Apprenticeships
What parents and teachers need to know
What makes our apprenticeships bigger? Working towards well-respected professional qualifications, while earning a competitive salary and Civil Service pension. Gaining hands-on experience – with the potential of a full-time role that leads to even more career pathways once an apprenticeship is completed. Learning from in-house training that’s focused on the skills you need – not just now, but into the future. All that, in a role where you’ll be doing work that protects the UK’s interests around the world. It all adds up to more. So if you know someone who’s looking for their next challenge, it’s time to help them make their future bigger.
In every corner of the globe, we help keep the UK’s people and assets safe. We build state-of-the-art embassies in a huge range of cities and terrains. We design ultra-secure CCTV systems. We set up servers that store vital government data. We deliver important and sensitive packages across continents. We’re a well-established, highly-respected and trusted government organisation providing a huge range of services to UK and overseas government bodies, including construction, digital solutions, logistics, counter-eavesdropping, translation, and more. That variety is reflected in our apprenticeship programmes: each offers a rewarding long-term career path, as well as skills and experience that will look great on any CV. To find out more, explore our About us page or visit our corporate site here.
Would an apprenticeship suit someone you know? Take a look at the programmes we offer on our main apprenticeship page to find out.
While our apprentices work, they study for academic and professional qualifications that help them stand out in the market.
On top of a competitive salary, we pay our apprentices’ tuition fees and membership fees for enrolment into professional bodies such as the IET. So, no debt (university-related or otherwise).
Surrounded by apprentices and colleagues from all sorts of backgrounds and cultures, they’ll quickly make friends and feel welcome for who they are.
Most of our apprentices gain full-time positions at the end of the course, so there’s no post-school or university job search here.
Some of our apprentices will travel overseas with us, finding a broader global outlook, with our full support.
Our apprentices get stuck into work for government-level customers – so they’ll have something to be proud of, straightaway.
As an employee in the Civil Service they’ll benefit from a good pension, along with a wide package of benefits and holiday entitlement.
Gaining excellent experience and qualifications, there’s no limit to what they could do next – with the chance to climb through our organisation and have global impact.
“I was weighing up my options after my GCSE’s and I felt this path had the most to offer financially and in terms of career progression. An apprenticeship combines training, learning from more experienced colleagues and getting practical experience. It was definitely the right call.”
Business Administration Apprentice
“There are so many opportunities at FCDO Services. My manager puts me in new situations all the time to help grow my confidence. We have regular catch ups and they’re frequently finding me opportunities that are designed to push me to help me achieve my goals. I know that FCDO Services want me to do well. Everyone is so supportive of the decisions I make. Two years ago, I joined with very little confidence but I have grown so much because of the encouragement from everyone I’ve worked with.”
Technical Engineering Apprentice
“An apprenticeship with FCDO Services will normally lead to a full-time job if you complete your programme successfully. And once you complete your apprenticeship, the learning doesn’t stop. There are many future career pathways that become available to you across the organisation – and there are even opportunities to switch discipline. Knowing that career progression is possible here and encouraged is reassuring.”
Logistics Apprentice
“The work we do makes a difference. Knowing that, and actually being able to see the real-world benefits of something you’ve been involved in is really rewarding. I am getting a great qualification at the end of the apprenticeship as well as highly valuable work experience with a respected organisation. A lot of people I speak to across the business are actually ex-apprentices. So I can see the potential career paths that might open up for me in the future.”
Data Analyst Apprentice
“It’s not just about the level of qualifications I’ll get, but the experience and opportunities that I’ll take away from my apprenticeship. It’s going to help me pursue the career I want. It’s been an eye-opening experience and I’ve done things I never would have imagined.”
Logistics Apprentice
Every applicant must be a British Citizen, free to remain and work in the UK. Plus, for the apprenticeships, there are two further residency criteria candidates must meet. Firstly, to satisfy government scheme access rules they must have lived in the UK for the last three years before the first day of the apprenticeship (aiming to start September 2023), and for at least five of the last ten years. Plus, they must meet the requirements for the security vetting level associated with their choice of programme. Find out more about vetting on the apprenticeships’ how to apply page.
Every scheme has its own requirements, which are detailed on our Apprenticeships page. However, most of our apprenticeships require a minimum of two GCSEs or equivalent at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including Maths and English. Unfortunately, we can’t accept an application from someone who already has a qualification at the same level in the same subject as the one we’re offering on their chosen apprenticeship. If the qualification is in a different subject, then they can apply.
Our apprenticeships are all about learning. So, applicants don’t need previous work experience in their chosen field. What we really want to see is genuine passion and a keen interest to learn about this area inside our organisation.
Explore our virtual embassy
Discover what our different teams within FCDO Services do, as you explore our virtual embassy. Explore
Examples of our work
Take a look at our latest case studies to see some of the fascinating projects we’ve undertaken. Read more
What’s life at FCDO Services like?
Read about some of the benefits, learning opportunities, working arrangements and facilities we have on offer. Life here
Our Brochure brings together lots of handy information for applicants and their parent and teachers. Click the button below to view our brochure.