In a move to create a new generation of espionage experts, Britain’s security services have unveiled an apprenticeship programme for people as young as 18.
The new scheme will launch in September 2014 and last for two years, training apprentices in cyber threats, terrorism, espionage and organised crime at GCHQ’s Cheltenham HQ.
Apprentices must be British citizens and have the equivalent of three A-levels at grade C or above, including two in science, technology, engineering or maths or be predicted these grades.
Mr Hancock said: “You can’t learn what you’re going to get on that apprenticeship on any university course because it involves being inside the security services, finding out about the systems needed to protect the country from harm.”
Applications close on Monday 9th December.