Scheme summary
1. Salary - £30,987 + up to 10% annual bonus + annual pay reviews
2. Start date – September 2026
3. Scheme length – 3 years
4. Location – Stratford-upon-Avon (with hybrid working)
5. Criteria – minimum 2:1 degree in a STEM subject (Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, or another numerate/technical discipline).
About the scheme
AI is one of the most exciting and fast-moving areas of technology today, and at NFU Mutual, we’re embracing it in the right way. Rooted in our people-first culture, our approach is about combining ethical, responsible AI with human expertise to make our business smarter, faster, and more efficient.
We’re looking for ambitious, curious graduates to join our AI & Automation Graduate Scheme and become part of our newly established AI function - a strategic team at the heart of NFU Mutual’s IT Division, driving the adoption of Artificial Intelligence across the organisation. With strong investment and appetite from the business, this is your chance to join right at the start of the teams’ journey.
What you can expect
Throughout this scheme, you’ll gain hands-on experience on high-impact projects while developing the technical and professional skills to launch a successful career.
From exploring use cases and building AI platforms, to preparing datasets and training machine learning models, you’ll deliver intelligent solutions that make our operations smarter and more efficient. You’ll research emerging technologies, work with leading hyperscale partners, and ensure AI is used responsibly – balancing innovation with our people-first culture and compliance with data regulations.
Alongside this, you’ll have access to:
6. A structured induction and dedicated buddy to help you settle in
7. On-the-job training, technical bootcamps, and access to Microsoft Learn and internal labs
8. Opportunities to complete industry-recognised certifications, such as:
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
Python Institute PCEP/PCAP
Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert (for those interested in MLOps and scalable deployment)
9. Internal learning pathways on agentic AI, large language models (LLMs), and responsible AI practices
How your role will evolve:
Year 1 – Build core technical and business skills through hands-on project work, technical bootcamps, and exposure across the IT Division
Year 2 – Take on more responsibility: lead workstreams, contribute to strategic initiatives, and deepen your expertise in AI engineering, automation, or MLOps
Year 3 – Shape how we use AI across the business, working with senior stakeholders and influencing enterprise-level decisions
Post-scheme – Move into a permanent role such as AI Engineer, Data Scientist, or MLOps Specialist, with clear progression pathways
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 — both professionally and personally.
From day one, you’ll be supported by a buddy, a mentor, and a strong graduate network. You’ll join regular graduate development sessions, and as you near the end of the scheme, a careers coach will help you 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, social and charity activities, and represent NFU Mutual at industry events. These experiences, part of our ESG commitments, are a great way to broaden your skills while giving something back. You’ll join an inclusive IT Division of 700 people at the heart of an £80m+ annual change portfolio, and a graduate community that’s collaborative, supportive, and ready to share knowledge.
Application Process
If shortlisted, you’ll complete an online assessment designed to measure potential for success, including your ability to learn and solve problems. Successful applicants will then complete a short video interview. The final stage is an in-person assessment centre with a group exercise, role-specific exercise, and skills-based interview. Assessment Centres will take place w/c 5th January 2026.
This vacancy may close early once sufficient applications have been received, so early submission is encouraged.
What we're looking for
To join this scheme, you’ll need a minimum 2:1 degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, Engineering, or another numerate/technical discipline. You should also be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in emerging technologies and how they can be applied responsibly in a business context.
You’ll have a keen interest in AI and automation and enjoy problem solving. Soft skills are just as important as technical ones – you’ll need to be curious, and comfortable working with others to turn ideas into practical solutions.
Skills we’re looking for:
10. Problem solving – using logical and creative approaches gives you the foundation to tackle complex challenges and design practical solutions.
11. Analytical thinking – by being comfortable working with data and spotting patterns, you’ll be able to extract insights that shape decisions.
12. Great communication – clear explanations and confident storytelling mean your technical ideas can influence colleagues and senior stakeholders alike.
13. Teamwork – strong collaboration skills allow you to contribute to shared goals and thrive in a supportive, agile environment.
14. Technical foundations – a grounding in Python, an understanding of machine learning concepts, and familiarity with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP) will help you build, test, and deploy AI solutions effectively.
15. Adaptability – being flexible and open to change enables you to keep pace with a fast-moving field like AI.
16. Innovation – fresh ideas and creative thinking will help us explore new use cases and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
17. Learning and growth mindset – curiosity and resilience give you the ability to keep developing your skills and bring others with you on the AI journey.
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, 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
When you join our team, you can expect a supportive culture and an attractive range of rewards and benefits including:
18. Salary £30,097
19. Annual bonus (up to 10% of salary)
20. Contributory pension scheme, up to 20%, including your 8% contribution
21. 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + buy/sell/save holiday trading scheme
22. A Family Friendly policy that helps you balance your work and family responsibilities
23. Access to savings at High Street brands, travel and supermarkets
24. £20 contribution to a monthly gym membership – subject to T&Cs
25. Health and wellbeing plan - cashback for dentist, opticians, physio and more
26. Access to voluntary benefits, including health assessments, private medical insurance and dental insurance
27. Employee Volunteering - volunteer in the community for one day each year
28. Unlimited access to Refer a Friend £500 bonus scheme
29. Life Assurance cover of 4 x salary
30. Employee discounts of 15% on a range of NFU Mutual insurance policies.