you everything you need to know). 
• Basic or working knowledge of Linux or Windows operating systems.
• Passion for IT in your spare time.
• Curious, committed and motivated to develop new skills and knowledge.
• Organised and able to prioritise tasks, you’ll adapt to changing environments as you’ll be completing multiple rotations and different learning modules across 18 months.
• Collaborative and a confident communicator, as you’ll be working alongside colleagues across various teams.

Application Deadline: Monday 19th January 2026, 23:00. Applications may close earlier if enough applications are received: please apply early! 

How to Apply: Click 'Apply' at the top of this page to find out more!

 

About the opportunity

This is an 18-month development programme that combines dedicated classroom learning with on-the-job experience at their Samlesbury location, which leads to a role within the organisation. You’ll complete mandatory training modules (plus one of your choice) at a Lancashire academic institute, delivered in four-week blocks. This will include lectures, seminars and self-study, plus supervised lab sessions, real-world simulations and group projects. With their support and your drive to learn, you’ll develop the skills required to support their cyber teams and gain practical experience that prepares you for a fascinating, impactful career with GCHQ.

When you’re not studying, you’ll immerse yourself in their friendly, collaborative work environment as you complete rotations across our different technical teams before you move into a dedicated team after 18 months. You’ll be surrounded by colleagues keen to share their knowledge and hear your contributions as you apply what you’ve learned to real projects.

You might be exploring their specialist tools and technologies, including Docker, cloud services, mobile applications and programming languages such as TypeScript, Python, React and Go. Or, you’ll be developing existing and future infrastructure solutions, undertaking security and vulnerability research, or conducting Computer Network Operations. In short, your work will be varied and have real operational impact; from disrupting an adversary’s ability to communicate with their contacts to preventing the internet from being used as a platform for crime, you’ll help develop pioneering end-to-end solutions that support our mission.

Training for the Cyber Practitioner Development Programme begins in January 2027.

 

About GCHQ

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber, and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. They use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity, and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with their intelligence partners, MI5 and MI6, they protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. At GCHQ, you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.

Some of our roles are based in the National Cyber Force (NCF). This is a partnership between Defence and Intelligence. The NCF operates in and through cyberspace to counter, disrupt, degrade and contest those who would do harm to the UK and our Allies.

Next steps
Click 'Apply' at the top of this page!