Applications are now open for our 2026 Internship Programme (Software Engineering)! Who we are: Ashton Fire is a dynamic and rapidly growing Fire Safety and Engineering Consultancy. Operating from an ethical platform, our social and environmental values are at the core of our organisation and service delivery. We strive to provide the highest quality, morally and ethically balanced service to our clients whilst maintaining a team-focused working environment. Application process: Applications are open until Friday, 9th January 2026. All applicants will be contacted with the outcome of their application by Friday, 16th January 2026. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to interview in February 2026. Offers will be made to successful candidates by Friday, 27th February 2026. Internship dates will be agreed at the point of interview, with most internships lasting between 8-12 weeks from June - August. Perks & Benefits: Most of our benefits are available to all employees from the first day of employment. Hybrid Approach: Work a blend of where you’re most productive- whether from home or the office, the choice is yours. 9-Day Fortnight: Enjoy an extra day off every two weeks, giving you more time to focus on what matters most. Core Hours: Shape your workweek around our flexible core hours, making it easier to balance work and life. 25 Days Holiday: Take time to recharge with 25 days holiday ( bank holidays), rising to 30 days at 9 years’ service. Flexible Bank Holidays: Choose when to take your bank holidays, giving you the freedom to celebrate what matters to you. Enhanced Pension: Enjoy peace of mind for the future with 6% employer pension contributions, rising to 8% at 5 years’ service. Enhanced Parental Leave: Enhanced maternity leave and one month of fully paid paternity leave. Private Medical: Comprehensive health coverage through Bupa, plus access to our health cash plan. Mental Health Support: 24/7 access to medical advice through our Employee Assistance Programme. Bonus Scheme: Annual discretionary bonus based on both company and personal performance. Professional Registration Scheme: Bonus scheme to award for becoming chartered and registering for membership with professional institutions. Christmas Shutdown: Enjoy a company-wide break between Christmas and New Year on top of your annual leave. Company Events: Monthly socials with your local office and three company-wide events per year. About the role: We’re offering an exciting Summer Internship opportunity for a Computer Science or related degree student to join our Manchester-based software team. You’ll gain hands-on experience developing software tools and AI-powered systems that help automate processes, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making across the business. Working alongside experienced engineers, you’ll contribute to real projects, from developing automation scripts to improving data workflows and improving existing internal platforms. This is a great opportunity to learn, experiment, and see how technology is transforming a growing consultancy. Responsibilities: Assist in developing and maintaining internal software tools and systems. Support automation initiatives that reduce manual workloads and improve efficiency. Work with AI and machine learning technologies (including LLMs) under guidance from senior engineers. Help design and test and document applications, scripts and data processing tools. Collaborate with non-technical colleagues to understand their needs and contribute to practical solutions. Learn and apply good coding practices, including version control, testing, and documentation. Participate in team discussions and contribute ideas for process or system improvements. Who you are: Currently studying Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field (returning to university after the internship). Familiar with Python, experience with other languages is a plus. Interest in AI, automation, or data-driven solutions. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Good communicator and collaborator. Curious, motivated, and eager to learn new technologies. Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to challenges. At Ashton Fire, we are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace, providing equal opportunities where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age (within legal limits), disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We believe that a diverse team brings a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas - and that's what drives innovation and excellence in everything we do.