Cyber Insights Summer School Ref. 2702

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Technology Roles
Virtual and Classroom based (Cheltenham from mid July until early August 2023)
Fixed Term Contract
3 months
Full Time
£300 per week (plus funded shared accommodation for the Cheltenham ‘in person’ element)

About Us

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.

The Role
                
GCHQ is providing you with an opportunity to enhance your cyber skills by attending our Cyber Insights Summer School. You’ll have an opportunity to see how your passion for technology could help protect the UK by gaining exposure into how GCHQ uses cutting edge technologies. During the Summer School, you’ll develop a wide range of skills relating to cyber security – both offensive and defensive. You’ll benefit from a unique and exciting opportunity to gain knowledge, understanding and an insight into the work of a world leading team within GCHQ.

You’ll be part of a close-knit cohort, with access to a comprehensive training and development package that includes:

•    support from world-class cyber experts delivering interactive lectures, workshops,  and practical learning through application
•    individual and group real-time exercises in a supportive learning environment
•    organised social activities
•    help to develop your skills in programming and computer networking which will support your STEM degree studies

You’ll benefit from a salary of £300 per week for the duration of the Summer School, and free accommodation which we’ll provide for you while you learn during the ‘in person’ period in Cheltenham – the location is just a few minutes from our training centre. You’ll have your own ensuite room, with shared kitchen facilities. Travel expenses to support your attendance - at the start and end of the Summer School only - are available.  

The Cyber Insights Summer School represents one of the many things that GCHQ are doing to increase diversity within our organisation. Individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds and those who identify as female are currently under-represented in our teams. We’d therefore like to encourage people from these backgrounds who might not necessarily see GCHQ as a potential employer, to join us for our 10 week Summer School and see what life with us is really like.

About You

This opportunity is open to people from an ethnic minority background, or those identifying as female (from any background).

You’ll have a basic understanding of a programming language (Python, C, JavaScript, or similar) - for example you may have coded a simple programme in the past. You’ll also be able to tell us about your interest in cyber-focused areas such as on-line security or networking.

You’ll be graduating between summers 2024-2027 and on track for a minimum 2:2 STEM degree, a joint honours degree that includes a STEM subject, or a post-graduate degree in a STEM subject.

Our 10-week Summer School will take place from Monday 3rd July – Friday 8th September 2023, so you’ll need to be able to commit to this whole period. The in-person classroom based element in Cheltenham will take place between 10th July - 4th August 2023.

Training and Development

At GCHQ we’re proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment. As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we’re committed to helping you succeed.  During our 10-week programme, you’ll develop your skills in programming, computer networking, and cyber security, to help support your future career aspirations. 

The Cyber Insights Summer School will give you a unique opportunity to gain an insight into our ways of working and you will gain skills and experience through coaching and mentoring from our training partners and our subject matter experts. During the summer school, a pastoral care officer is available to support you throughout your time with us, more than just helping you to settle in.

On completion of the Summer School, you may want to consider applying to some of our other programmes, such as an 11-week summer placement in 2024, an Industry year placement, or even join us in full-time employment through one of our open campaigns. Availability of these opportunities will depend on where you are in relation to completing your degree. 

Equal Opportunities

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. Individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds and those who identify as female are currently under-represented in our teams. We’d therefore like to encourage people from these backgrounds who might not necessarily see GCHQ as a potential employer, to join us for our 10 week Summer School and see what life with us is really like.

https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/life-at-gchq/diversity-inclusion

We’re Disability Confident

GCHQ are proud to have achieved Leader status within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme. This is aimed at encouraging employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people. Being Disability Confident, we aim to ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview where practicable; this is known as ‘Offer of an Interview’.

To secure an interview for this vacancy, the minimum criteria (in order of application process) are:

•    You’ll be graduating between the summers 2024 – 2027 and on track for a minimum 2:2 STEM degree, a joint honours degree that includes a STEM subject, or a post graduate degree in a STEM subject  

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage, in order:
•    Application Form Sift
•    Virtual Interview

Please note, you must successfully pass each stage of the process to progress to the next. Your application may take around 6 - 9 months to process including vetting, so we advise you to continue any current employment until you have received your final job offer.

Before You Apply

To work at GCHQ, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. You can read our full eligibility criteria here.

This role requires security clearance. It’s something everyone in the UK Intelligence Community undertakes. You can find out more about the vetting process here.

Please note we have a strict drugs policy, so once you start your application, you can’t take any recreational drugs and you’ll need to declare your previous drug usage at the relevant stage.

Please note, you should only launch your application from within the UK. If you are based overseas, you should wait until you visit the UK to launch an application. Applying from outside the UK will impact on our ability to progress your application. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member.
 
Right to Withdraw Statement

Please be aware that we withhold the right to bring forward the closing date for this role from the original closing date once a certain number of applications have been received. Please be mindful of this and submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

This Program / Vacancy is closed to applications.