Data Collection Development Programme

Job Details

Data Collection Development Programme

At GCHQ, we unlock the complex world of data and communications to keep the UK and its citizens safe, both in the real world and online. Working closely with our British Intelligence partners in MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from threats including serious organised crime, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. A role in GCHQ means you’ll have varied and fascinating work in a supportive and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork. 

On our 18-month Data Collection Development Programme, you’ll get all the training you need to build a rewarding career with GCHQ. Through a mix of classroom-based and on-the-job learning, you’ll develop the skills you’ll need to use our unique systems and collect vital data that underpins our operations. You’ll train in a specialism, use tools you won’t find anywhere else, and share your findings with analysts working to keep the UK safe.

The development programme covers a variety of areas across our data collection processes and techniques. You’ll join as part of a cohort who share your genuine interest in tech and desire to learn more. For the first 3 months, you’ll do mainly classroom-based training before you’re moved into a team role at your ‘home’ location. Here, you’ll work alongside more experienced colleagues and put your newfound skills into practice.

You’ll be someone who enjoys collaborating, sharing ideas and learning from others, as you’ll be working with analysts, colleagues and teams across our organisation. With your curiosity and ability to take on technical information and put it into practice, you’ll help find new solutions and even identify ways that we can streamline our current processes. Importantly, you won’t be expected to work alone. Whether you’re meeting with your cohort in the classroom or working with other colleagues, you’ll be surrounded by people to go to for help, advice and guidance.

When the first 12 months of the programme, including the 3-month initial training stage, ends, you’ll be invited to apply for a promotion (depending on your progress and subject to an interview and assessment process).

You don’t need to have a technical background or any experience, as we’ll teach you everything you’ll need to know. However, you will have maths and English language at GCSE grade C/4 or above, or an equivalent qualification. Please note that for the first 3 months, you’ll be required to travel to Cheltenham and other locations regularly, often for 2-5 nights at a time. We’ll provide accommodation, transport options and expenses to support you, and will always seek to arrange this training to a timetable that works for both you and us. 

You’ll receive a starting salary of £25,856 as well a host of other benefits including 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years’ service), an interest-free season ticket loan, paid parental and adoption leave, and access to our on-site facilities including a gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars (at some locations). 

We’re committed to helping you fulfil your potential, and ensuring you feel confident bringing your whole self to work. As well as a range of sports and interest clubs you can join, we also have a range of thriving, active affinity networks run by staff that champion awareness around ethnic minority, gender, disability, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ and more. 

At GCHQ diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. 

To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you will nonetheless be considered. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You can apply at the age of 17 years, if successful you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday.

About GCHQ

At GCHQ, we unlock the complex world of data and communications to keep the UK and its citizens safe, both in the real world and online. Working closely with our British Intelligence partners in MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from threats including serious organised crime, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. A role in GCHQ means you’ll have varied and fascinating work in a supportive and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.

Our Maths and Cryptography teams solve an incredible range of interesting problems every day. From evaluating existing theorems, and developing new ones, to using some of Europe’s most powerful computers to contribute to security projects, the work they do is fascinating, rewarding, and impactful. And you could be part of it.

We’re looking for people with mathematical minds to get involved in our work. And we’ve got a few opportunities on offer, depending on what you’re looking for and where you’re at in your degree or career.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.

Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.