Ministry Of Defence Jobs - A Guide To MOD Graduate Schemes

About Graduate Schemes With The Ministry Of Defence

The Civil Service has many departments and a whole range of opportunities for graduates who are looking to apply for the Civil Service Fast Stream programme. Whilst the Civil Service makes sure the UK functions on a daily basis so that the lives of the public are made more comfortable, one area of the Civil Service focuses on the Armed Forces; the Ministry of Defence.

If you are interested in careers in defence but have decided a career in the Armed Forces isn’t for you, the Ministry of Defence is where your skills and could be in demand. A government career where your focus is on the Armed Forces and on national security and defence, then graduate MOD jobs could be ideal for you.

The Ministry of Defence employs people in a whole variety of roles. You might have a scientific or engineering background. You might have a strength in STEM subjects. Or perhaps you have an interesting in marketing, communications and negotiations. Whatever your skills and strengths, there could be graduate opportunities for you doing Ministry of Defence jobs and graduate schemes.

Contents:

• What Types Of MOD Graduate Schemes Are Out There?
• What Do Employers Look For In Their Candidates For MOD Graduate Schemes?
• What Salary Can You Expect In Graduate Ministry Of Defence Jobs?
• Apply For Graduate Schemes With The Ministry Of Defence

What Types Of MOD Graduate Schemes Are Out There?

Whatever type of graduate schemes you are looking to do with the Ministry of Defence, you will ultimately be part of a team that is protecting the country and guaranteeing its security and independence. The MOD is not just about reacting to threats and changing situations but also putting ideas and systems into place to protect against future potential threats both at home and abroad. It also acts as a force for good by strengthening international peace and stability.

The great news is, MOD graduate schemes are highly regarded and are sometimes considered as some of the best graduate schemes out there. This means you can be confident of structured training and support so that you can develop MOD careers effectively and carry out your role to the best of your ability.

Let’s take a look at some of the graduate schemes on offer with the Ministry Of Defence.

Defence Commercial Graduate Programme
The MOD Commercial graduate scheme (the Defence Commercial Graduate Programme) will see you being part of a team that helps to equip and support the armed forces in carrying out their roles in disaster relief, humanitarian aid, reconstruction and peacekeeping.

The commercial department is also responsible for making sure the armed forces are fully equipped with anything from military equipment and vehicles to uniforms and accommodation. As you might imagine, the Defence commercial Graduate Programme could prove to be hugely rewarding. You will be making a valuable contribution to the lives of others in your daily role in procurement and contracts management.

The Defence Commercial Graduate Programme is a 2 year programme where you will be given full support and training, as well as further academic studies so that you can develop into commercial officers. As part of your role, you will also be working with other government departments and other departments within the Ministry of Defence and you will also work across a variety of placements, lasting a few months each, so that you get a broad knowledge of your field of procurement and contract management.

Throughout this graduate scheme, the Ministry of defence will sponsor you in your professional development studies so that you can work to attain MCIPS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply).

Once you have completed the 2 year Defence Commercial Graduate Programme, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to work in other departments across the Civil Service and also other commercial sectors as well as MOD graduate jobs. The Ministry of Defence will support you in taking on roles with more leadership and responsibility as you gain promotion.

You can read the detailed Ministry of Defence PDF about the Defence Commercial Graduate Programme if you think you might be interested in these types of MOD careers.

Ministry Of Defence DESG Graduate Scheme
If you will be graduating with a degree in engineering (in various fields), IT or computer science, or Physics, and you are looking for the best graduate schemes out there to develop a career in your field, the DESG Graduate Scheme (Defence Engineering & Science Group) is regarded as probably the best graduate development scheme for engineers and scientists in the UK.

DESG is a part of DE&S (Defence Equipment & Support) which is a wider part of the Ministry of Defence. The DESG Graduate Scheme last for two to three years and you will be based in the UK. For those of you looking to work further afield, for some roles, there could also be opportunities to work abroad.

Ministry of Defence careers with DESG can be hugely rewarding. You will be responsible for making sure the armed forces have the most effective equipment and it is always available and safe to use. In some cases, you will designing and developing new technologies. The DESG Graduate Scheme could see you working in some of the following fields:

• Aerospace Systems
• Land Systems
• Maritime Systems
• Nuclear Systems
• Communications & Information Systems
• Sensors
• Command and Control
• Weapons
• Ordnance
• Munitions
• Explosives

As you can probably imagine, MOD careers that begin with the DESG Graduate Scheme can be exciting - you will be working with cutting edge technology. You will have a mentor and full support throughout the DESG Graduate Scheme duration and, in some cases, you could be working on classified projects.

