DE&S Digital and Data Software Degree Apprenticeship Scheme

Location: MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol, BS34 8JH
(office attendance required)
Duration: Four years
Start Date: September 2026
Salary: £25,200 (with annual increments)

Entry Requirements: GCSE English and Maths and relevant level 3 STEM qualifications.

Working Pattern: Full-time

Join Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) to support the UK Armed Forces by delivering cutting‑edge equipment and technology. This four‑year programme offers hands‑on experience as you complete several work‑based training placements whilst completing the BSc in Digital Technology Solutions in preparation for Digital & Data roles within current and future defence programmes. You’ll work in a hugely collaborative environment to ensure that DE&S continues to deliver the very best equipment to the front line.

• Part time completion of your BSc with a local academic training provider.
• Learn about Information Technology (IT) & Digital Operations.
• Digitally & Data focused placements across delivery teams.
• Apply your apprenticeship learning on implementing and maintaining digital services and projects, contributing to critical defence digital capability delivery.

• Salary of £25,200 with annual increments.
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and an extra privilege day).
• Employer pension contribution of 28.97%.
• Flexible working options and access to on‑site facilities.
• Professional training and funding for qualifications.
• Access to employee networks promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Huge range of discounts.

• UK residency for the last 5 years.
• Security Check (SC) clearance required.
• Right to work in the UK (DE&S does not sponsor visas).
• Must not hold existing higher-level qualifications in the same or a similar subject.
• Must no longer be in full-time education by the start of the scheme.

• GCSE English language and Maths at a minimum grade 4.
• Three full A Levels at grade C or above to include Maths and a Science, or 96 UCAS points from STEM subjects.
• Pass at online assessment stage.

Final‑year students can apply with official predicted grades; all qualifications must be evidenced by end of August 2026. (Equivalent level qualifications to GCSEs in the required subject and grades will also be considered).

As a Disability Confident level 3 leader, DE&S is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and offer reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. We run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria and offer them an interview or assessment centre opportunity.

Have a question or request for a reasonable adjustment? Email us at deshr‑etcoe‑

Apply now to start your career and make a difference for the UK Armed Forces!