ITV Apprentice Software Engineer

ITV; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK media company is seeking an enthusiastic Apprentice Software Engineer for a 24-month hybrid role in Leeds. This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to develop software solutions in Python and Java while gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills and a passion for technology, alongside a commitment to learning and problem-solving. Apprentices will benefit from structured training and mentorship to build their careers in the tech sector.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Generous holiday allowance

Wellbeing and volunteering days

Employee discount program

Qualifications

• Ability to demonstrate logical reasoning and structured approach to problem solving.
• Experience developing software in Python or other languages.
• Ability to listen and take feedback effectively.

Responsibilities

• Engineer software using Python and Java.
• Develop maintainable code following best practices.
• Test code and analyze results to correct errors.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Passion for technology

Software development awareness

Maintaining code

Teamwork skills

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

GCSE Grades C/4 or above in English and Maths

Minimum of a pass at Level 3 qualification

Tools

Python

Java

GitHub

Jenkins

Job description

Overview

Workplace: Leeds

Department- Content, Supply and Distribution

Working pattern - Hybrid (2-3 days in the office, 1-2 at home)

Duration: 27-30 months (This is a full time role from Monday to Friday - 37.5 hours per week)

Contract - Fixed Term Contract

Qualification: L4 Software Developer

The team

Content Supply and Distribution (CS&D) is a key group within ITV’s Media & Entertainment business that is responsible for managing ITV’s content and data from source to screen across linear and VoD supply chains.

The Content Supply Technology (CST) group develops and maintains the underpinning technology platforms, as well as the supporting functions of business analysis, architecture and project management. All this enables us to deliver ITV’s famous and popular content from its multiple sources to our online platforms, to our B2B partners and to ITV’s family of linear TV channels.

As part of our strategic initiative to simplify our content pipeline, we are integrating with 3rd party services that are leading industry-recognised cloud-native supply chain management platforms. This will help the technology and operations teams in CS&D simplify our content workflow and give better visibility of status and costs in a more connected and scalable ecosystem for the business.

The role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and intelligent apprentice to join our experienced software engineering function in CST. This 24 month apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to help us build, support and develop the systems that ingest, archive, manage and deliver ITV’s famous and popular content from its multiple sources to our online platforms, B2B partners and ITV’s family of linear TV channels.

To ensure success as an Apprentice Software Engineer, you should have an analytical mindset, and demonstrate a logical approach to problem solving with a strong interest in developing your programming skills and an understanding of the development lifecycle. You will be expected to learn quickly through a combination of structured training, mentoring and other resources.

As an apprentice software engineer you will learn to:

• Engineer software in the Python programming language and a JVM language (e.g. Java) to a high standard.
• Use software architecture techniques to visualise and comprehend software application environments.
• Create logical and maintainable code.
• Test code and analyse results to correct errors found.
• Conduct a range of tests, such as Integration, System, User Acceptance, Non-Functional, Performance and Security testing.
• Apply cloud based architecture standards using the ITV Common Platform on AWS Cloud infrastructure.
• Follow Agile software engineering project and workstream delivery management techniques.
• Use pair programming techniques for coding in a team and knowledge sharing.
• Use Github, Jenkins and other repository or pipeline management solutions.
• Define business solutions with product management methodologies.
• Support and translate the operational needs of the content delivery and ops teams into efficient, practical solutions and processes

Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)

• Analytical mindset, able to demonstrate logical reasoning and a structured approach to problem solving.
• Passion for technology or engineering with the ability to demonstrate it through your study, personal projects or work.
• Awareness in software development (commercial or personal projects) in any language (Python preferred)
• An appreciation of the importance of developing maintainable code.
• Ability to listen and take direction from others.
• Ability to work from your own initiative and as a part of a team.
• Strong communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates a ‘can do’ attitude’.
• Rigorous approach with attention to detail.

Other things we’re looking for (key criteria)

• A Passion for Media & Technology: A genuine interest in how television content is delivered to audiences and a curiosity about the technology that powers "source to screen" workflows.
• Logical & Analytical Mindset: The ability to break down a complex problem into smaller steps and use structured reasoning to find a solution.
• Appetite for Continuous Learning: A proactive desire to learn multiple programming languages (specifically Python and Java) and keep pace with emerging cloud technologies.
• Strong Organisational Skills: Excellent time management with the ability to balance technical tasks with the 20% off-the-job training and study requirements of the apprenticeship.
• Collaborative Communicator: Effective verbal and written communication skills, with a "team-first" attitude and a willingness to share ideas during Agile ceremonies like daily stand-ups.
• Attention to Detail: A rigorous approach to tasks, whether it's documenting a process or identifying a small error in logic, ensuring our supply chain remains robust.
• Self-Starter Mentality: The initiative to explore new tools and ask "why" or "how" to better understand ITV’s complex ecosystem of data and content

Eligibility/Entry Criteria

As this is a Level 4 Apprenticeship, we require you to have/be predicted to achieve the below qualifications

GCSE Grades (or equivalent) C/4 or above in English and Maths plus 2 other subjects and a minimum of a pass at Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification (ideally in a maths or computer programming subject but this is not essential)

There is no upper age limit to an Apprenticeship, we would encourage applications from anyone leaving school, all the way to looking for a career change. Please see below to check you meet the eligibility criteria:

• You have lived within the UK/EEA for a minimum of 3 years consecutively
• You meet the entry criteria for the apprenticeship as listed above
• You have not completed a degree/same level qualification in a similar subject to the role you are applying for
• You cannot have achieved the qualification already and you must not already be in full time education at the point of enrolment

Your application will be assessed clearly as outlined on the application form.

At ITV, we appreciate the use of technology for research during the application process. We understand that AI tools, including ChatGPT, can be valuable resources. However, we value authenticity and expect applicants to showcase their own thoughts and experiences.

Applications that appear to be directly copied from AI-generated content may be subject to rejection. We believe in a fair and authentic assessment process, and your individuality is key to standing out in our selection.

ITV offers some great rewards and benefits for Apprentices including

• Flexible working with a range of options to suit everyone
• Generous holiday allowance
• Wellbeing and volunteering days plus a wide range of opportunities to help you live a balanced and healthy life
• In the Bag - Save money whenever you shop online and in store at over 850 retailers

What’s next?

Applications can be made for this scheme online. However, if you require this information in an alternative format, please contact [e-mail]

If you are shortlisted to the second stage, you will be invited to attend an ITV Experience workshop. This will be held across March/April 2026 (subject to change) & will be a face to face Experience day.

In order to manage the volume of interest, we can only accept your first application. If you apply for multiple roles, we can only accept your first one. Due to the volume of applications we expect to receive, we will be unable to provide feedback at initial application stage

We recommend early application for this role, we are within our rights to close the role early should we receive a suitable number of applications