Digital Degree Apprenticeship - IT Services

AJ Bell Business Solutions Limited; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services company in Manchester is seeking candidates for its Digital Degree Apprenticeship in IT Services. This role offers practical experience while pursuing a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions. Successful applicants will be part of the IT Services team, gaining valuable skills, working in a hybrid environment, and enjoying numerous benefits including holiday entitlement, pension schemes, and ongoing training.

Benefits

Starting holiday entitlement of 25 days

Holiday buy and sell scheme

Pension scheme with matched contributions

Discretionary bonus scheme

Annual free share awards

Free gym membership

Casual dress code

Qualifications

• Right to work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship.
• Ability to demonstrate interest in the financial services industry.
• Lived in the UK/EEA for the past 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Complete structured rotations within the Service Delivery team.
• Work closely with experienced professionals.
• Develop a wide range of technical and operational IT skills.

Skills

Honesty

Self-motivation

Reliability

Enthusiasm to learn

Education

112 UCAS points

Minimum of 5 GCSE's A*-C / 9 - 4 (including Maths and English)

Job description

Digital Degree Apprenticeship - IT Services

We're now looking to kick-start recruitment for our Digital and Technology Solutions Degree apprenticeship programme. This is a great opportunity to gain business exposure while you work in AJ Bell's IT Services team. If you're successful, you'll join the AJ Bell Apprenticeship Academy in September 2026.

Our Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship programme is a great opportunity for you to gain practical experience in our Technology department whilst studying. At the same time as working and learning on the job you will study for four years for a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions with our academic provider, Manchester Metropolitan University. You will spend one day per week during term time undertaking classroom learning at University; the rest of your time will be spent working at AJ Bell, gaining valuable skills, earning a competitive salary with your fees paid, plus much more!

The IT Services team at AJ Bell is responsible for managing and supporting all the technology used by the business. They make sure that computers, software, and networks are working properly. They also help with setting up new equipment, fixing technical problems, and keeping everything secure. Their services include:

• Technical support: Helping staff with any tech issues they have.
• Network management: Ensuring the internet and internal networks are running smoothly.
• Software management: Installing and updating software used by the business.
• Hardware management: Setting up and maintaining computers, printers, and other devices.

As an apprentice in our IT Services team, you will:

• Complete structured rotations within the Service Delivery team, including:
  • IT asset management
  • Change, problem & incident management
  • Front office support team
  • Back office support team
  • 2nd line support
  • Service transition
• Develop a wide range of technical and operational IT skills
• Work closely with experienced professionals to understand core processes and best practices

This apprenticeship offers you a perfect entry point into IT, providing the knowledge and experience needed for a future career in tech. As an IT Services apprentice you would follow the IT Consulting specialist pathway as part of your degree studies.

When you join our Apprenticeship Academy you will enjoy a tailored induction programme with us and Manchester Metropolitan University. This will give you the chance to get to know our business and develop your skills on the job, while at the same time continuing on a development programme designed to help you feel good about your future with AJ Bell. You will also benefit from the support of a dedicated mentor from within the business.

Do you feel positive about taking your first step to a career in the Financial Services industry? AJ Bell is a fast-growing, award-winning business and we could have just the opportunity for you to join the AJ Bell Apprenticeship Academy!

What are we looking for?

• Minimum of 112 UCAS points (under the tariff for courses starting from September 2017)
• Minimum of 5 GCSE's A*-C / 9 - 4 (including Maths and English)
• You must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of your apprenticeship and have lived in the UK/EEA for the past 3 years
• Ability to demonstrate why you want to work within the financial services industry
• Honesty, self-motivation, reliability
• Enthusiasm to learn and develop in different teams within the business

Our perks and benefits:

• Starting holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service
• Holiday buy and sell scheme
• A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 6%
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Annual free share awards scheme
• Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme
• Health Cash Plan - provided by SimplyHealth
• Discounted private healthcare scheme and dental plan
• Free gym membership, with an on-site gym providing a wide range of free classes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike loan scheme
• Sick pay+ pledge
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Discounted nursery fees at Kids Planet on Exchange Quay
• Loans for travel season tickets
• Death in service scheme
• Paid time off for volunteer work
• Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
• Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
• Parking at Exchange Quay (Subject to availability)
• Ongoing technical training
• Professional qualification support
• Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off
• Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches
• Casual dress code
• Access to a range of benefits from our sponsorship deals

Hybrid working
AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. That's why we offer a hybrid working model, where you'll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the office. For new team members, an initial period will be full-time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues.

AJ Bell is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and all employees are empowered to bring their whole self to work.
AJ Bell does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, religion, physical and mental disability, marital status and any other characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010. All decisions to hire are based on qualifications, merit and business need.

What next?
If you feel inspired and meet the entry criteria, then be sure to apply via our website. You should include your CV and a covering note answering the following questions:

• Why do you want a career in technology, specifically IT Services?
• Why would you like to join AJ Bell's apprenticeship programme?

Closing date for applications is Sunday 4 January 2026