At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Mainframe Academy to learn coding and problem-solving skills in a dynamic tech environment.
- Company: Join a leading UK retail company with a strong focus on technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Earn £26,000 annually, with relocation support and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team culture and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your tech career with hands-on training and real-world projects that make an impact.
- Qualifications: Passion for technology, problem-solving skills, and a desire to learn and grow.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 26000 £ per year.
Please note: this role starts with a 12-month training program in Leicester. Following successful completion of the training, you would then be permanently placed in either Doncaster or Elmsall. Relocation support is available for both the initial training period in Leicester and the subsequent move to Doncaster or Elmsall (subject to terms and conditions).
The start date for this role will be January 2027.
If your initial application is successful, you will be invited to complete online assessments plus a brief video interview. If you are successful at these stages, you will be invited to attend an assessment centre on Thursday 19/11/26 OR Friday 20/11/26.
Annual salary: £26,000.
Are you looking to start a career in Technology? Do you have a passion for learning and problem solving? Do you want to work as part of a team and have a strong desire to grow and develop? Then our Mainframe Academy is the place for you!
About the Academy:
At the heart of all our systems lies the Mainframe and we are looking for great people to join us! Guiding you from a complete beginner to IT professional, the Academy will match your natural aptitude with the technical skills and soft skills you will need to progress to a Mainframe Developer.
The Ecommerce Ordering, Finance, Stock and Pricing and Warehouse Departments within Next Technology all use Mainframe systems to deliver exciting projects that contribute to NEXT’s ongoing success.
Our aim is to develop you to a professional Mainframe Developer, when you’ll then be able to perform all elements of the role including:
- Involvement in the full lifecycle development including analysis, design, deployment (etc)
- Providing analytical and programming skills across Mainframe platforms, translating business requirements into code
- Developing new concepts, testing, deploying and supporting the multitude of applications used by our business.
- Utilising AI tools to supplement and enhance analytical and programming skills.
- Proactively improving existing skills, taking on new technical skills as appropriate, and continuously seeking to expand business knowledge.
- Working closely with other departments in tech to improve cross-team resolution of issues.
- Being flexible to provide additional support when required by project work, key events, peak periods etc.
About the programme:
The initial 12 months focus on the fundamentals of Mainframe, where you’ll receive structured training, as well as applying your new skills with exercises and projects. The classroom learning sessions are mandatory.
If successful after the initial 12 months, you’ll then move into one of our teams, where you’ll continue to build your experience with on the job learning and objectives, supported by advanced training as a trainee developer.
The programme will consist of sessions with our Technical Trainer and from our Subject Matter Experts. These will be complemented with online learning to achieve Badges and Certification from IBM. You will complete sessions and assessments in common coding languages including, but not limited to, JCL, COBOL and DB2.
There will be various individual and group projects during the programme for you to demonstrate your understanding of the topics covered. You will be provided with a timetable of sessions and the locations they will be held. Initially this will be on a 12 month Fixed Term Contract basis moving to a permanent position following successful completion of the first year of the programme.
In order to get the most out of the Academy, you’ll need to be prepared to work hard and use your initiative to upskill yourself alongside the training that we’ll give you.
Are you a perfect match?
- You will be passionate about technology and driven to learn to code
- You will have an aptitude for problem solving
- You will enjoy challenges and be naturally inquisitive
- You will have strong communication skills with well-balanced analytical skills
- You are a team player who thrives in a fast paced, busy and challenging environment
Mainframe Academy - initial 12 month training in Leicester, followed by placement in Doncaster or Elmsall in Pontefract employer: Next Careers
At Victoria’s Secret, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where teamwork and passion for customer service thrive. Our Sales Associates enjoy flexible shifts, comprehensive training, and opportunities for personal growth in a supportive environment, all while being part of a globally recognised brand that values creativity and innovation. Located in Exeter, our store provides a unique chance to engage with customers in a dynamic setting, making every day rewarding and enjoyable.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mainframe Academy - initial 12 month training in Leicester, followed by placement in Doncaster or Elmsall in Pontefract
✨Get Involved with Open Source Projects
Diving into open source is a fantastic way to showcase your skills and build a solid portfolio that speaks volumes. Contributing to projects on platforms like GitHub not only helps you learn, but it puts your work in front of potential employers, including places like Next Careers!
✨Attend Hackathons and Tech Meetups
Jumping into hackathons or local tech meetups can give you great exposure to the industry. Not only do you get to network with like-minded individuals, but you might even catch the attention of recruiters from companies like Next Careers while collaborating on exciting projects.
✨Leverage University Career Services
Don’t underestimate the power of your university's career services! They often have connections with companies looking for placement candidates like us. They can guide you on preparing for interviews and even help set up networking events.
✨Show Off Your Projects on Your Personal Website
Create a portfolio website to showcase your coding projects and development skills. This is a brilliant way to give a peek into your personality and capabilities while letting potential employers like Next Careers see your work up close. Plus, it shows you're proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Mainframe Academy - initial 12 month training in Leicester, followed by placement in Doncaster or Elmsall in Pontefract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In software engineering, showcasing your portfolio is key! Include links to GitHub repositories or any relevant projects you've worked on. This will give us a clear idea of your coding skills and what you can bring to Next Careers.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to emphasise programming languages, frameworks, and tools you’re familiar with on your CV. For a placement, we love seeing candidates who are eager to learn and adapt, so don’t hesitate to include any relevant coursework or certifications you’ve completed.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a placement with Next Careers specifically. Tell us what you hope to learn and how we fit into your career goals—not just what you can do for us, but what you want to gain from the experience.
Be Ready to Talk Tech:Prepare for the possibility of a technical assessment or interview. Brush up on coding challenges and be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving. Remember, we are looking for your thought process and ability to learn, not just the correct answer!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a software engineering placement at Next Careers, be ready to tackle coding challenges. You might face questions on algorithms, data structures, or even a live coding session. Practising on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank can really sharpen your skills and boost your confidence!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Have a couple of your projects on hand to discuss during the interview. Whether it's a personal project or something from your coursework, being able to explain your thought process, the technologies you used, and any challenges you faced can make a great impression. Be prepared to dive into the specifics and even share your GitHub link!
✨Understand the Tech Stack
Make sure you're familiar with the technologies and tools that Next Careers uses. If you see mentions of specific languages or frameworks in the job description, brush up on them. This shows your enthusiasm and preparedness for the role, making you a more attractive candidate!
✨Be Ready to Learn and Adapt
As this is a placement, the hiring team at Next Careers will be keen to hear about your motivation and potential to grow. Be open about what you want to learn from the role. Highlight experiences where you've adapted to new situations or picked up new skills quickly to showcase your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
