Defence Equipment & Support will open applications for its NAD Group Security Graduate Scheme in the week commencing 23 November 2026. The two-year programme is based at MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol and pays a starting salary of £28,800.

The scheme sits within the National Armaments Director Group, the Ministry of Defence organisation that buys and supports the equipment used by the armed forces. Security underpins everything the group does, protecting people, information and physical assets, and the graduate scheme is designed to develop the future leaders of its security profession.

What the scheme involves

Graduates rotate through security management roles, including cyber security, project security and corporate security, gaining hands-on experience alongside specialist training. Trainees work towards a Level 3 Certificate in Security Management from the Security Institute and a Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management from the Institute of Leadership and Management.

On successful completion, graduates deploy as Senior Technical Specialist 1. The group operates a smarter working policy, with hybrid working available depending on placement.

Who can apply

Applicants need GCSE maths and English at grade 4 or above and an honours degree at a minimum of 2:2. All roles require Security Check clearance as a minimum, and the group does not offer visa sponsorship for its graduate schemes. Candidates should read the scheme's CV guidance on the official careers page before applications open, as the window is expected to be competitive.

[Source: Defence Equipment & Support (des.mod.uk)](https://des.mod.uk/careers/graduates/security-graduate-scheme/) | [Source: targetjobs — Security Graduate Scheme](https://targetjobs.co.uk/jobs/security-graduate-scheme-243065)