Government organisations inspire next generation of tech talent at Bletchley Park

Robot programming, coding challenges and light-up cars all formed part of the day’s fun activities aimed at inspiring a love of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

More than 100 local school children took part in the special day, at the once top-secret location of the Allied Codebreakers of World War Two, organised by government organisations from Milton Keynes’ Hanslope Park.

Students taking part also had the chance to grill current and former apprentices from HMGCC and FCDO Services on how a love of STEM can lead to some of the most exciting jobs in tech and national security.

This is the third year that the Innovators at the Parks event has been held at museum and heritage site, Bletchley Park, this time involving 135 year 11 and 13 students from five schools and colleges across Milton Keynes.

FCDO Services, the UK National Authority for Counter-Eavesdropping (UK NACE) and HMGCC joined forces to showcase career opportunities in IT, technical security and engineering through a series of hands-on workshops at Bletchley Park's learning centre.

The event was timed to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 Feb), highlighting the apprenticeship pathways available to students this year.

Students gained an insight into the vital work carried out by the World War Two Codebreakers and discovered how that same spirit of scientific creativity and engineering excellence continues today at Hanslope Park, just a few miles away. It was here that one of Bletchley Park's most celebrated codebreakers, Alan Turing, once lived and worked.

FCDO Services, UK NACE and HMGCC deliver critical work at the heart of UK national security, serving both UK and international governments. Protecting the UK's interests brings unique opportunities to innovate, develop new skills and create important technologies within a supportive community of specialists.

This outreach event reflected the commitment of these government organisations to nurturing talent and inspiring the next generation of technology, cyber security and engineering professionals.

George Williamson, Chief Executive Officer at HMGCC, said:

“In the future HMGCC will continue to need the best engineering minds in the UK – so we need to do all we can to inspire the next generations of tech talent.

“By holding events like these and bringing schoolchildren face to face with those who carved exciting careers for themselves in STEM disciplines, we are showing where the tools of the classroom can take you. The answer is – some fascinating and crucial roles within national security technology.”

Mike Astell, Chief Executive Officer at FCDO Services said:

"The success of FCDO Services and our contribution to national security is down to the dedication of our people. For over 60 years, we have been nurturing talent from a young age, giving people a route into fascinating global careers through our apprenticeship schemes.

We continue to seek new ideas, fresh perspectives and innovation, and it's often the younger generations who contribute the most interesting thinking. Events like these are vital in keeping FCDO Services at the forefront of students' minds as they consider their next steps after GCSEs or A-Levels."

Rebecca Foy, Director of Public Engagement at Bletchley Park Trust said:

“As a visitor attraction open to the public daily, Bletchley Park exists to share the achievements of the WW2 Codebreakers and inspire future generations. Being part of events like this help showcase to young people how the innovation and collaboration that defined Bletchley Park remain relevant today, and how that legacy continues to shape careers in science, technology and engineering.

Whether you or someone you know is kick-starting a career, returning to work or changing jobs, our apprenticeships could be the perfect opening to a brighter future. Visit our careers pages:

Applying for an Apprenticeship - FCDO Services Careers

Early careers | HMGCC