Security

NAD Group Security Apprenticeship Scheme 2027 (Level 4) – Ministry of Defence | £23,280 Salary | Bristol

Looking to start a career in security while earning a salary and gaining a nationally recognised qualification? The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is recruiting Security Apprentices to join the National Armaments Directorate (NAD Group) in Bristol.

This is an excellent opportunity for school and college leavers who want to develop practical skills in physical, personnel, cyber, and protective security while working on projects that help protect the UK’s national defence.

Location: Bristol, UK (Office-based)
Salary: £23,280 per year (plus annual pay increments)
Employer: Ministry of Defence (MOD)
Programme: Level 4 Security Apprenticeship
Duration: 26–30 Months
Working Pattern: Full-time
Vacancies: 4
Start Date: January 2027
Application Deadline: 27 July 2026 (11:55 PM UK Time)

About the Apprenticeship

The National Armaments Directorate (NAD Group) brings together several Ministry of Defence organisations to strengthen defence capability across the UK.

As a Security Apprentice, you’ll gain hands-on experience while studying towards a Level 4 Protective Security Adviser Apprenticeship. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, helping protect people, information, technology, and defence assets.

From your first day, you’ll contribute to meaningful projects while building valuable skills for a long-term career in government security.

What You’ll Be Doing

During the programme you’ll rotate across specialist security teams and gain practical experience in:

• Personnel security
• Physical security
• Protective security
• Cyber security
• Risk management
• Threat assessment
• Security assurance
• Asset protection
• Security awareness and training
• Stakeholder engagement
• Security planning and reporting

You will also:

• Identify emerging security threats
• Assess vulnerabilities and risks
• Support security investigations
• Help maintain security registers
• Prepare security briefings
• Promote security best practices
• Work with internal and external stakeholders

Apprenticeship Qualification

Successful candidates will complete the Level 4 Protective Security Adviser Apprenticeship, combining classroom learning with practical workplace experience.

Salary and Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• £23,280 starting salary
• Annual salary increments
• Civil Service Pension with 28.97% employer contribution
• 25 days annual leave
• Bank holidays plus one Civil Service privilege day
• Flexible working options
• Funded professional training
• Employee wellbeing support
• Diversity and inclusion networks
• Retail and lifestyle discounts
• Excellent career progression opportunities

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Five GCSEs (Grades 4–9), including:
  • English Language
  • Mathematics
• Two A Levels with a minimum Grade C (or equivalent)

Final-year students may apply using predicted grades provided all qualifications are achieved before the programme begins.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have lived in the UK for the last 5 years
• Have the legal right to work in the UK
• Be eligible for Security Check (SC) clearance
• No longer be in full-time education before the programme starts
• Not already hold a higher qualification in the same or a similar subject

Visa Sponsorship: Not Available. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.

Selection Process

The recruitment process includes:

1. Online application
2. Online assessments
3. Eligibility checks
4. Assessment Centre
5. Provisional offer
6. Pre-employment checks
7. January 2027 induction

Candidates will be assessed on:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace

Security Clearance

Successful applicants must:

• Pass criminal record checks
• Obtain Security Check (SC) clearance
• Meet all Civil Service security requirements before employment

Why Apply?

This apprenticeship allows you to:

• Earn while you learn
• Gain a nationally recognised Level 4 qualification
• Build practical security experience
• Learn from experienced professionals
• Develop cyber and protective security skills
• Start a long-term Civil Service career
• Receive one of the UK’s most generous pension packages

Important Information

• Office attendance is required.
• Travel and accommodation costs are not reimbursed.
• Relocation assistance is not available.
• Applicants must provide evidence of qualifications during recruitment.

How to Apply

Submit your online application before:

11:55 PM (UK Time) on Monday, 27 July 2026.

Ensure your application is complete and all required qualifications are included before submission.

Job Summary