GCHQ

We’re the Government Communications Headquarters – GCHQ. We’re a world-leading intelligence, cyber and security agency with a clear purpose – to keep the UK and its citizens safe, at home, overseas, and online. We work against cyber-attacks, terrorism and serious crime.

So, everyone who works here, works towards that goal. But we always do it together, supporting each other every step of the way and learning as we go. We also work closely with our British Intelligence partners, MI5 and MI6. It means you’ll have one of the most interesting careers around.

What are our opportunities?

We offer graduate roles and internships, as well as apprenticeships in software engineering and cyber security. With training and development opportunities for every role, you’ll always be developing new skills while protecting your country.

As a graduate, you can join us in areas including language, analysis, mathematics and cryptography, and project management. We run regular campaigns for technology and engineering roles, including software engineers and cyber operations, as well as many others.

You can also join us for a paid summer internship in languages, cyber security, maths, technology and more. These placements are often advertised in the autumn.

What makes GCHQ different?

Here at GCHQ, you’ll have a unique career with endless possibilities. We work in a collaborative atmosphere, which helps us solve unusual problems in creative ways. In fact, your ideas will push boundaries and keep us a step ahead of ever-evolving threats.

From a variety of employee networks, (LGBTQ+, Women in Tech, ethnic minority and disabled staff), to excellent training and flexible work patterns, we offer a work environment where you can be yourself.

What are we looking for?

In short, ingenuity, attention to detail and a gift for communication and solving problems. However, beyond that, we don’t recruit a particular ‘type’ of person.

Our unique work relies on people with unique perspectives, so we welcome applications from everyone – regardless of age, experience, cultural background or sexual orientation. We’re also a Disability Confident employer, which means we’re committed to ensuring a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants - who meet the minimum criteria for a role - will be offered an interview.

Career development & progression opportunities

Join us, and you’ll find there’s huge scope to develop both personally and professionally. Many of our roles are totally unique and, from day one, you’ll have access to specific training to bring you up to speed. As an established Investor in People (IIP), we not only offer extensive learning and development for your role, but also encourage you to explore new opportunities, supported by appropriate training. That means you can build a long, rewarding and varied career. What’s more, if you have a specific interest or passion that’s related to what we do, we’ll do our best to help you explore it. From a personal development plan, mentors and work placements, to links with academia, industry and professional partners, we’ll give you all the opportunities you need to succeed.