AI and Automation Graduate Scheme

The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited; Stratford-upon-Avon; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural insurance company in Stratford-upon-Avon is seeking ambitious graduates for its AI & Automation Graduate Scheme. Join a dynamic team to gain hands-on experience with AI projects, develop technical skills, and receive access to industry certifications. This role offers a £30,987 salary, a bonus, and various employee benefits, promoting continuous learning and career growth.

Benefits

Annual bonus up to 10%

Contributory pension scheme

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Family Friendly policy

Gym membership contribution

Health and wellbeing plan

Employee discounts on insurance policies

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics or similar.
• Genuine interest in emerging technologies and their business applications.
• Experience through internships or personal projects is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience with high-impact AI projects.
• Research emerging technologies and work with hyperscale partners.
• Ensure responsible AI use while supporting a people-first culture.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Great communication

Teamwork

Technical foundations

Adaptability

Innovation

Learning and growth mindset

Education

Minimum 2:1 degree in STEM subject

Tools

Python

Azure

AWS

GCP

Job description

Overview

AI is one of the most exciting and fast-moving areas of technology today, and at NFU Mutual, we\'re embracing it in the right way. Rooted in our people-first culture, our approach is about combining ethical, responsible AI with human expertise to make our business smarter, faster, and more efficient. We\'re looking for ambitious, curious graduates to join our AI & Automation Graduate Scheme and become part of our newly established AI function - a strategic team at the heart of NFU Mutual\'s IT Division, driving the adoption of Artificial Intelligence across the organisation. With strong investment and appetite from the business, this is your chance to join right at the start of the team\'s journey.

What you can expect

Throughout this scheme, you\'ll gain hands-on experience on high-impact projects while developing the technical and professional skills to launch a successful career. From exploring use cases and building AI platforms, to preparing datasets and training machine learning models, you\'ll deliver intelligent solutions that make our operations smarter and more efficient. You\'ll research emerging technologies, work with leading hyperscale partners, and ensure AI is used responsibly - balancing innovation with our people-first culture and compliance with data regulations. Alongside this, you\'ll have access to:

• A structured induction and dedicated buddy to help you settle in
• On-the-job training, technical bootcamps, and access to Microsoft Learn and internal labs
• Opportunities to complete industry-recognised certifications, such as:
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
• Python Institute PCEP/PCAP
• Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert (for those interested in MLOps and scalable deployment)
• Internal learning pathways on agentic AI, large language models (LLMs), and responsible AI practices

How your role will evolve

• Year 1 - Build core technical and business skills through hands-on project work, technical bootcamps, and exposure across the IT Division
• Year 2 - Take on more responsibility: lead workstreams, contribute to strategic initiatives, and deepen your expertise in AI engineering, automation, or MLOps
• Year 3 - Shape how we use AI across the business, working with senior stakeholders and influencing enterprise-level decisions
• Post-scheme - Move into a permanent role such as AI Engineer, Data Scientist, or MLOps Specialist, with clear progression pathways

Your Future

We\'re a collaborative, inclusive team that values curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning. Graduates thrive here by bringing fresh perspectives, asking great questions, and tackling real challenges. We celebrate diverse thinking and support each other to grow - both professionally and personally. From day one, you\'ll be supported by a buddy, a mentor, and a strong graduate network. You\'ll join regular graduate development sessions, and as you near the end of the scheme, a careers coach will help you plan your next steps - whether that\'s becoming a technical specialist or moving into leadership.

Criteria

• Minimum 2:1 degree in a STEM subject (Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, or another numerate/technical discipline). You should also be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in emerging technologies and how they can be applied responsibly in a business context.
• You\'ll have a keen interest in AI and automation and enjoy problem solving. Soft skills are just as important as technical ones - you\'ll need to be curious, and comfortable working with others to turn ideas into practical solutions.

Skills we\'re looking for

• Problem solving - using logical and creative approaches to tackle complex challenges and design practical solutions
• Analytical thinking - comfortable working with data and spotting patterns to extract insights that shape decisions
• Great communication - clear explanations and confident storytelling to influence colleagues and senior stakeholders
• Teamwork - strong collaboration skills to contribute to shared goals in an agile environment
• Technical foundations - Python, understanding of machine learning concepts, and familiarity with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP)
• Adaptability - flexible and open to change to keep pace with a fast-moving field
• Innovation - fresh ideas and creative thinking to explore new use cases
• Learning and growth mindset - curiosity and resilience to keep developing skills and bring others on the AI journey

Work experience

Some relevant experience, whether through internships, personal projects, hackathons, or university research, is desirable but not essential. What matters most is your curiosity, willingness to learn, and ability to apply your skills to real-world challenges.

It\'s not all about technology and certifications. You\'ll also get involved in volunteering, social and charity activities, and represent NFU Mutual at industry events. These experiences, part of our ESG commitments, are a great way to broaden your skills while giving something back. You\'ll join an inclusive IT Division of 700 people at the heart of an £80m+ annual change portfolio, and a graduate community that\'s collaborative, supportive, and ready to share knowledge.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary - £30,987 + up to 10% annual bonus + annual pay reviews
• We recognise that some candidates may experience barriers during the recruitment process. We encourage candidates to discuss any adjustments or accommodations they need to be the best they can be throughout our recruitment process. We\'re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, a Race at Work and Women in Finance Charter signatory and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, ethnicity, disability, neurodiversity, gender, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.
• Contributory pension scheme, up to 20%, including your 8% contribution
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + buy/sell/save holiday trading scheme
• A Family Friendly policy that helps you balance your work and family responsibilities
• Access to savings at High Street brands, travel and supermarkets
• £20 contribution to a monthly gym membership - subject to T&Cs
• Health and wellbeing plan - cashback for dentist, opticians, physio and more
• Access to voluntary benefits, including health assessments, private medical insurance and dental insurance
• Employee Volunteering - volunteer in the community for one day each year
• Unlimited access to Refer a Friend £500 bonus scheme
• Life Assurance cover of 4 x salary
• Employee discounts of 15% on a range of NFU Mutual insurance policies