Data ScienceTechnology
Data Science Apprenticeship Ref. 3865
MI5
Location
London
Salary
£28,556 to £31,154 (London); £29,081 (Central Manchester)
Duration
3 years
Hours per week
36h
Positions available
1
Level
Level 6 – Degree
Start date
1 August 2027
Vacancy reference
3865
Minimum grades
GCSE English Language and Maths grade 4/C or above; 120 UCAS tariff points from Level 3 qualifications
Disability Confident
✓ Yes
About the role
As a Data Science Apprentice, you'll spend three years developing models and systems to help counter serious threats to UK national security. You'll rotate through different teams, taking on everything from engineering projects and emerging technologies to building models and tackling live problems. You'll learn to turn data into meaningful action by understanding stakeholders' needs, uncovering insights and communicating the story behind the numbers to support better decisions. You'll work a 36-hour week, with 20% of your time set aside for study. You'll learn from experienced data scientists, artificial intelligence specialists, and machine learning professionals while applying your developing skills to real problems.
Requirements
You must have achieved, or be expected to achieve by August 2027, 120 UCAS tariff points from Level 3 qualifications, along with GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent). You must not have completed, or be due to complete before starting the apprenticeship, a Level 4 qualification (or higher) in Data Science, AI, Computer Science, or a related field. You must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. This role requires the highest security clearance (Developed Vetting). You must not take any recreational drugs once you start your application.
Working week
36-hour week, with 20% of your time set aside for study. Flexible working with flexible start and finish times where business needs allow. Much of your learning and working will be conducted in person, although some remote learning opportunities may be available depending on your project and team requirements. You'll spend time working with colleagues across the organisation, which means some travel between offices in Central Manchester and London.
Skills
Data modellingMachine learningPython programmingSQLData engineeringCloud technologiesElasticsearchProblem-solvingCommunicationTeamworkLeadershipCritical thinkingAI ethics
Required qualifications
Essential
GCSE · English Language · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · Maths · Grade 4
Essential
Level 3 qualifications · Any · Grade 120 UCAS tariff points
Training & development
Throughout your journey, you'll receive technical training, mentoring, and job-shadowing opportunities. Academic modules are delivered through a blend of in-person and virtual lectures, following a structured timetable with designated leave periods throughout the year. You'll develop expertise in AI and machine learning, cloud technologies, Python programming, data engineering, SQL, databases, and Elasticsearch. Alongside your technical development, you'll also strengthen a broad range of professional skills, including teamwork, communication, leadership, and delivering at pace. Your development will be guided by the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework (GDDPCF).
Additional training
The apprenticeship combines university-accredited classroom learning with practical workplace experience. You'll benefit from job rotation across different teams, exposure to emerging technologies, and real-world problem-solving opportunities. You'll be supported by experienced colleagues throughout your journey with mentoring and job-shadowing opportunities.
Future prospects
On successful completion of the apprenticeship, our intention is to offer a permanent position with MI5 or MI6, subject to meeting the required academic and behavioural standards, organisational requirements at the time, and maintaining the necessary security clearances. You'll progress through assessed, skills-based pay points as your skills and experience grow.
Company benefits
25 days of annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays. Opportunities to be recognised through the employee performance scheme. Personal learning budget (MI5 only). Interest-free season ticket loan. Excellent pension scheme. Facilities such as a subsidised gym, restaurant, and on-site coffee bars (at some locations). Paid parental and adoption leave. Interest-free loan via benevolent fund available to assist with relocating into privately rented accommodation.
Things to consider
This role is based in London and Central Manchester, so you'll need to live within a commutable distance. Your application may take around 6 to 9 months to process, including vetting. You must successfully pass each stage of the recruitment process to progress to the next. You are required to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. This role requires the highest security clearance (Developed Vetting). You must not take any recreational drugs once you start your application and must declare previous drug use at the relevant stage. Consider setting up a separate email address for contact with MI5 to manage your application more securely. You should only launch your application from within the UK.
About MI5
MI5 is part of the UK's Intelligence Services. We work together to safeguard the UK's people, interests, and businesses from various threats at home, overseas and online, including cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime. We're committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that allows everyone to thrive, with a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
Website
www.mi5.gov.ukIf this one works out
This role is in London. If you'd be moving for it, a room in a shared house there typically runs £900–£1,400 a month.