Job Introduction
Are you an IT graduate looking to start your career in a role where technology and innovation make a real difference?
We're looking for Graduates to join our Technology & Insights Directorate. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your technical skills while contributing to projects that improve transport, digital services and data-driven decision-making across the region.
As part of the WMCA Graduate Development Programme, you'll join a structured early careers pathway designed to develop the next generation of public sector leaders. The programme forms part of our wider Emerging Talent offer and supports our People and Culture Strategy by helping to build the skills, capability and future workforce we need across the organisation. In return, you'll receive a structured graduate development programme, giving you access to professional development, mentoring, networking opportunities and hands-on experience that will equip you for a rewarding career in technology and digital services.
Choose your technology pathway
As a Graduate Technology & Insights Officer, you'll join one of four specialist areas, each offering a unique opportunity to build your skills and contribute to meaningful work:
Technology pathway
What you could get involved in
Cyber
Helping to protect WMCA's systems and information through activities such as cyber monitoring, incident response, vulnerability management and security improvement projects.
Corporate IT and Technology Operations
Supporting the technology and infrastructure that keeps WMCA running, including cloud services, networks, technical operations and service improvements.
Data, Insight and Forecasting
Analysing data, creating reports and dashboards, generating insight and supporting evidence-based decision-making across the organisation.
Transport Technology
Supporting the digital products and technology that underpin public transport across the region, including customer journeys, ticketing systems, testing and project delivery.
Depending on your placement, you'll either build specialist expertise within one team or have the opportunity to broaden your experience through rotations across different functions within the directorate.
What you'll be doing
Working alongside experienced colleagues, you'll gain practical experience across a wide range of technology, digital and data projects.
You may:
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Support the development and improvement of technology systems, digital products and data solutions.
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Contribute to technology and transformation projects from planning through to delivery.
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Gather, analyse and interpret data to produce meaningful insight and recommendations.
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Support testing and quality assurance activities before new systems and products go live.
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Map business processes and customer journeys to identify opportunities for improvement.
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Produce reports, presentations and briefings for a range of audiences.
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Work collaboratively with colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes.
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Develop your technical knowledge and professional skills through structured learning, mentoring and hands-on experience.
About you
We're looking for graduates who are curious, collaborative and passionate about technology and innovation.
You'll have:
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A minimum 2:2 degree in an IT-related subject, gained within the last five years.
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GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above), or equivalent.
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Experience working as part of a team through university, volunteering, internships or part-time work.
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Experience supporting projects, events or group activities.
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Strong communication and organisational skills.
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A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous learning.
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Confidence using Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
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An interest in technology, data or digital services and how they can improve public services.
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An understanding of, or interest in, the role of combined authorities in supporting regional growth.
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The ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment.
Location
This role is based at our offices – 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD. We currently operate a hybrid working model, which means splitting your days across the office and home, subject to work demands and agreement with your line manager.
How to apply.
Follow our application process – there will be some pre-application questionnaires for you to fill in.
Selection process
Successful shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an assessment centre in August 2026. The assessment centre will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your skills, strengths and potential through a range of exercises designed to reflect the role and the WMCA Graduate Development Programme.
Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates following the closing date.
Why join WMCA?
WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.
We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do really matters; your expertise will help make a big difference to improving people's lives.
Our Values and Behaviours.
Fostering an environment where people feel valued, included, supported, and proud to contribute to our region is important to us at the WMCA. Our behaviours are more than statements; they guide how we work, make decisions, and treat one another - they set the standards we hold ourselves to and the experience we want others to have.
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Collaborative - We work as one organisation, building trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and customers to create the biggest impact for our region.
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Driven - Focussed on impact - leading with clarity, care and courage to deliver meaningful results for the West Midlands.
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Inclusive - Every voice matters - we create belonging, fairness and psychological safety so everyone can thrive.
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Innovative - We think future and act smarter - embracing curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement to shape the future.
Creating an inclusive workplace.
WMCA holds diversity accreditations, including the RACE Code Quality Mark and Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status), and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.
We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supports fair opportunities for all.
We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.
We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying
Right to Work in the UK
Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements before any employment offer can be confirmed.
