Department:
Cyber Location(s):
Lancashire Salary:
£25,856, with promotion opportunities at 18 months, increasing to £34,663 after interview and assessment Flexible working:
Not available during the 18-month programme, which requires an on-site presence at the training provider’s location or at Samlesbury. After completing the programme, compressed or part-time hours will be available. About Us: GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. The Role: On our new Cyber Specialist Development Programme, you’ll receive all the training, support, and experience needed to launch a rewarding career in cyber security. You don’t need any previous tech experience or formal STEM qualifications to join this programme. This programme will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to join our Computer Network Exploitation (CNE) team. You’ll undertake a dedicated 18-month development programme, based at a designated place of study in Lancashire and funded by GCHQ. You’ll engage in activities reflective of CNE work, giving you practical experience and preparing you for the role. You’ll also grow in confidence as you see how your aptitude for technology and learning makes a real impact on our daily work. By the end of the course, you’ll have earned a Certificate of Higher Education, equivalent to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree, or a Postgraduate Certificate if you already have a degree. After completing the 18-month programme, you’ll be part of a group at the front line of our mission to protect the UK from harm. Within the team, there are two key roles: operators and developers. Training for the Cyber Specialist Development Programme begins in January 2026. Minimum Requirements: You’re required to have two GCSEs/O-Levels at grade 4/C or above in Maths and English Language. Alternatively, you’ll need an equivalent Level 2 qualification, such as an NVQ or Intermediate Apprenticeship in Maths and English Language subjects. We’re looking for someone serious about turning their interest in technology into a career. You have a genuine passion for technology, a curiosity that drives you continuously, and the determination to complete your training and thrive within our team. Training and Development: This is a programme with learning at its heart. Your training and development will be supported and invested in throughout the course. You’ll receive a starting salary of £25,856, plus other benefits including: 25 days of annual leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service. Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme. Interest-free season ticket loan. Cycle to work scheme. At GCHQ, diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce. What to Expect: Our recruitment selection process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage: Initial application:
Provide your basic personal details and complete a number of yes/no questions. Online Tests:
Required to reach the minimum pass mark for the cognitive ability test and an aptitude test. Application Sift:
Assessing the candidates’ responses to the two questions on the application form. Virtual interview:
You must successfully pass each stage of the process to progress to the next. Before You Apply: To work at GCHQ, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. Please note, you should only launch your application from within the UK.
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Cyber Location(s):
Lancashire Salary:
£25,856, with promotion opportunities at 18 months, increasing to £34,663 after interview and assessment Flexible working:
Not available during the 18-month programme, which requires an on-site presence at the training provider’s location or at Samlesbury. After completing the programme, compressed or part-time hours will be available. About Us: GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. The Role: On our new Cyber Specialist Development Programme, you’ll receive all the training, support, and experience needed to launch a rewarding career in cyber security. You don’t need any previous tech experience or formal STEM qualifications to join this programme. This programme will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to join our Computer Network Exploitation (CNE) team. You’ll undertake a dedicated 18-month development programme, based at a designated place of study in Lancashire and funded by GCHQ. You’ll engage in activities reflective of CNE work, giving you practical experience and preparing you for the role. You’ll also grow in confidence as you see how your aptitude for technology and learning makes a real impact on our daily work. By the end of the course, you’ll have earned a Certificate of Higher Education, equivalent to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree, or a Postgraduate Certificate if you already have a degree. After completing the 18-month programme, you’ll be part of a group at the front line of our mission to protect the UK from harm. Within the team, there are two key roles: operators and developers. Training for the Cyber Specialist Development Programme begins in January 2026. Minimum Requirements: You’re required to have two GCSEs/O-Levels at grade 4/C or above in Maths and English Language. Alternatively, you’ll need an equivalent Level 2 qualification, such as an NVQ or Intermediate Apprenticeship in Maths and English Language subjects. We’re looking for someone serious about turning their interest in technology into a career. You have a genuine passion for technology, a curiosity that drives you continuously, and the determination to complete your training and thrive within our team. Training and Development: This is a programme with learning at its heart. Your training and development will be supported and invested in throughout the course. You’ll receive a starting salary of £25,856, plus other benefits including: 25 days of annual leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service. Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme. Interest-free season ticket loan. Cycle to work scheme. At GCHQ, diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce. What to Expect: Our recruitment selection process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage: Initial application:
Provide your basic personal details and complete a number of yes/no questions. Online Tests:
Required to reach the minimum pass mark for the cognitive ability test and an aptitude test. Application Sift:
Assessing the candidates’ responses to the two questions on the application form. Virtual interview:
You must successfully pass each stage of the process to progress to the next. Before You Apply: To work at GCHQ, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. Please note, you should only launch your application from within the UK.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
