Intrigued by technology and what it can do? And want to develop software that creates compelling customer experiences? If so, our Software Engineering Apprenticeship could be perfect for you!
Job Description
Every area of Aviva relies on data and technology (hardware and software) and the people behind it – to create innovative solutions, solve problems and to keep the whole place running like clockwork.
Join us as an apprentice in any of the roles in our Software Development pathway and you’ll either be part of a team developing and releasing software to create compelling customer experiences, automating our software and processes or be working with our data.
You don’t need to have studied a tech-based subject to join us as an apprentice. Whatever your background, as long as you have a love for technology, a talent for thinking logically and problem solving, and some coding experience (whether as part of your studies or as an outside passion through self-learning), we can teach you the rest.
Your role will be permanent from day one. You’ll be earning a salary whilst working towards an apprenticeship and other qualifications, learning from our experts in tech and getting invaluable experience all at the same time.
Ready to shine bright in your career?
Get to know the different pathway roles
There are a number of roles within this pathway which you can learn more about below and each of them are aligned to either a Level 4, Level 5 or Level 6 Apprenticeship in England or a Graduate Apprenticeship in Scotland.
During your apprenticeship, you’ll spend 80% of your time gaining real hands-on experience in the role and 20% dedicated to your Apprenticeship studies. You’ll also have a structured training programme and a support network to help you develop.
Roles in this pathway include:
Data Engineer (Bristol or Norwich):
Our Data Engineers work with stakeholders to define and translate business requirements into data models for analytics and/or report building. They are responsible for designing, building and maintaining the systems we use to collect, store and analyse data.
As an Apprentice Data Engineer, you’ll learn and apply the technical skills to create and maintain data components and pipelines as well as the basics, best practices and importance of data modelling. Along with great problem-solving skills, your eye for detail and your ability to work independently and collaboratively (as part of a team and with stakeholders) will be put to good use.
This Level 5 Data Engineer Apprenticeship is the equivalent of a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) and takes approx.18 months to complete.
Test Engineer (Bristol or York):
Our Software Testers ensure that our software is fit for purpose, resilient and secure. You will work to identify any issues, gaps, glitches or missing elements so that our customers and colleagues have a seamless and trouble-free experience when using our products and applications.
During your apprenticeship you will learn the fundamentals of test management best practices, how to use test automation tools and gain in depth knowledge of Behaviour Driven Development practices.
The Level 4 Software Tester Apprenticeship is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree or Higher National Certificate (HNC). We will be running this as an accelerated apprenticeship where you’ll be immersed in approx. 16 weeks ‘bootcamp’ style front loaded learning programme. This will enable you to add value to your team once you join them (at the end of your bootcamp) and throughout the remainder of your apprenticeship (c18 months) and beyond.
Software Engineer (Perth):
Our Software Engineers develop software for a wide range of applications and projects here at Aviva. As a Software Engineer, you could be maintaining and enhancing our existing applications, or be creating new products and platforms such as our award-winning “My Aviva” portal. Whatever you’re working on, you’ll work collaboratively in small teams to build high quality solutions that meet our colleagues and customers’ needs. It’s interesting and challenging, and rest assured, whatever you’re working on, you’ll have the full support of our expert technology community behind you!
As these roles are based in Scotland (Perth), you’ll study for your Graduate Apprenticeship (Level 6 equivalent) — where you’ll gain a BSc (Honours) degree in IT: Software Development upon successful completion of your apprenticeship (c.48 months).
Automation Engineer (Norwich):
Our Automation Engineers work closely with other teams to discover and eliminate problems by gathering requirements and implementing process automation including low code/no code solutions. In this role, you’ll deliver automated solutions to help Aviva improve processes, save costs, and achieve better outcomes for both our 19.6 million customers and thousands of colleagues. Like our Apprentice Software Engineers, you’ll be working collaboratively in small teams to build high quality solutions that meet our colleagues and customers’ needs. And rest assured, whatever you’re working on, you’ll have the full support of our expert technology community behind you!
This Level 6 Apprenticeship will see you gain a BSc (Honours) in Digital and Technology Solutions upon successful completion of your studies (c48 months).
Your application will be for the pathway however we understand you may have a role preference(s) and you will be able to select these as part of your application process. That said, if you’re not sure which role you’d be best suited to at this stage – that’s ok too! Either way, we’ll assess where your strengths lie and consider you for all roles.
