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.
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
Our apprenticeship programmes are now closed, but it is never too early to start thinking about doing an apprenticeship with us. There is lots of information on this page about what is on offer and we will update further when we go live again. 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.
Higher apprenticeship, working towards a BSc degree in Building Surveying
A 78 month programme – 60 months for the degree element plus 18 months for the end point assessment
Starting salary package £28,082 (including location allowance) with a potential yearly increase of base salary, depending on performance
Potential salary package upon qualification £40,510 (including location allowance)
Competitive Civil Service pension scheme, fully funded qualification, 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
Opportunities for overseas travel
What will I do?
Balancing practical, hands-on work in the UK and at locations around the world with stimulating academic study, you’ll enjoy the support and encouragement of your experienced colleagues in our Building Surveying and Quantity Surveying teams. As you grow your knowledge and develop your skills, you’ll be given more responsibility, quickly learning how we keep complex projects on track and on budget.
As well as understanding how your own role helps the group achieve its objectives, you’ll also gain broad knowledge of the work of FCDO Services. And you’ll assist team leaders and other colleagues in the production of everything from accurate designs and drawings to technical documentation, surveys and reports.
It all adds up to an apprenticeship packed with variety, impact and unforgettable experiences. It’s also a chance to experience different cultures and building standards as you help provide the most cost effective and sustainable approach to delivering projects of vital importance to the security of our nation.
What do I need?
This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:
Have a minimum of five GCSEs (or their equivalent) including Maths and English at grades 9-4 (A*-C)
A Level BBB or BTEC National Diploma DDM or access to a HE qualification with 24 Distinctions 21 Merits or equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 128 UCAS points
Have excellent IT skills and familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite of software
Be a confident communicator with good team-working and collaborative skills
Possess confident written and verbal communication skills
Have a keen interest in design and construction and be ready to deliver at pace in a fast-moving environment
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 obtain Security Check (SC) clearance before your start date
This programme has now closed.
Level 4 apprenticeship, working towards a HNC in Design and Construction Management
Potential for yearly increase of base salary, depending on performance
24 -36 months programme (plus End Point Assessment), with a potential full-time role at the end
Competitive Civil Service pension scheme, fully funded qualification, 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
Opportunities for overseas travel
What will I do?
When you join us on this apprenticeship, you’ll combine academic learning and practical work, and be immersed in the Secure Construction Design team and learn from industry professionals who value your input and opinion.
Our construction projects are varied and can take us all over the world – wherever and whenever our customers need us. Whatever the project, your input and ideas will be valued from the moment you arrive. And the talented industry professionals you’ll work with will support your learning on everything from how to use drawing software such as AutoCAD and REVIT, to how to navigate specification software like NBS. As well as helping you develop stakeholder engagement and management skills.
This is an apprenticeship filled with variety and value. You’ll be supported through your learning and empowered to achieve the highest possible grade, setting you up for success once you’ve completed the programme, whether you decide to pursue a role with us or further training. What’s more, you’ll get the chance to travel to parts of the world you might never have imagined visiting, doing work that makes a difference and helps support the security of our government customers.
What do I need?
This apprenticeship is open to everyone, but you must:
Have a minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent e.g. O levels) including Maths and English at grades 9-4 (A*-C)
Have an A Level DD, BTEC National Diploma PPP or, Access to HE Diploma with 21 Merits or a Level 3 Apprenticeship in a related subject
Have a genuine interest in construction and the built environment
Be organised and methodical
Be reliable, responsive, easy to work with and able to build relationships
Be a British citizen who’s lived in the UK for the last three years before the first day of your apprenticeship, and for at least five of the last ten years
Be at least 16 years old by 1 July 2024 so you can obtain Security Check (SC) clearance before your start date
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
Competitive salary
Debt-free paid qualifications
In-house training facilities
Possibility of global travel
Civil Service pension
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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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.
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?
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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#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
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.
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.
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.
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.
