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TechTrack

TechTrack is the Government’s latest digital upskilling apprenticeship programme

A unique opportunity to join the Government Digital and Data community leading digital transformation.

We are on a mission to build our digital skills at scale as part of an overarching strategy to transform public services and deliver world-class technology. This could be your opportunity to join one of the largest employers of digital and data people in the UK.

If you are considering a career in digital, the TechTrack apprenticeship programme is a unique opportunity to join the growing Government Digital and Data community of experts leading digital transformation in government.

The TechTrack programme currently offers uniquely tailored apprenticeships into four highly sought after roles.

  • Business Analyst
  • Software Developer
  • DevOps Engineer
  • Cyber Security Technologist (Risk)

Please see the details below for each of the roles and the planned cohort application dates.

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The TechTrack apprenticeship:

  • is a Level 4 advanced apprenticeship, starting at Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
  • is tailored to accelerate expertise as well as AI skills, and prepare individuals for leadership roles
  • will take between 18 months to two years to complete depending on which role you apply for
  • is open to both existing civil servants and external applicants
  • is managed in partnership with highly experienced and accredited apprenticeship providers, with successful track records, using industry experts to teach content.

Find out more about the Central Digital and Data Office who lead the programme.

Whilst completing the TechTrack apprenticeship you will:

  • train for the workplace through immediately applicable learning
  • earn a salary and get the same rights as employees, including sick leave and holiday pay 
  • spend at least six of your working hours each week training or studying 
  • undertake ongoing assessments, including an end-point assessment
  • get the opportunity to work on leading edge digital solutions and projects that can help and even change the lives of uk citizens.
Image shows two people behind a glass wall working with post-it notes

What you’ll get whilst completing the apprenticeship:

  • you’ll get 1:1 coaching and learn through a variety of contexts, working on the job as well as joining workshops
  • you’ll receive ongoing support from highly experienced and passionate colleagues
  • you’ll be able to experiment with solving new problems and refinement of the solution, and training you eye for detail
  • you’ll be fascinated by new technologies in your field and motivated to learn them
  • you’ll join a culture that enjoys sharing knowledge, and continuous development.

Considering a career change?

If you’ve always thought you’d like to work in a digital role, one of the TechTrack up-skilling opportunities could be for you

You might be an existing civil servant seeking a new career path or want to gain specific qualifications to support your tech career journey. Or you might be interested in joining the Civil Service for the first time (or even returning!)

These advanced level 4 apprenticeship roles start at Higher Executive Officer (HEO) level. HEOs work across the full range of policy and corporate service areas. They make important contributions toward decision-making, working in a supportive team structure under relevant team leaders. HEOs can also hold responsibility for specialised pieces of work within a programme or project. You can check out the Civil Service HEO behaviours and success profiles here.

Please note, if you are an existing civil servant and not quite at HEO level but feel you have the right skills and experience, please do apply. If you are currently at Senior Executive Officer (SEO) level or above, you can still apply, however please check the terms and conditions of the job offer when applications open. There is more information on these points in our FAQs link below.

Business Analyst

Applications for the first cohort are closed. Register to find out when applications open again later in 2025.

Eighteen month apprenticeship programme and is developed and delivered in partnership with BPP.

As a TechTrack Apprentice Business Analyst you will work with others to develop your skills and help teams to:

  • analyse and understand a business problem or opportunity.
  • undertake research and analysis to understand how a business or business area works, considering the people, organisation, processes, data and development and testing of services.
  • make decisions related to prioritisation and minimum viable product by using analysis led insights.
  • gain knowledge, skills and experience throughout, including the value of Business Analysis in enabling business improvement, conducting internal and external environmental analysis.

Find out what a business analyst in government does and the skills you need to do the job at each level.

David George, Apprentice Business Analyst at the Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency.

David was an existing civil servant at the DVSA but wanted more opportunity to progress his career and to train in the digital profession.

