Location
Central London

Hours
Full Time - 37 hours per week for the duration of the 11-week programme. Some specific hourly attendance required for training courses, with advance notice provided.

Salary
£6,380 for the 11-week programme. Successful candidates transitioning to a full-time role will start with a salary of £37,892.

About the Role
The Language Talent Programme (LTP) at GCHQ offers an exciting, hands-on pathway to a permanent role as a Mandarin Language Specialist. Over 11 weeks, you will immerse yourself in a blend of dedicated training and real operational exposure, applying your language skills and cultural knowledge to analyse, transcribe, and translate Mandarin audio and written materials. The programme begins with a three-day induction introducing you to GCHQ’s mission and your team.

Your time will be divided between supervised operational work and training, including the use of language tools to identify valuable insights, carry out analysis, and draft intelligence reports. You will engage with other teams to understand the broader impact of language work on operations.

You will receive continuous support from an experienced mentor and a senior linguist, helping you develop the skills needed to pass the language test and competency interview, which are key to securing a full-time role. The programme is designed to prepare you for a seamless transition into a permanent position immediately after completion, so full-time availability post-programme is essential.

Experience
No prior professional experience is required. Enthusiasm for language and analysis, along with a willingness to learn and develop new skills, is essential.

About you
To apply, you must have or be expected to obtain a 2:2 degree or above in Mandarin. You should be starting the final year of your degree in Autumn 2026 or have graduated in Summer 2023 or later. You are adaptable, organised, collaborative, and motivated to develop both your language expertise and analytical skills. A genuine interest in a career at GCHQ and commitment to starting a full-time role immediately after the programme are vital. You should be resilient, able to manage a steep learning curve, and open to acquiring technical skills that complement your language abilities.

Qualifications
A 2:2 degree or above in Mandarin (or expected to obtain) is required. No additional qualifications are necessary, but a positive attitude and commitment to learning are essential.