IT Graduate

A 24-month IT Graduate Programme with three 8-month rotations providing hands-on experience across site-based IT, central IT functions, and specialist/project roles, preparing graduates for permanent IT positions.

ABP is one of Europe’s leading beef processors. We have built our success on entrepreneurship, technological investment and a deep knowledge of the sectors in which we operate. As key stakeholders in the integrity of the food supply chain we are focused on ensuring the full traceability of our products

Our core business – ABP Beef – is supported by its renewable, pet food and protein divisions, which combine to ensure the value of by-products is maximized and the environmental impact of the business and our customers is minimized. Our company has doubled the size of its business in the past 10 years and continues to seek additional growth opportunities through organic initiatives and potential acquisitions

The IT Graduate Programme is a structured 24-month rotational programme designed to develop future IT professionals with a strong understanding of both business operations and enterprise IT services within ABP UK

Graduates will complete three 8-month rotations, gaining hands-on experience in site-based IT, central IT functions, and specialist or project-based roles.

The programme provides exposure to live operational environments and core IT systems, preparing graduates for permanent roles within the IT function. As part of your induction, you’ll join a bootcamp in all things People and Places. After this, you’ll rotate through a variety of teams – either specialist centres of expertise or generalist teams that work directly with the business

Primary Objective

To develop adaptable and capable IT professionals by providing structured exposure to operational IT environments, central IT functions, and specialist disciplines, while supporting the delivery and improvement of IT services across ABP UK

 Programme Structure:

Rotation 1: Site-Based Business & IT Foundations (8 months) (Location confirmed upon offer)

Based at an ABP UK production site, this rotation focuses on understanding the core business and operational environment

Graduates will gain hands-on experience supporting core IT systems, assisting with end-user support and incident investigation, and understanding how IT supports production, logistics, and business continuity

Rotation 2: Central IT Functions & Specialist Exposure (8 months)

Based within central IT teams (Birmingham), this rotation focuses on developing deeper technical and functional knowledge

Graduates may gain exposure to infrastructure and platform support, Digital Workplace services, service and incident management, business applications such as Innova, and other specialist IT functions depending on business need and individual development

Rotation 3: Advanced Placement / Project / Specialism (8 months)

The final rotation consolidates learning and prepares graduates for a permanent role within the IT function

Graduates may undertake defined IT projects, continue within a specialist area, or support cross-functional IT initiatives with increased responsibility under guidance and mentoring

Programme Outcome

On successful completion of the programme, graduates will be considered for permanent roles within the IT function, including Digital Workplace, IT Operations, Infrastructure, or specialist IT teams, subject to business requirements and performance

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic and vibrant team in an all-encompassing training programme!

Knowledge & Experience

Key Responsibilities

·        Support day-to-day IT operations under supervision

·        Assist with investigation and resolution of incidents and service requests

·        Work with site and central IT teams to support live IT environments

·        Contribute to documentation, knowledge bases, and process improvement initiatives

·        Participate in training, development, and learning activities

·        Adhere to IT policies, security standards, and operational procedures

·        Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

·        Essential: Degree (or equivalent) in IT, Computing, or a related discipline

·        Strong interest in IT systems, technology, and business operations

·        Good communication and interpersonal skills

·        Logical and analytical approach to problem solving

·        Ability to work effectively as part of a team

·        Desirable: Awareness of Microsoft 365, enterprise IT environments, or cloud technologies

Personal Attributes

·        Proactive, motivated, and eager to learn

·        Adaptable and flexible in a changing operational environment

·        Professional and confident when dealing with stakeholders at all levels

·        Organised, reliable, and capable of managing priorities effectively

·        Due to the remoteness of some of our factories we are seeking candidates that hold a full UK driving licence