Once you have completed the DESG Graduate Scheme, you will be able to continue the development of MOD careers either with the DESG, other areas of DE&S (Defence Equipment and Support) or elsewhere in the Ministry of Defence. In some cases, you might givensupport in continuing academic studies so that you can do a Masters Degree. Depending on the field you are working in, you will also have the opportunity to gain Chartered or Associated status within your profession within four to six years.

If you think a career with the DESG is for you, then you can read more detailed information about the DESG Graduate Scheme, here. This is where you will find information about degree subjects the DESG are looking for and useful links for recruitment datesMOD recruitment for the DESG Graduate Scheme takes place on an annual basis so make sure you have made yourself aware of the dates and application deadlines.

DE&S Finance Graduate Scheme
MOD careers with DE&S are not just all about engineers and scientists. If you want to work for Defence Equipment and Support and are looking for good finance graduate schemes, why not consider the DE&S Finance Graduate Scheme.

The good news about the DE&S Finance Graduate Schemes is that if you are an undergraduate who has decided a career in Finance is for you but you are already reading for an unrelated degree, these MOD graduate schemes are still open to you. You just need to make sure you are on track for a 2:1.

Working in Defence Equipment & Support, doing their Finance Graduate Scheme, you will be part of a team of over 1000 people who work to make sure the armed forces are fully kitted out. This means anything from boots and uniforms to equipment that uses cutting edge technology so that they can carry out their duties effectively and safely.

As part of the finance team, you will work to make sure all of this is done on budget. And when this budget is £14 billion, you won’t be surprised to learn that Ministry of Defence careers mean you will be responsible for the funds of one of the largest spending Departments in Government.

DE&S Finance Graduate Schemes are not just about number crunching. This is a dynamic role where you will also work together with staff from other departments of the Ministry of Defence. To ensure budgets are being used effectively and projects are timely, the finance team need to work as part of a team with:

• Project managers
• Commercial officers
• Inventory managers
• Technical experts
• Risk managers
• Members of the military

As you can see, this could be an exciting role. If you love a challenge and you want to work in an environment where you are making a real difference, the DE&S Finance Graduate Scheme could be ideal for you.

Let’s take a look at what will be involved if you are offered one of these graduate Ministry of Defence jobs.

• Accelerated learning and development scheme: The DE&S are looking for graduates who have the drive and ability to progress quickly and enter management roles in the finance department in the future. To get you there as quickly as possible, you will be placed on an accelerated learning and development scheme where you will be assisted in developing your business management skills, leadership and personal skills.
• CIMA Membership: The DE&S Finance Graduate Scheme will start you on the path to CIMA Membership (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) via formal accountancy training. You will be given support during this training and will be able to achieve membership within 4 years.
• Mentored support: As with other MOD graduate schemes, your professional development is taken very seriously. When you do the DE&S Finance Graduate Scheme, you will be assigned a senior member of staff who will be able to mentor you and provide you with the guidance and support necessary for you to reach your full potential.
• Work placements: Finance Graduate Schemes with Defence Equipment & Support are not about being cooped up in an office and going through the numbers. As part of the programme, you will be given the opportunity to work in other DE&S departments. Each of these placements could last for a duration of up to 12 months. For these placements, it is likely that you will be based in Bristol but you could also be required to work elsewhere at other Ministry of Defence bases. Work placements on the finance Graduate Schemes give you broader understanding of other Ministry of Defence jobs and departments and how they operate so that you, in turn, can carry out your job more effectively. You will be more aware of how other roles are related to yours.
• Professional development opportunities: As well as accountancy studying and training towards CIMA membership and placements in other Defence Equipment & Support departments, the DE&S Finance Graduate Scheme will also give you the opportunity to attend other learning events. These learning events could be relevant training courses, familiarisation visits and also opportunities to do some work shadowing.
• Post qualification opportunities: When you start the Defence Equipment & Support Finance Graduate Scheme, you will join as Band D graduate trainee. The aim is to quickly develoıp your leadership and management skills so once you have qualified and have completed the programme, you will have the opportunity to be regraded and this means you can be promoted to more senior positions. These positions are likely to be middle management roles in DE&S.

Dstl Graduate Development Programme
The Dstl is the Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory and they are always on the lookout for talented, innovative, creative and dedicated individuals. If this is you, then why not consider graduate MOD jobs in this department.

Each year, the Dstl recruits around 80 graduates to its development programme. Those graduates have degree backgrounds in subjects such as science subjects, engineering fields, mathematics and technology fields. If your background is in these types of STEM subjects then you could find working for the Ministry of Defence on the Dstl Graduate Development Programme very rewarding.

Because of the nature of the work done at Dstl, some of the top experts in their fields are working here and, as a member of the team, you will have the opportunity to work with these experts and, in the process, learn and develop your skills. This is hands on role where you will be working on real projects over a period of two years.

