Software Engineering Graduate Programme - DVLA - EO

Are you interested in starting your IT journey with an Award-winning leader in digital transformation?

Have you completed or are you in your final year of a Computer Science/Software Engineering or equivalent degree?

If so, there’s no better place to start than our Software Engineering Graduate Programme.

Job description

Our department within the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has a proven track record of developing people with a passion for IT. This two-year intensive programme will combine formal training with hands on experience, designed to teach you the skills you need to lay a solid foundation for a highly sought-after career in Software Engineering.

We are looking for 4 driven individuals to get involved in this exciting graduate scheme. Furthering your education and being a part of a fast paced and encouraging workforce.

The Graduate Software Engineer role is part of DVLA's Centre of Digital Excellence (CoDE), looking to build skills across digital roles. You will undertake formal learning alongside building skills and experience, working alongside experienced professionals to shadow, learn and then undertake increasingly complex tasks within your field. 

You will work on real services as your skills develop and will be part of the DVLA Software Engineering Community.

You will be part of a dynamic team where the activities will include developing customer and internal facing software applications supported by automated test suites using a range of modern technologies and cloud services.

We’re looking for individuals with an interest in Software Engineering, the ability to deliver under pressure and the desire and commitment, to learn and develop new skills while building experience leading to a long-term career.

If you have a Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or equivalent or are in your final year of such a degree, then this would be an excellent opportunity for you. If you believe you have a degree in a related subject but are not sure it relates to this qualification requirement, please contact us on the email address at the bottom of this advert.

Would you like to find out more about the role, the digital team and what it’s like to work at DVLA? If so, we are organising a familiarisation session where you can virtually 'meet the team' on Tuesday 1st April 2025 at 12:00pm. 

Please click here to book on.

Responsibilities  

Your responsibilities will include but will not be limited to: 

• Spending a substantial portion of time shadowing others
• Working with other developers to write code and tests
• Writing code that is automatically tested

You will initially be assigned to work as part of the Squads shadowing professionals to get the basic skills required to write code and tests.
Early in your time with us you would also be taught the basics of Software Engineering and how to follow a test-driven approach.

As your experience grows you will also have the opportunity to write code that is automatically tested.

During your time with us you will be supported by experienced mentors and professionals with many years of experience and our dedicated Capability and Talent team, and the programme will provide the opportunity to undertake professional training courses which could include AWS, Java Programming, React, Typescript.

For further information about the role please see the attached role profile. 

Additional Information  

This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.

The programme may include undertaking a number of qualifications that will require examinations as well as on-team training. There will be regular assessment points to evaluate the progress and proficiency of candidates. You will be assessed at checkpoints throughout the programme, failure to successfully meet the standard during checkpoints could result in 3 months’ notice being provided to cease employment.

We reserve the right to seek full or partial repayment of costs associated with your qualifications, should you not contribute to the programme, or may include related costs such as exam fees, membership fees or materials.

Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills set out in the Civil Service Line Management Standards. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public. 

Person specification

You will be motivated and proactive with good organisational skills. You must be able to work on your own initiative and stay calm under pressure. You will be enthusiastic, flexible with a passion for self-development and someone who enjoys the opportunity to drive change in a fast paced and dynamic new IT environment.

We are looking for people who have the following:

• An interest in Software Engineering and a desire to learn new digital skills.
• Ability to demonstrate the competencies to rapidly acquire digital and technology skills.
• Enthusiastic approach to developing and applying Software Engineering skills both in the context of legacy technologies as well as applying them to new and emerging technology challenges and opportunities.
• Good analytical skills.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Can work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively to Stakeholders at all levels of the business.

You must be able to start on Wednesday 24th September 2025.

Working for the DVLA Digital Team 

At DVLA, licensing is just the start. Every project you implement, touch and deliver has a ripple effect that’ll wash across the nation. Here the work you’re doing has the capacity to change the way 50 million people interact with our services. As we aim to keep our roads some of the safest in the world, our innovative, transformative digital-led services help optimise a nation of individuals and business every single day.    

To understand more about the great opportunities and benefits of working at DVLA read our Inside DVLA blog.   

Due to the evolving nature of the business, vacancies can become available at any time. Therefore, this campaign may create a reserve list to fulfil demand if it arises which will be held for a period of 9 months.

Qualifications

You will have completed or be in your final year of a Computer Science/Software Engineering degree or equivalent.

Applications will be accepted from those currently working towards a degree, providing they meet the above requirements to start the Programme in September 2025. We will ask for evidence that you have met the qualification.

Failure to evidence meeting the qualification requirements after receiving an offer will result in the offer being rescinded.

Have valid and eligible residency status and have continuous residency in the UK for 5 years before the start date.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Apprentice Developer: Programming and Build (Software Engineering) (Skill level: Working)
• Apprentice Developer: Modern Development Standards (Skill level: (Awareness)
• Apprentice Developer: Information Security (Skill level: (Awareness)