IT Architecture Graduate Scheme

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

Job summary

A leading mutual insurance company based in Stratford-upon-Avon is seeking IT graduates for its IT Architect Graduate Scheme. This three-year program provides hands-on experience across diverse technical domains and aims to develop graduates into future IT Architects. The role includes designing IT solutions, rotation through various architecture teams, and gaining professional certifications, all in a supportive environment that values learning and collaboration.

Benefits

Annual bonus (up to 10% of salary)

Contributory pension scheme

25 days annual leave

Health and wellbeing plan

Employee Volunteering

Qualifications

• 2:2 degree (achieved or predicted) in IT, Computer Science, or a closely related technical discipline.
• A genuine passion for IT and architectural standards.
• Ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage IT services and solutions.
• Rotate through enterprise, technical, and information architecture teams.
• Contribute to transformative projects.
• Work towards professional IT qualifications and certifications.

Skills

Critical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Collaboration

Adaptability

Technical foundations

Education

Minimum 2:2 degree in IT or related discipline

Job description

Overview

Our IT Architects are responsible for designing and managing high-level solutions for business applications, systems, portfolios, infrastructures, or the entire enterprise. They develop IT services, often designing and managing communications, security, networking, storage, and more. We are looking for an ambitious and inquisitive IT graduate eager to launch their career. Our dynamic three-year graduate programme is your gateway to becoming a future IT Architect. Here, you\'ll gain hands-on experience across diverse technical domains, develop an in-depth understanding of how our business thrives on technology, and sharpen your professional skills in real-world projects. From collaborating with talented colleagues to solving meaningful challenges and working to regulation standards, you\'ll build essential skills in teamwork, communication, and problem solving. Along the way, you\'ll have the opportunity to make a tangible impact, grow your confidence, and shape the future of our business — all while being supported every step of the way.

What you can expect

As a graduate on our IT Architecture Scheme, you\'ll help design and manage the technology that powers our business. You\'ll work on high-level solutions for applications, systems, and cloud-based products, making sure everything is secure, connected, and ready for the future. You\'ll rotate through teams such as Enterprise, Technical, and Information Architecture, collaborating with Cyber & Security experts. You\'ll be:

• Designing and improving IT services such as communications, networking, and security
• Working with colleagues across IT to understand how our technical framework supports the business
• Helping deliver smooth, safe releases of new technology
• Building technical knowledge, developing problem-solving skills, and playing a key role in delivering reliable services for our customers. To enhance your career, you\'ll also work towards professional IT qualifications and certifications as you learn and progress. This programme is designed to develop you into a future IT Architect, giving you technical breadth, business insight, and professional skills to succeed.

How your role will evolve

• Year 1 - Begin with a six-week IT Helpdesk placement, supporting colleagues and customers to see how technology underpins the business. Rotate through Infrastructure, Security, and Data/Integration teams, gaining hands-on experience. Conclude the year with a six-week overview of all Architecture disciplines, including Enterprise and Solution Architecture, building a strong foundation for your career.
• Year 2 - Rotate through the four key architecture domains - Infrastructure, Security, Systems, and Information - spending around three months in each. During this year, you\'ll also prepare for the TOGAF Foundation certification, giving you a solid grounding in architectural principles.
• Year 3 - Focus on two architecture domains of your choice, such as Infrastructure and Security or Systems and Information, spending six months developing deeper expertise in each.

Across all three years, you\'ll contribute to transformative projects — modernising legacy systems, expanding SaaS adoption, and working with cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation across the organisation.

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 — professionally and personally. From day one, you\'ll benefit from mentoring and coaching from senior architects, plus the support of a strong graduate network. You\'ll join regular development sessions, and as you near the end of the scheme, a careers coach will help plan your next steps — whether that\'s becoming a technical specialist or moving into leadership. It\'s not all about technology and certifications. You\'ll also get involved in volunteering, charity, and social activities, and represent NFU Mutual at industry events. These experiences, part of our ESG commitments, broaden your skills while giving something back.

To join this scheme, you need a minimum 2:2 degree (achieved or predicted) in IT, Computer Science, or a closely related technical discipline. The scheme will suit you if you have a genuine passion for all things IT and an awareness of architectural standards and methodologies, and an understanding of ITIL procedures as implemented by NFU Mutual or a willingness to work towards it, and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with senior stakeholders. If you are passionate about architecture and eager to contribute to a leading mutual insurance company!

Core Competencies

• Critical thinking and problem solving - IT Architects face complex problems; your ability to analyse situations and find effective solutions is key.
• Communication, collaboration and teamwork - IT Architecture is a team effort; working well with others helps deliver successful projects. Clear communication and relationship-building are essential.
• Organisation - effective planning keeps projects and day-to-day processes running smoothly.
• Adaptability and resilience - Projects and priorities can change quickly; being flexible and resilient helps you thrive through uncertainty.
• Growth mindset & learning agility - Technology is always evolving; being open to learning and staying curious helps you develop quickly.
• Innovation and creation - Bringing fresh ideas and creative thinking helps us improve our technology and deliver better services for our customers.
• Technical foundations - an understanding of IT concepts, software, and infrastructure provides the base for building IT Architecture expertise.

Work experience

Some relevant experience, whether through internships, personal projects, hackathons, or university research, is desirable but by no means essential. What matters most is your curiosity, willingness to learn, and ability to apply your skills to real-world challenges.

At NFU Mutual, our IT division plays a pivotal role in driving the success of our business. From delivering exceptional service to spearheading innovation, we\'re at the forefront of technology and transformation. Our teams lead ambitious projects, such as transitioning to Cloud services, enhancing our cybersecurity, and developing digital customer solutions - all while delivering an annual change portfolio worth over £80 million.

At NFU Mutual, we support an inclusive workplace and value all the differences that make us unique. We celebrate the creativity and innovation that comes from diverse perspectives and experiences and share a common vision of doing the right thing for our customers and employees. We recognise that some candidates may experience barriers during the recruitment process. So, 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.

Benefits and Rewards

• Salary £30,097
• Annual bonus (up to 10% of salary)
• 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.