The UK’s largest government department is looking for students based in the North West who want to become the tech leaders of tomorrow.
DWP Digital’s latest graduate scheme is now accepting applications from ambitious and curious individuals who want to shape the future of digital government services.
Who can apply
The programme is open to soon-to-be graduates who are on course to get a first class or upper second-class degree in an IT, technology, or a STEM related subject.
Applicants should have a passion for technology, and be able to be based in either DWP Digital’s Manchester or Blackpool hubs.
What the programme offers
If successful you’ll join as either a software engineer or infrastructure engineer. Through your work you’ll gain hands-on experience with core technologies, standards, best practices, and frameworks within your chosen role. You’ll then be able to specialise further in specific areas like front-end or back-end development, network or platform engineering.
Alongside receiving the experience that comes from being part of DWP Digital’s autonomous, multi skilled teams, you’ll also take part in a comprehensive two-year University Leavers Engineering Programme. The programme is designed to help integrate graduates into the department and deepen their understanding of DWP’s operations.
Ongoing learning and development
Balancing technical proficiency and academic learning, the programme will teach you the important non-technical skills you’ll need to advance and excel in your career. These include leadership, line management, effective collaboration, project management, and delivery methodologies.
You’ll also be encouraged to share knowledge and network with other graduates as well as the wider engineering community.
Benefits
Alongside a salary of £38,772, you’ll also benefit from flexible working options, at least 23 days annual leave on entry as well as public and privilege days, financial wellbeing support, and health and wellbeing services including the Employee Assistance Programme and HASSRA.
DWP Digital also offer enhanced family‑friendly policies, funded learning and development, and an inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join professional and interpersonal networks.
Shape the future of digital public services
The Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for services that support some of the most vulnerable people in society. At the heart of this work is DWP Digital – the organisation responsible for building and maintaining the technology that keeps these essential services running.
This isn’t just a job. Successful applicants will be part of one of the largest digital transformation programmes in the world, and work on systems that directly affect millions of people every day.
How to apply
Candidates can apply today by visiting Civil Service Jobs. Applications close on Thursday 26 February 2026.