About the Employer
Company Name - Smith Institute
Location - 3rd Floor, Willow Court, West Way, Oxford, OX2 0JB, UK
Website - https://www.smithinst.co.uk
Smith Institute is a leading provider of advanced mathematics, data science, and AI-driven solutions, helping organisations make confident decisions in complex environments. Founded on expertise shaped by work on the Apollo moon landing mission, the Institute combines rigorous analytical thinking with practical application to deliver impactful, real-world outcomes. Today, Smith Institute partners with clients across government and industry worldwide, using data, modelling, and AI to drive transformation, enhance decision-making, and create lasting value for business and society.
The Digital Solutions Apprentice supports the work of the Head of Information Security and IT and contributes to the development and delivery of projects while actively gaining new knowledge and skills both on the job and through engagement with the apprenticeship training provider.
Overview
Smith Institute is offering an exciting opportunity to join a structured 5-year Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship. This integrated programme begins with a Level 3 Information Communications Technician pathway, progressing into a Level 6 degree apprenticeship. You will gain hands-on experience supporting IT operations, security, and software development while developing advanced technical and professional skills to support complex digital projects.
What you'll do at work
As a Degree Apprentice, you will begin by building strong foundations in IT support, infrastructure, and cyber security, before progressing into more advanced responsibilities in software development, systems improvement, and project delivery.
In the early stages of the programme, your responsibilities will include providing technical support to colleagues through a range of channels, configuring and maintaining IT equipment such as laptops and mobile devices, and ensuring business systems and infrastructure remain operational and secure. You will assist with responding to IT issues and incidents, helping to restore services quickly and minimise disruption, while developing a strong understanding of hardware, networking, and system administration.
You will support the monitoring and maintenance of cyber security across the organisation, contributing to activities such as security checks, threat reporting, and maintaining compliance with recognised standards including Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001. Alongside this, you will work closely with internal stakeholders to support day-to-day IT operations and gain exposure to business systems and infrastructure management.
As you progress through the programme, you will take on increasing responsibility in contributing to software development activities, supporting digital projects, and improving systems and processes across the organisation. This will include working alongside technical specialists and project managers to design, develop, test, and implement solutions that support business objectives.
Throughout the programme, you will contribute to enhancing the organisation’s digital capability, including supporting IT resilience, improving processes, and promoting cyber security awareness across the business. You will also participate in team meetings, collaborate with colleagues across departments, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
You will be expected to take responsibility for your own health and safety, comply with organisational policies and procedures, and contribute positively to the organisation’s culture and values at all stages of the apprenticeship.
Skills Required
We wish to hear from applicants who are proficient computer users and have an excellent understanding of computer hardware and software, including operating systems, memory and storage, together with a basic understanding of algorithms, computer programming, networks and cyber security. You need to have an analytical approach to creative problem-solving. You will need to be able to demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills. Any previous hands-on technical experience (hardware or software), whether at home, school or in a club, would be very beneficial.
Essential qualifications
Five GCSE’s Grade 9-4 (Including English and Maths)
- A Level or equivalent Computer Science (Grade A)
- A Level or Equivalent Mathmatics (Grade A)
Training to be provided
Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship (Degree with Honours)
The successful candidate will undertake a 60 Month, nationally recognised Degree Apprenticeship.
This is a work-based learning programme which will require commitment to block weeks in an online training room once every quarter working towards the qualification along with weekly off the job training and monthly coaching sessions.
You will be required to demonstrate through the standard that you meet all competencies and behaviours, which will lead to the achievement of the programme.
You will have a designated mentor in the workplace to support your learning and at the end of programme will be assessed via an external assessment body.
This is a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
After this apprenticeship
Opportunity for full time permanent position on completion of the Apprenticeship for the right individual.
Things to Consider
Ideally you will live in easy reach of our office in Oxford for some hybrid working or planning to relocate to oxford. However the role does offer remote working so strong applications will be considered outside of the local area.
Candidates must have eligibility to live and work in the UK.
Additional Information
Hybrid and remote working will be considered.
The organisation also offer 12% pension contributions, up to a 15% bonus yearly, and 25 days holiday per year (pro-rated)
Working Week
37.5 hours per week
Monday - Friday
Possible Start Date
September 2026
Job Types: Full-time, Apprenticeship
Pay: £22,500.00 per year
Work Location: In person