But what are the key responsibilities of the Dstl? As an external agency they work to support the Ministry of Defence by supplying sensitive and specialist technology and science services to them and other government departments. So, as well as working with the MOD, graduate Dstl jobs could also see you working on projects that are assisting over 40 other government departments and agencies with security related issues.

Graduate jobs with Dstl mean you will be contributing ideas and hands on work that will continue to help them meet their priorities. Priorities for the Dstl are to identify and monitor national security risks and opportunities. They need to protect the UK and its international interests from both physical and electronic threats.

Do you think you could thrive in this type of defence career? If so, where are your strengths? Which graduate jobs would best suit you on the Dstl Graduate Development Programme? There are three areas to choose from:

• Dstl graduate analyst jobs: As an analyst with Dstl, you will be working in analysis, operational research, technology and social science.
• Dstl graduate engineering jobs: As an engineer with Dstl, you will be involved in engineering and technology.
• Dstl graduate science jobs: Working in science jobs at Dstl will see you being involved in scientific projects, social science, technology, information science and statistics.

Over the two years of the Dstl Graduate Development Programme, as well as working with some of the top experts in their field, you will also be given the experience to further develop your own skills and expertise. This will be done in a variety of ways, including:

• Attending work related conferences. This will also give you the chance to meet with other people in the same or similar fields to you.
• Attending Dstl events and also events outside the department.
• Attending courses that are specific to your role. These will help you to learn and develop specific skills so you can build your career and work towards qualifications that will give you the opportunity attain chartered status for your profession.

What Do Employers Look For In Their Candidates For MOD Graduate Schemes?

Defence commercial graduate Programme

• Work as part of a team to manage major defence projects of the future
• Excellent problem solving skills and ability to work under your own initiative
• Leadership qualities and a drive to develop your own career
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills

DESG Graduate Scheme

• You must be British or have dual nationality where one of those nationalities is British
• 2:2 degree from an institution that is accredited by a professional institution and licensed by the UK Engineering or Science councils
• Possess strong problem solving skills
• The desire to lead - working in engineering management roles with cutting edge technology
• Excellent teamwork skills
• Desire to succeed and continue your professional development throughout the DESG Graduate Scheme and beyond

DE&S Finance Graduate Scheme

• You must have British nationality and have been resident in the UK for the last five years. If you have dual nationality where one of those nationalities is British, you may still be eligible to apply for the DE&S Finance Graduate Scheme as long as you have a British passport and are eligible to work in the UK.
• You will need a minimum 2:1 degree in any subject from a recognised university. You must have already achieved this or be forecast to achieve it.
• The DE&S Finance Graduate Scheme is about finding the leaders of the future. Can you demonstrate that you have leadership potential during the application process?
• Are you a high achiever who wants to work in a dynamic environment? If you thought finance jobs might be boring, think again. MOD jobs in this field will see you working with other professionals throughout Defence Equipment & Support and beyond. You will continually work to make sure the security of the nation is not at risk.
• Rise to challenges. How do you react when you are faced with unexpected or new challenges? If you relish the chance to work as a team and use your problem solving skills to overcome these challenges, Finance Graduate Schemes with Defence Equipment & Support could be right up your street.

Dstl Graduate Development Programme

• You must be a UK national and you must have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. Due to the nature of roles at Dstl, dual nationals are unable to apply for the Graduate Development Programme
• A degree background in STEM subjects - whichever role you apply for, the specific qualifications needed to apply for that role will be detailed in the recruitment notes.
• You must be enthusiastic, driven, creative and innovative.

What Salary Can You Expect In Graduate Ministry Of Defence Jobs?

Compared to other graduate schemes, Ministry of Defence graduate schemes and those of its agencies might appear to be offering slightly lower salaries. However, depending on the particular graduate scheme you are doing, some offer pay reviews during the scheme and, once you have completed the programme, if you opt to continue with MOD careers, you will have the opportunity to apply for more senior roles and increase your salary.

As well as your salary, graduate MOD jobs also come with lots of other benefits. As mentioned earlier in this article, you will be developing your craft under the mentorship and supervision of the some of the top experts in their fields.

Other benefits of graduate MOD careers are specific to the department you are working in but some of these benefits include discounted membership of sports clubs and gyms. If you are a parent, there could be opportunities for job share, part time work, flexible hours and, in some cases, working during term time only. Some roles will also lend themselves well to working from home on occasion.

Your professional development is also vital to the security of the UK so Ministry of Defence graduate jobs also mean you will receive top quality training and also support in continuing to develop your career via courses and networking events.

Apply For Graduate Schemes With The Ministry Of Defence

Do you think you have got what it takes to succeed with MOD graduate schemes and the graduate programmes of other agencies? If MOD careers sound ideal for you then make yourself aware of MOD recruitment dates for the relevant department so that you don’t miss out.

As well as the Civil Service Fast Stream, MOD graduate schemes are visible on the Civil Service job site.