Since becoming an official strategic partner of the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT) in 2021, GCHQ has played a central role in shaping the future digital and cyber workforce in Manchester & the North West. Built on a shared ambition to develop high-level, technical skills and unlock opportunity, the partnership continues to deliver meaningful impact for learners, employers and the wider economy. Working closely with GMIoT and its education partners, GCHQ has helped ensure that technical and cyber related curricula remain aligned to emerging national security priorities and rapidly evolving digital skill needs. By providing industry insight and expertise, the partnership supports programmes that prepare learners for real-world roles across cyber security, digital technologies and advanced technical sectors. A key strength of the collaboration is its focus on applied learning. Through work placements, live projects, and employer led engagement – including immersive experiences such as the recent GCHQ Workplace Safari Event - Greater Manchester Institute of Technology where learners gain firsthand exposure to high growth industries and complex technical environments. These opportunities not only build practical skills but also help demystify careers that many learners may never have previously considered. By working alongside industry leaders such as the BBC, Laing O’Rourke and Siemens, the organisation helps strengthen Greater Manchester’s talent pipeline across STEM and cyber focused roles. This collective approach ensures that employers are shaping skills provision together, creating a system that responds directly to workforce demand. The partnership has proven itself to be a powerful driver of inclusive growth and social impact, with over 2,000 learners across the region supported by the GMIoT. Many of these learners would not typically have access to higher technical education or digital career pathways due to social mobility barriers. Delivery is supported by a strong network of northwest education partners, and the University of Salford as lead higher education partner. Ada College, located just a short distance from the Manchester Digital Campus, plays a particularly important role, supported by an established relationship between our Partnerships and Outreach team and Ada’s leadership. Together with the GMioT, GCHQ are helping to building a resilient, diverse, and highly skilled digital and cyber workforce in the region, ensuring that Greater Manchester and the North West continue to play a leading role in meeting the UK’s future technology and national security needs.
GCHQ
Government Administration
We are the UK's intelligence, security and cyber agency. Our mission is to help keep the country safe.
About us
We are GCHQ, the UK’s intelligence, security and cyber agency. Our mission is to keep the UK and its citizens safe. Our brilliant people work 24/7, using cutting-edge technology, technical ingenuity and wide-ranging partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats to the UK.
- Website
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https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk
External link for GCHQ
- Industry
- Government Administration
- Company size
- 5,001-10,000 employees
- Headquarters
- Cheltenham
- Type
- Government Agency
- Founded
- 1919
Locations
Employees at GCHQ
Updates
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🧩 It’s #GCHQPuzzle o’clock! Time to pause, think, and solve. This week’s challenge is ready for you, do you have what it takes to solve it?💡
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GCHQ reposted this
The definition of cyber security is expanding as the forces of technology and geopolitics evolve.🌍 In his #CYBERUK26 keynote, CEO Dr Richard Horne explores what the world might look like in a decade's time and how to defend it. Catch up now: https://lnkd.in/efEBnQyQ
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GCHQ reposted this
Interested in a career with the UK’s Intelligence Services, but feeling hesitant because you’re not sure your skills or experience are enough? You’re not alone. Imposter syndrome is very real. Thinking you’re not capable, or that you’ll be exposed, or even that you don’t ‘belong’ in a role with us is very common. However, what’s also common is people discovering their perceptions were quite wrong. Ours is a welcoming, friendly and supportive culture. We recruit people from all kinds of backgrounds, with all kinds of experience and levels of education. So, try not to doubt yourself – but if you do, know that you’re not the first to do so. We spoke to two colleagues who both admitted to experiencing imposter syndrome. You won’t be hired based on ‘luck’ Alessia works as an analyst. She explained: “Although I was confident I was suited to the role, I couldn’t shake the feeling I was somehow ‘lucky’ to have been offered it given how prestigious the organisation is and the seniority of my colleagues. I didn’t think I’d earned it.” Our recruitment process is thorough and, for obvious reasons, we consider our offers very carefully. So, if you get offered the role, it’s not a happy coincidence. It means you’ve made it through multiple stages of the process successfully. That’s your potential, motivation and skills coming to the fore, not luck. Alessia added: “Joining the organisation has been a great experience and my initial perceptions have been exceeded. My team is friendly, supportive and always willing to help.” You won’t get ‘found out’ As part of the recruitment process, you’ll be assessed on a range of skills and strengths, not just experience. If you’re offered the role, it’s because we’ve seen clear evidence that you can do it well. You haven’t fooled anyone into overestimating you, and we won’t try and trip you up. You’ve earned your place. Angelique works in recruitment and felt similar worries to Alessia. She said: “Although I believed I had the skills and I passed the interviews, I was still worried that I didn’t have enough experience. However, her fears were extinguished the moment she started. “I was surprised (and relieved) at how welcoming and friendly everyone was. I felt very supported from the first day and had the confidence to ask questions.” Remember: it’s completely normal to feel unsure of yourself, especially when stepping into something new. Rest assured, we hire based on ability, potential and motivations. You can find out more about the support available to new starters through our new entrant orientation programme by visiting the links below: MI5: https://lnkd.in/eSTjsDzT MI6: https://lnkd.in/eMr3ZPru GCHQ: https://lnkd.in/eJv4YgS5
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The Government Security Classifications (GSC) scheme was introduced in 2014 to reflect the realities of the digital age. But beyond simplification, it marked a deeper shift toward personal responsibility and risk-based decision-making. Discover how this change reshaped information security across government and why it still matters today.
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GCHQ reposted this
That’s all folks! CEO Dr Richard Horne closed out #CYBERUK26 by announcing that #CYBERUK27 will be in Liverpool. In the meantime, here’s the best bits from Day 2. Subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can access sessions from the conference and more! https://lnkd.in/eEvBuiFE
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💡 Weekly brain boost, give your mind a quick workout with this week’s #GCHQPuzzle. Don’t worry—no pressure 😉 Share your answer below 👇
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26.2 miles ➡️ 65 laps of our iconic 'Doughnut' Today sees thousands of runners take on the #LondonMarathon. We're wishing the very best of luck to everyone running for incredible causes, especially colleagues, friends and members of our wider community. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way 👏🏃♀️
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GCHQ reposted this
We hosted our Women in Cyber Breakfast event this morning, bringing all delegates together to discuss opportunities to support gender diversity in cyber and network together at #CYBERUK26
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GCHQ reposted this
What a start! Have a wee look at these highlights from a brilliant first day of #CYBERUK26 here in Glasgow. https://lnkd.in/eCk4JNbA
Highlights from Day 1 at CYBERUK 2026 in Glasgow
https://www.youtube.com/