Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship - Manchester Metropolitan University 2026

Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship - Manchester Metropolitan University 2026

Full-Time 800 - 1400 £ / month (est.) No working from home possible
CGI

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design, develop, and test innovative tech solutions while studying for a degree.
  • Company: Join CGI, a leading tech consultancy that values your ideas and creativity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private healthcare, and a £ joining bonus.
  • Other info: Flexible working locations with excellent career growth and networking opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of technology while gaining a degree and real-world experience.
  • Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including English and Maths; A-Levels or equivalent in IT-related subjects.

The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.

At CGI, we empower the next generation of innovators to shape the future of technology and security. As part of #GenerationCGI, you’ll join a community of apprentices who are turning ambition into action and possibility into progress.

You will study towards a BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions degree via the Software Engineering pathway at Manchester Metropolitan University with day release teaching. The rest of your time will be spent developing your career with us. The duration of the course is 4 years.

During the apprenticeship, you’ll work in roles related to your degree and therefore you’ll need to demonstrate an interest in these areas. You can shape and develop your career throughout the course of the programme then continue with us after graduation. In addition to fully paid tuition fees, we’ll provide the course resources and materials required. You are able to access the same learning opportunities as those who follow the traditional route of direct entry into university.

CGI is a place where your ideas and solutions are not just welcomed, but essential. You’ll collaborate with colleagues and clients, combining your creativity with our global expertise to develop innovative solutions that solve real-world problems.

Your future duties and responsibilities:

  • Design, develop, and test technical solutions for live projects.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex real-world challenges.
  • Explore and apply emerging technologies in areas such as cyber, cloud, space, and mission systems.
  • Support secure systems that underpin the UK’s national infrastructure.
  • Innovate alongside other graduates, taking part in early careers initiatives that go beyond your day-to-day role.

Every contribution you make will help deliver outcomes with lasting impact.

Locations: Digital and Technology Solutions - Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeships at Manchester Metropolitan University starting in Summer are available in our Manchester and Leeds offices. As CGI is a consultancy, you may be required to work in different locations, so flexibility and a willingness to travel are key.

Why Join Us?

At CGI, you’ll be part of a culture that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, where your perspective is valued and your ideas contribute to meaningful outcomes. Your journey starts with a structured Early Careers Induction Programme, giving you the foundations to succeed, along with 24/7 e-learning and opportunities to gain professional certifications that build your expertise. CGI is an unconditionally inclusive workplace where you are respected, your voice is heard, and you can be yourself. We were recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List and named a UK ‘Best Employer’ by the Financial Times. We proudly hold a Gold Award in recognition of our support of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant.

Benefits: Along with a competitive salary and a joining bonus, you’ll enjoy benefits that support every stage of your journey. You’ll share in CGI’s success through our matched share scheme, have access to private healthcare, well-being programmes, and professional training, and build financial security with a competitive pension. Beyond the day job, you’ll connect with others through early careers networks, diversity groups, and social clubs that make your time at CGI both rewarding and enjoyable.

Required qualifications to be successful in this role:

  • A minimum of five 4-9 GCSEs (or equivalent grades A*-C on the old grading scale), including English and Maths.
  • To have or be predicted to achieve at least UCAS points across three A-Levels or equivalent BTECs at grade C or above (excluding General Studies) gained in the same academic year or a completed Advanced IT Apprenticeship. (We encourage applications from those who do not meet these grade requirements but have extenuating circumstances).
  • Your A-Levels (or equivalent qualifications) should include an IT related subject, unless you can show software programming or development ability through work experience or extra-curricular activities.
  • Flexibility to travel and work on projects across the UK.
  • Due to the sensitive nature of projects, candidates must meet security clearance requirements. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK.

Our apprenticeships are designed for candidates with A-Levels (or equivalent e.g. BTEC etc) who do not yet have a degree in a related subject. If you are working towards a degree, or already have one, please see our Industrial Placement and Graduate Programmes. Please note: We will need to see original certificates for all qualifications. Due to UK Government security requirements we are only able to accept applications from candidates who have the unrestricted right to live and work in the United Kingdom.

Skills: Communication (Oral/Written)

Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship - Manchester Metropolitan University 2026 employer: CGI

CGI is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, making it a perfect place for aspiring software engineers. With a structured Early Careers Induction Programme, access to 24/7 e-learning, and opportunities for professional certifications, you will be well-equipped to thrive in your career. Additionally, the competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and supportive networks ensure that your journey with CGI is both rewarding and enjoyable, all while contributing to meaningful projects that secure the UK's national infrastructure.

CGI

Contact Details:

CGI Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship - Manchester Metropolitan University 2026

Join Local Tech Meetups

Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at CGI or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!

Contribute to Open Source Projects

Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to CGI.

Tap into Online Developer Communities

Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like CGI.

Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles

Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like CGI that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!

We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship - Manchester Metropolitan University 2026

Communication Skills (Oral/Written)
Software Development
Technical Solution Design
Collaboration
Problem-Solving
Adaptability
Emerging Technologies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.

Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at CGI.

Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at CGI and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!

Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!

How to prepare for a job interview at CGI

Brush Up on Your Coding Skills

For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.

Know Your Tools and Frameworks

Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If CGI uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.

Showcase Your Projects

Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.