Average read time: 5 mins
Applications open: 26 January 2026
What is the DE&S Protective Security Adviser Apprenticeship?
Join the DE&S Security Profession in a vital role that helps protect our people, information, assets, and capabilities. This apprenticeship scheme offers hands-on experience and the opportunity to work towards a Level 4 qualification. As a Security Apprentice, you will play an active part in identifying vulnerabilities, understanding threats, and supporting the delivery of protective security measures across a diverse organisation. This scheme develops the foundational skills needed to contribute to a “converged security” approach, integrating personnel, physical, technical and cyber security in line with the Government Security Framework. You will gain hands‑on experience, professional development, and the opportunity to learn from security specialists working across Defence to ensure that critical activities remain safe, secure and resilient.
What you’ll get
£23,280 (with annual increments)
Starting salary
How long for
24-26
Months
Where you’ll be
Bristol
MOD Abbey Wood
What you’ll need
- Five full GCSEs at grades 4-9 including English Language and Mathematics and two A Levels at minimum grade C
- Pass at online assessment stage
Final-year students can apply with official predicted grades; all qualifications must be evidenced by end of August 2026. (Equivalent level qualifications to GCSEs in the required subject and grades will also be considered).
What you’ll do
During this apprenticeship, you’ll rotate across a variety of Security Profession teams, developing practical experience in personnel, physical and cyber security.
You will:
- support the identification of threats and vulnerabilities
- help assess security risks
- contribute to developing proportionate mitigations that protect Defence people, assets, and information.
Working with internal and external partners, you will:
- assist in producing security briefings
- maintain asset and risk registers
- contribute to protective security planning and assurance activity
- gain experience communicating effectively with stakeholders
- support the adoption of protective security best practice across DE&S, building the core capabilities required of a future Protective Security Adviser
Read more about the Apprenticeship Standards.
What our learners say about working for DE&S
“I really enjoy the networking, not only with my cohort but other people in the organisation. There is lots of support around and I have had the opportunity to work on some exciting projects.”
Charlotte, Engineering Apprentice
Developing tomorrow’s talent, today.
Course frequently asked questions
Yes. Should you require support with the application process you can contact our Entry Talent team at deshr-etcoe-recruitment@mod.gov.uk
DE&S is currently operating a Smarter Working Policy, where hybrid working may be available depending on your placement/project.
However, we cannot specifically advise in advance of you joining the organisation. It could mean being situated in office three times a week, or twice a month. We strongly encourage face-to-face collaboration to network with your peers and gain further experience.
You will be able to discuss your daily working hours with your Delivery Manager on starting.
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer a place to those who do not meet the entry requirements for the scheme.
Please contact our Entry Talent team at deshr-etcoe-recruitment@mod.gov.uk
