Apprentice Application Operations Engineer

DWP. Digital with Purpose.

DWP Digital is offering an exciting apprenticeship where you'll learn on the job, gain a Level 4 qualification, and help deliver vital digital services to millions.

Join a supportive team, build real IT and engineering skills, and shape your future in tech.

We're using fresh ideas and leading-edge technology to build and maintain digital services used by nearly every person in the UK - every day and at key moments in their lives.

DWP is the UK's largest government department. We help people into work and make payments worth over £195bn a year to support and empower millions of people.

The scale of what we do is extraordinary, and our purpose is unique. We'd love you to join us.

What skills, knowledge and experience will you need?

• Strong communicator - you are confident in sharing ideas clearly and presenting within a fast-paced operations environment
• Ownership mindset - you are driven to support critical systems independently, including out-of-hours when required
• Team player - you can contribute positively and support team success
• Highly organised - you can prioritise tasks effectively and manage competing demands
• Self-managed learner - you can balance your workload while developing skills through apprenticeship training
• Career-driven - you are motivated to complete the apprenticeship and grow into an Application Operations Engineer

Delivery. Work. Impact.

Join DWP Digital as an Apprentice Application Operations Engineer and earn while you learn in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

You'll gain hands-on experience as part of our Centralised Application Support Services (CASS) team, helping to keep critical services running smoothly for millions of users.

Your role will involve supporting live services, managing incidents, assisting with system changes and releases, and contributing to continuous improvement across our digital estate.

You'll work alongside experienced engineers and gain exposure to modern engineering practices, including DevOps and Site Reliability Engineering (SRE).

You'll receive structured training, mentorship, and dedicated learning time while working towards a Level 4 Application Support Lead apprenticeship.

To apply, you'll need to meet eligibility criteria (including residency and qualifications), commit to completing the full apprenticeship programme, and be able to pass SC clearance.

Details. Wages. Perks.

Hybrid Working: We work a hybrid model - you'll spend some time working at home and some time collaborating face to face in a hub.

Pay: £32,137

Pension: You'll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%, worth up to £9,310 per year.

Holidays: A generous leave package starting at 24 days rising to 26 days after one year.

You can also take up to 3 extra days off a month on flexi-time. You'll also get all the usual public holidays,

We have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:

• Time off volunteering and charitable giving
• Bring your authentic self to work with 'I Can Be Me in DWP'
• Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more
• Interest-free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket.
• Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.

And we have an award-winning environment and culture:

• DWP have been recognised as 2024 Diversity Employer of the Year at the Computing Women in Tech Excellence awards
• Diverse and Inclusive Leadership at Digital Leaders Awards 2024
• Commended as Best Place to Work in Digital category in the Computing Digital Technology Leaders awards 2025
• Recognised as one of the Best Public Sector Employers at 2025 Women In Tech Employer Awards
  

Process:

We know your time is valuable so our application and selection process is just three stages:

1. Apply: Complete your application on Civil Service Jobs. There'll be full instructions when you click through.
2. Eligibility and Skills Check: Our Provider Velocity will then contact you by email.
3. Interview: A single stage interview online.

CLICK APPLY for more information and to start your application.