Digital Year in Industry

targetjobs UK; Leeds; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation organization in the UK is offering a one-year Digital Year in Industry programme for undergraduate students. You will gain hands-on experience within Digital Services, contributing to critical projects that ensure safe travel across the nation. This role promises competitive pay, supportive mentorship, and valuable career development opportunities, aimed at those pursuing a degree in digital, IT, or engineering fields.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Employee benefits package

Health and wellbeing schemes

26 annual leave days

Qualifications

• Be finishing the second year of your undergraduate degree programme in June 2026.
• Expected to achieve at least a 2:2 in a digital, IT, business, maths, engineering or sciences subject area.
• Able to attend a 2-day induction from 29th-30th June 2026.

Responsibilities

• Support the systems and innovations in Digital Services team.
• Contribute to digital, data and technology services within National Highways.
• Participate in real-world learning and workshops.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant area

Job description

Connect the country. Shape your future. Start your career journey with us.

Are you ready to answer the big questions and help digitise the future of our roads network? Join our one-year Digital Year in Industry programme and discover how digital, data and technology services at National Highways help millions of people travel safely and reliably every day.

You’ll gain hands‑on experience in our Digital Services team, supporting the systems and innovations that underpin our operations and drive transformation across our network.

From major digital infrastructure projects to the operational technology that keeps our roads running smoothly, and the critical business systems that support everything from HR to finance, you’ll be part of something that truly connects the country.

Whether you're passionate about data, curious about cybersecurity, or excited by the potential of digital transformation, this is your opportunity to explore the technologies shaping the future of travel.

What You’ll Get in Return

If you're ready to invest in your development and excited to help shape the future of transport, we’ve got your back!

Our placements offer a mix of hands‑on experience, workshops, and real‑world learning to help boost your career prospects after university. You’ll have a dedicated manager, support from experienced mentors, and flexible working arrangements to help you thrive. You’ll also be part of our Early Careers community, connecting with peers, sharing ideas, and building your network.

As well as a competitive salary and plenty of career development support, you’ll also enjoy a fantastic employee benefits package, which includes annual leave of 26 days (pro‑rata for internships), access to health and wellbeing schemes, discounts and cashback on shopping, going out and more!

What You’ll Need to Succeed

You’ll need to bring a positive mindset, take ownership of your work, and be ready to adapt when things shift. We’re looking for great communicators who work well with others, stay organised, and think critically to solve problems. If you're curious, passionate, and keen to learn, you'll fit right in and grow fast.

To Be Eligible For Our Placement Programme, You Must

• Be finishing the second year of your undergraduate degree programme in June 2026.
• Expected to achieve at least a 2:2 in a digital, IT, business, maths, engineering or sciences subject area.
• Be able to attend a 2‑day induction from 29th‑30th June 2026.
• Successful candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK from the start of the programme. This role does not meet the minimum salary threshold for visa sponsorship.

Assessment Centres will run in January and February 2026, and you’ll hear back soon after about whether you’ve secured a placement.

All offers to the programme are subject to satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks, including Right to Work, reference, and DBS criminal record checks.

About Us

Our strategic road network is vital to connecting the country, carrying a third of all traffic and two‑thirds of freight. Every single day, National Highways get millions of people to where they need to be as efficiently and safely as possible along more than 4,500 miles of motorways and major A roads. We bring people together, keep businesses moving and help communities to stay connected.

We’re constantly innovating to stay ahead of the curve in building and operating our roads, investing in both the right projects and the brightest talent to help shape our future. And that's where you come in!

Why You Should Join Us

At National Highways, we believe in building a connected country. We’re passionate about creating an inclusive, collaborative culture where all our people feel empowered, valued and enjoy greater wellbeing to achieve this.

If you share our values of safety, passion, teamwork, ownership, and integrity, you’ll thrive as part of our team.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're excited by growing in and shaping the future of a large, evolving organisation, apply today and start your journey with us. Don’t miss out – submit your application early as we may close applications before the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of interest.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only consider your application for one programme and one location. Please ensure you only apply to your preferred option, if you apply to more than one, we will take your first application as your preferred option.