Cyber Practitioner Development Programme

Cyber Practitioner Development Programme

Location: Samlesbury, with college-based elements in Lancashire.

Salary: £27,161 (includes £2,658 concessionary payment).

There is potential for promotion at the end of the 18‑month training period which will increase the salary to £36,408 (includes £2,658 concessionary payment). Additional skills payments are also possible after the initial 18 months training. These payments start at £4,513 and are subject to periodic review and renewal.

Flexible working: Full‑time attendance required for the first 18 months, after which opportunities for part‑time, job sharing, compressed hours and other flexible working patterns would be considered.

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. Working with our intelligence partners, MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber‑attacks and espionage. At GCHQ, you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.

Our Cyber Practitioner Development Programme combines dedicated classroom learning with unique on‑the‑job experience. It’s designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you’ll need to thrive in one of our tech teams, delivering pioneering solutions and supporting our cyber mission. That means you don’t need any experience or a background in tech to join. You’ll bring your curiosity and genuine interest in technology to GCHQ and unlock a fascinating, impactful career, no matter whether you’re at the start of yours or looking for a new challenge.

Over the course of 18 months, you’ll complete training modules that involve a mix of seminars, lectures, lab sessions, real‑world simulations and group projects. You’ll learn new cyber skills, grow in confidence and gain practical experience alongside a cohort who share your passion. And when you’re not studying, you’ll rotate between tech teams at our Samlesbury location and put your new knowledge into action.

You might be disrupting an adversary’s ability to communicate with their contacts or preventing the internet from being used as a platform for major crime. It’s varied, impactful work and you’ll make real contributions. You’ll learn from more experienced colleagues, share new insights and explore our specialist tools and technology. Whether you’re using programming languages, undertaking security and vulnerability research or developing infrastructure solutions, everything you do will help develop pioneering end‑to‑end solutions that support our mission.

At the end of the programme, you’ll join a dedicated team and put everything you’ve learned into action having built the foundations of a truly rewarding career with GCHQ.

To apply, you’ll need a minimum of maths and English language GCSEs at Grade C/4 (or equivalent qualifications). However, if you don’t, please don’t deselect yourself as we’ll still consider applications from those with higher qualifications (e.g. A Levels or a degree), provided you can demonstrate equivalent maths and English skills as part of your studies.

You’ll also have a basic or working knowledge of Linux or Windows operating systems. Collaborative, organised and able to prioritise tasks, you’ll adapt to changing environments and be comfortable working with others.

Upon joining, you’ll be assigned a mentor and a buddy to help you settle in. You’ll also receive ongoing support once you’ve completed the 18 months training, including funding for relevant and required external training. Subject to periodic review and renewal, you’ll also have opportunities to apply for specialist skills payments that reflect your abilities.

Ours is an open, inclusive workplace where you’ll find a range of sport, interest and social clubs as well as a number of growing affinity groups including ethnic minority and gender equality networks, wellbeing, mental health, neurodiversity and disability…