What you’ll get
- A permanent job from day one
- A starting salary of £25,100
- Support towards relevant professional qualifications and lots of other development opportunities
- A great support network to help you grow into your role
- 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
- Flexible working and wellbeing support
- Opportunities to get involved and give back to our local communities with paid volunteering time
- Contributory pension scheme
- Discounts on all Aviva products
- Discretionary annual performance-related bonus
- Share Save scheme
What we’re looking for
You’ll also be a confident communicator with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a love of learning. You’re someone who can be a force for change and who’ll be able to show us how you’ve helped to change things for the better in your studies, your work experience, or your outside interests. And it goes without saying that we’ll be looking to see that you have a genuine curiosity in technology.
To be eligible for the apprenticeship, you’ll:
- have at least five GCSEs or Scottish National 5s at A*-C or 9-4 grade (or equivalent), including English and Maths
- have, or be on track to achieve, at least three A-Levels at grades B, C, C or above (in England) OR four Highers at grades B, B, B, C or above (in Scotland) OR Level 3 and above equivalent qualifications
- have an understanding or experience of coding, whether as part of your studies as a passion through self-learning.
And:
- have lived in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA) for at least 3 years by the start of the apprenticeship in September 2025
- be eligible to work full-time in the UK without requiring sponsorshipbe living in the specific UK country of your apprenticeship by 1 August 2025 (prior to your start date). For example, if you currently live in Wales and are offered a role in Scotland, you must be prepared to relocate to Scotland by 1st August 2025. This is a funding rule specific to studying in Scotland and enrolling with a University in order to access Scottish funds from
- be available for full time work from September 2025 when all our apprentice roles start.
Please note this job role is not sponsorable under the Home Office points based system.
Where could you be based?
We have opportunities based in Bristol, Norwich, Perth and York: all buzzing places in which to launch your career. Not all role types are available in every location (see above for details), so tell us on your application if you have a preference. You will need to live within commuting distance of the office where the role is based or be willing to relocate prior to start date as you’ll need to spend time with your team in person, as well as virtually, working from home. Three days in the office and two days from home is typical (50% minimum), but this will vary between teams.
About Us
Things apprentices love about Aviva
We are a FTSE100 company and one of the UK's leading Insurance, Wealth and Retirement businesses, supporting 19.6 million customers across the UK, Ireland and Canada. Our purpose is to be with you today for a better tomorrow. That means helping people make the most of life and being there with them when it really matters, whether they’ve had a small bump in the car or are saving for a comfortable retirement.
We have the ambition for our emissions to be net zero by 2040 and we aim to make a positive contribution to communities in the UK, Canada and Ireland through a focus on sustainable business and social impact. We're also taking action for the good of the planet and have invested £10.6bn in sustainable assets.
Our values of commitment, care, community, and confidence bring to life what it means to work here Our culture is one where you’re trusted to think for yourself, feel comfortable speaking up and encouraged to think creatively to solve problems and make real change. Everyone works to bring out the best in each other so we can help build a more positive future for our customers and communities.
How to apply
The application deadline is 16th March but we may close it earlier if we get a huge number of brilliant applications.
To help you get prepped, there are four steps you’ll go through to apply for our apprenticeship role(s):
Step one: You’ll complete a short questionnaire about why you want to work with us, and why this role, which you’ll submit with a copy of your CV
Step two: You’ll complete online situational strengths and numerical reasoning tests
Step three: You’ll take part in a video interview
Step four: You’ll join our virtual assessment day where you’ll get to show us what you're good at and what you enjoy through a variety of exercises.
If you’re successful, we'll offer you an apprenticeship starting in September 2025Please note: At Aviva we offer multiple apprentice pathways, of which, this is one. We ask that you only apply for one pathway - the one that most aligns to your strengths and interests. If you do make more than one application, we will only accept your first.
Additional Information
We're inclusive, and keen to attract applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Research tells us that women in particular will often rule themselves out if they feel they don't tick every box. But don't let that stop you. If you truly believe you have what it takes, we'd love to hear from you.
We interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job. During your application, there will be an opportunity for you to send us an email stating that you have a disclosed disability.
Please submit your application online if you can. But if that presents a problem, just email avivaearlycareers@aviva.com and we'll make sure you’re supported. To find out more about working at Aviva in general, take a look here and on the 'Life at Aviva' page on our career-site.
