Graduate Development Programme – Trainee Software Engineer

Graduate Software Engineering role at DVLA involving coding, testing, and developing digital services while completing an MSc in Software Engineering through a structured programme

Job summary

Do you have a degree in a STEM subject or are soon to graduate? Are you interested in learning to code in an agile software team using modern languages and cloud technologies?

Our department within the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has a proven track record of developing people with a passion for software development and building digital services.

This is a phenomenal opportunity to be a part of the scheme. This role will shape your career and take you to the next level of becoming a successful Software Engineer!

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.

• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday

• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Job description

We are looking for 12 motivated individuals to join our Graduate Development Scheme and begin a rewarding career in software engineering. You will be based in our Information Technology Services (ITS) department, working alongside experienced Software Engineers who will guide you as you build practical skills and progress professionally.

Now in its fifth successful year, the DVLA MSc Graduate Programme continues to achieve outstanding results. As a forward‑thinking organisation and a leader in agile, cloud, and emerging technologies within government, we are committed to continual improvement and we want you to be part of shaping what comes next.

Our teams work with industry‑leading tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, and a range of cloud and serverless technologies. Through this programme, you will complete an MSc in Software Engineering over 24 months, combining academic study with structured workplace learning. Throughout the programme, you may also undertake specific projects designed to strengthen and apply your new knowledge.

By the end of the scheme, you will be fully equipped to thrive in a modern software delivery environment. Many of our current engineers began their careers through this route and have since progressed into senior and lead roles.

Alongside your technical development, you will also grow essential professional skills, including teamwork, communication, resilience, and problem‑solving—giving you a strong foundation for future career opportunities.

Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:

• Work with other developers to write application code and tests

• Build your knowledge of software engineering

• Follow a test-driven approach

• Write code that is automatically tested

Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Would you like to find out more about the role, the digital team and what it’s like to work at DVLA? If so, we are organising a familiarisation session where you can virtually 'meet the team' on 29th April 2026 at 12:00pm.

Person specification

Essential qualifications:

For those who have completed or are in the final year of a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or any of the following STEM Subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics.

If you have or are expecting to achieve a 1st or a 2.1 relevant Honours Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or STEM subjects, then this would be an excellent opportunity for you. Candidates with a 2.2 and relevant additional experience may be considered and assessed.

Applications will be accepted from those currently working towards a degree, providing they meet the above requirements to start the Programme in September 2026. We will ask for evidence that you have met the qualification.

Required experience:

To become successful in the role you will need to have a passion for learning, developing your current IT skills, and enjoy being a part of a fast-moving environment. We will look to you to actively engage with your colleagues, getting involved in various projects.

You will need to be someone who takes pride in their work, being able to prioritise your tasks effectively whilst continuing to study. You will have an eye for detail, being able to analyse data providing your recommendations to the team and senior leaders.

During your time with us you will be supported by experienced mentors, professionals with many years of experience and our dedicated Capability and Talent team. The programme will provide the opportunity to undertake professional qualifications such as language courses like Java Programming, Ruby Programming and Ruby on the Rails. At the end of the course you will be obtain a Level 7 (Masters) MSc Software Engineering.

Working for the DVLA Digital Team

At DVLA, licensing is just the start. Every project you implement, touch and deliver has a ripple effect that’ll wash across the nation. Here the work you’re doing has the capacity to change the way 53 million people interact with our services. As we aim to keep our roads some of the safest in the world, our innovative, transformative digital-led services help optimise a nation of individuals and business every single day.  

Additional Information

The programme will include undertaking a number of qualifications that will require examinations as well as on-team training. There will be regular assessment points to evaluate the progress and proficiency of candidates. You will be assessed at checkpoints throughout the programme, failure to successfully meet the standard during checkpoints could result in 3 months’ notice being provided to cease employment.

We reserve the right to seek full or partial repayment of costs associated with your qualification, should you not contribute to the programme, or may include related costs such as exam fees, membership fees or materials.