Uptree

Placement details

Overview

Location: Lancashire (Please note that the location shown below is for illustrative purposes only. The location will be shared if you are successful in your application). 

The summer school is classroom-based training in Lancashire. Receipted travel cost requests to support your attendance will be refunded for travel to the summer school, and at the end of your time with us. (up to £200). You will also receive a weekly attendance payment of £300 per week. 

Start Date: Monday 29th June to Friday 4th September 2026

Application Criteria: 

• To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you will nonetheless be considered.
• You’ll need to be studying a STEM subject, or a joint honours degree that includes a STEM subject, at university, and be graduating between the summers 2027 to 2030.
• This is a 10-week summer school and will take place from Monday 29th June to Friday 4th September 2026. You’ll need to be able to commit to this whole period.

Key Skills: 

• You’ll have a basic understanding of a programming language (Python, C, JavaScript, or similar) - for example you may have coded a simple programme in the past. You’ll also be able to tell them about your interest in cyber-focused areas such as on-line security or networking.

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

GCHQ is providing you with an opportunity to enhance your cyber skills by attending their Cyber Insights Summer School. You’ll have an opportunity to see how your passion for technology could help protect the UK by gaining exposure into how GCHQ uses cutting edge technologies.

During the Summer School, you’ll develop a wide range of skills relating to cyber security – both offensive and defensive. You’ll learn through structured teaching with extensive hands-on practical experience and experimentation, growing and developing your knowledge in Network Fundamentals, Malware Analysis, Pen Testing, Ethical Hacking and Forensics. And you’ll benefit from a unique and exciting opportunity to gain knowledge, understanding and an insight into the work of a world-leading team within GCHQ.

You’ll be part of a close-knit cohort, with access to a comprehensive training and development package that includes:

• support from world-class cyber experts delivering interactive lectures, workshops, and practical learning through application
• individual and group real-time exercises in a supportive learning environment
• organised social activities
• help to develop your skills in programming and computer networking which will support your STEM degree studies

You’ll benefit from a payment of £300 per week for the duration of the summer school, and free accommodation which we’ll provide while you learn at a Lancashire location. You’ll have your own ensuite room, with shared kitchen facilities. Travel expenses to support your attendance - at the start and end of the summer school only - are available. 

 

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!