Software Developer

Future cohorts are planned for later in 2025. Register below to find out when applications open.

Two year apprenticeship programme and is developed and delivered in partnership with Makers Academy.

Logo for Makers Academy

As a TechTrack Apprentice Software Developer you will design, run and improve software that meets user needs. In this role, you will:

  • be responsible for writing clean, secure code following a test-driven approach.
  • create code that is open by default and easy for others to reuse.
  • design, code, test, correct and document simple programs or scripts.
  • learn about the latest emerging technologies.
  • gain knowledge, skills and experience throughout the apprenticeship including all stages of the software development life-cycle and software development methodologies.

Find out what a software developer in government does and the skills you need to do the job at each level.

Dale Bellamy, Apprentice Software Developer at the Home Office

Dale is currently an apprentice Software Developer at the Home Office who joined the Civil Service from a career in the private sector. 

DevOps Engineer

Future cohorts are planned for later in 2025. Register below to find out when applications open.

Two year apprenticeship programme and is developed and delivered in partnership with Makers Academy.

Logo for Makers Academy

As a TechTrack Apprentice DevOps Engineer you will support the development and operation of software through tools, environments and practices. In this role, you will:

  • be responsible for underpinning good development processes including managing tools, testing environments and helping fix faults.
  • maintain development standards and write software that automates systems.
  • assist as part of a team in the design of components of larger systems.
  • gain knowledge, skills and experience including the business value of DevOps, how to use data ethically and the importance of continual improvement.

Find out what a development operations (DevOps) engineer in government does and the skills you need to do the job at each level.

Jo Everest, Digital Apprentice and Head of Cyber Governance, Risk and Assurance at the Department of Business and Trade .

Jo chose an apprenticeship as a way to completely change her career in the Civil Service..

Cyber Security Technologist

Applications in planning to open in mid 2025

Eighteen month apprenticeship programme and is developed and delivered in partnership with estio.

Logo for Estio, a company that provides apprenticeships

As a TechTrack Apprentice Cyber Security Technologist (Risk Analysis) you will focus on risk assessment, analysis and work with experienced Risk Analysts to learn how to:

  • apply an understanding of cyber security to protect organisations, systems information, personal data and people from attacks and unauthorised access.
  • build an understanding of security concepts and technology and how to mitigate risks arising from threats.
  • gain knowledge, skills and experience throughout the apprenticeship including cyber security concepts and why this matters to business and society, the main types of common attack techniques, ethical principles and good practice.

Find out what a Cyber Security Technologist (Risk Analysis) in government does, and the skills you need to do the job at each level.

Sidra Ali, Cyber Security Technologist (Risk) at the Department for Education.

Sidra joined the civil service as an apprentice from sixth form college so she could learn a skill and get a qualification whilst earning a salary.

Your Apprenticeship Journey

Selection: 
- Explore the opportunities
- Apply in minutes
- Selection
Up to 2 months

On-boarding:
- Enrolment
- Orientation
- Meet your coaches
Up to 1 month

Bootcamp:
- 16 weeks immersive training
- Hands -on projects
- Continuous support
16 weeks

Placement:
- Real work experience
- Professional development
- Track your progress
min 12 months

Assessment:
- Final assessments
- Senior Executive Officer assessment
Up to 6 months

Virtual information sessions for TechTrack applicants

We will be holding regular insight and Q&A sessions for candidates applying for the Business Analyst apprenticeship over the next few weeks. You can register to attend one of these here. Spaces are not limited.

Meet our digital community working across Government

We are a community of experts leading and digital transformation in government. Together, we are a powerful force creating more efficient services that have a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Still have a question? Visit Frequently Asked Questions

You can find the answers to specific questions about the TechTrack Level 4 apprenticeships, recommended qualifications and experience as well as eligibility criteria on our FAQ page here.

Visit the Government Digital and Data hub

Register your interest for TechTrack roles

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