Technology Graduate Programme

We’re a digital business, driven by data, and using technology to create new services that transform customer and colleague experiences. Join this structured, two-year programme and you’ll build the skills, knowledge and experience you need to be a key player in our pioneering technology teams.

You’ll have the chance to contribute to a variety of real projects, from agile working to supporting our transformation to cloud and cloud native services, to automation, migrating our datacentre and developing a next generation contact centre. In short, you’ll play a key role in helping to shape our digital transformation.

To develop your business understanding and support you on your way to be one our future leaders, you’ll also work on a key project that sits outside of your technical placement.

Where you’ll be based

We’re committed to hybrid working, so you’ll need to be able to work in our Bexhill office at least twice a week, with the option and flexibility of working from home on other days.

Starting your career with us

Starting your career at Hastings Direct gives you the chance to make your mark in an ambitious, rapidly growing and digitally driven business. A company that genuinely cares about you as an individual, respects your opinions and listens to your ideas. One where you can make a positive difference, because you’re encouraged to look for growth opportunities and achieve your full potential.

Most of all, you’ll find all the support you need, from people at every level, so you can fulfil your ambitions. From managers who are approachable and supportive, to colleagues who are always ready to help each other out. In short, you’ll have all you need to launch a successful career.

Your rotations

Over the two-year programme, you’ll gain experience in a variety of different technical areas on a series of rotations. It’s a great way to discover how technology supports every aspect of our business and to develop wide-ranging technical skills and understanding.

Your rotations will include time in Cloud Engineering, Architecture & Cloud Strategy, IT Operations and Colleague & Security Operations.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have a strong understanding of how our different teams work together to enable the business to thrive. You’ll also be on track to gain your first permanent role – from Cloud or DevOps Engineer, to Cloud Solutions Architect, Automation Engineer or working alongside our IT Operations teams.

Your professional development

Your development starts from day one. During the first two weeks, we’ll give you PowerShell training. We’re also committed to giving our people the chance to continuously update and add to their skills. So, you’ll have opportunities to gain certification in a variety of areas, from Azure admin and networks to DevOps, Power Platform and M365.

And our inclusive, supportive culture means you’ll have a strong support network around you. From line managers to mentors, buddies to our Early Careers team, you’ll always have someone you can talk to about anything. From your future career at Hastings Direct, to where to get a coffee!

What we look for

We look for a combination of technical and personal skills:

Qualifications

A graduate in any subject

Skills

Passionate about technology and coding

Behaviours

Naturally curious and keen to learn and innovate

Behaviours

Collaborative with strong communication skills

Meet some of the team

Charlotte, Engineering Lead

After graduating in Business Studies, I joined an IT graduate scheme at Lloyds Banking Group. I moved to Hastings from Lloyds to become an Engineering Lead in Cloud Engineering. I love being part of a 'technology company that does insurance'. I’m at the forefront of Hastings' adoption of new technology, specifically Microsoft Power Platform, which is low code/no code development of applications, automation, chatbots and data visualisation. The pace of change here is really exciting and the potential for growth is limitless – I’m learning something new every day.

Our recruitment process

After each stage, we’ll let you know if you’ve made it to the next one and what to expect. If you haven’t, we’ll be happy to give you feedback.

Apply

Choose the right programme for you, then just answer a couple of basic application questions and attach your CV.

Reviewing your application

We’ll review your application to see if you have what we’re looking in for your chosen programme.

Online assessment

Your chance to show us how you evaluate, reason and conceptualise, spot patterns, solve problems and use your numerical skills to draw conclusions.

Video interview

An interview covering why you want to join us, with some technical questions.

Meet us

From producing case studies and giving presentations, to group and role-specific tasks, this is your chance to shine.

Welcome!

If you’re successful, we’ll offer you a place on one of our programmes and call you to talk through the details.

Frequently asked questions

I don’t have a visa – can I still apply to Hastings Direct?

We’ll ask you to show us evidence of your right to work in the UK during the selection process, and you must maintain and be able to demonstrate your right to work all the time you work for us. Hastings Direct are also a registered, licensed sponsor and can consider sponsoring workers for certain roles.
Can I apply to more than one programme?

Yes, but during the recruitment process we may let you know if we think you're better suited to another programme - we always have your best interests at heart.
I’m a mature student/graduate – can I still apply?

Yes – age is just a number!
What happens once my programme finishes?

Each programme’s designed to set you up to be ready for your next role at Hastings Direct.
Can I apply if I’ve already graduated?

Yes, so long as you meet the minimum requirements for the programme you’d like to apply to.
Do I need to relocate if I’m successful?

This will depend on the programme you join. We’ll usually ask you to be able to commute to one of our offices, so you benefit from in-person support when you join. But we can talk this through with you during the recruitment process.
I already work at Hastings Direct – can I still apply?

Absolutely! If you meet our eligibility requirements, everyone is welcome. We suggest that you also speak with your Leader to help support with your application.

Ready to apply?

Are you ready for a graduate programme with a fast growing, digitally-focused insurance company? A business with huge ambitions to be the UK’s best and biggest digital insurer?

An organisation that focuses on profitable growth that’s truly sustainable, by doing the right thing for colleagues, customers, the community and the company – our 4Cs? Somewhere that celebrates openness and diversity by encouraging you to be yourself – and was ranked 29th in the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List 2021/22?

Are you ready for a future with Hastings Direct?

Apply Now

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