{"id":562,"date":"2026-01-13T23:49:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T23:49:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coderseditor.com\/itjobs\/?post_type=job_listing&p=562"},"modified":"2026-01-13T23:49:22","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T23:49:22","slug":"cyber-practitioner-development-programme-gchq","status":"publish","type":"job_listing","link":"https:\/\/coderseditor.com\/itjobs\/job\/cyber-practitioner-development-programme-gchq\/","title":{"rendered":"Cyber Practitioner Development Programme – GCHQ"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Location:<\/strong> Samlesbury, with college-based elements in Lancashire.<\/p>\n

Salary:<\/strong> \u00a327,161 (includes \u00a32,658 concessionary payment). There is potential for promotion at the end of the 18 month training period which will increase the salary to \u00a336,408 (includes \u00a32,658 concessionary payment). Additional skills payments are also possible after the initial 18 months\u2019 training. These payments start at \u00a34,513 and are subject to periodic review and renewal.<\/p>\n

Flexible working:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

About us<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.<\/p>\n

Some of our roles are based in the National Cyber Force (NCF). This is a partnership between Defence and Intelligence. The NCF operates in and through cyberspace to counter, disrupt, degrade and contest those who would do harm to the UK and our Allies.<\/p>\n

The role<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is an 18-month development programme that combines dedicated classroom learning with on-the-job experience at our Samlesbury location, which leads to a role within the organisation. You\u2019ll complete mandatory training modules (plus one of your choice) at a Lancashire academic institute, delivered in four-week blocks. This will include lectures, seminars and self-study, plus supervised lab sessions, real-world simulations and group projects. With our support and your drive to learn, you\u2019ll develop the skills required to support our cyber teams and gain practical experience that prepares you for a fascinating, impactful career with GCHQ.<\/p>\n

When you\u2019re not studying, you\u2019ll immerse yourself in our friendly, collaborative work environment as you complete rotations across our different technical teams before you move into a dedicated team after 18 months. You\u2019ll be surrounded by colleagues keen to share their knowledge and hear your contributions as you apply what you\u2019ve learned to real projects.<\/p>\n

You might be exploring our specialist tools and technologies, including Docker, cloud services, mobile applications and programming languages such as TypeScript, Python, React and Go. Or, you\u2019ll be developing existing and future infrastructure solutions, undertaking security and vulnerability research, or conducting Computer Network Operations. In short, your work will be varied and have real operational impact; from disrupting an adversary\u2019s ability to communicate with their contacts to preventing the internet from being used as a platform for crime, you\u2019ll help develop pioneering end-to-end solutions that support our mission.<\/p>\n

Training for the Cyber Practitioner Development Programme begins in January 2027.<\/p>\n

About you<\/strong><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll need to have an interest in technology although you don\u2019t need a technical background or any previous experience working in tech or cyber to apply, as we\u2019ll teach you everything you need to know.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll need GCSE Maths and English Language at Grade C\/4 or above (or equivalent). However, if you don\u2019t, please don\u2019t deselect yourself as we\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n

You will also have a basic or working knowledge of Linux or Windows operating systems.<\/p>\n

You might\u2019ve had exposure to end-to-end products in a previous role or simply indulged your passion for IT in your spare time. It doesn\u2019t matter what stage of your career you\u2019re at, the important thing is that you\u2019re curious, committed and motivated to develop new skills and knowledge. Organised and able to prioritise tasks, you\u2019ll adapt to changing environments as you\u2019ll be completing multiple rotations and different learning modules across 18 months.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also be collaborative and a confident communicator, as you\u2019ll be working alongside colleagues across various teams. As your skills develop, you\u2019ll relay technical information to others and might also work with partners from external industry or with other security agencies.<\/p>\n

Training and development<\/strong><\/p>\n

Upon joining, your initial training will be mostly college-based with job exposure via projects within your teams. Once you\u2019ve entered the department, you\u2019ll join a team and be given projects to continue developing your skills. You\u2019ll also receive mentoring from more experienced staff and be assigned a \u2018buddy\u2019 who\u2019ll be on-hand to answer any questions you have as you settle into life at GCHQ.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve completed the 18 months\u2019 initial training, we\u2019ll continue to support your learning with funding for relevant and required external training. Subject to periodic review and renewal, you\u2019ll also have opportunities to apply for specialist skills payments that reflect your abilities.<\/p>\n

Rewards and benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll receive a starting salary of \u00a327,161 plus other benefits including:<\/p>\n