About the NDA Foundation
The NDA Foundation is a not-for-profit educational organisation committed to widening access to Further and Higher Education through affordable, flexible online learning.
The Foundation incorporates two specialist education brands:
· National Design Academy (NDA)
· National Motorsport Academy (NMA)
Through innovative digital delivery, bespoke learning technologies and industry-focused qualifications, the NDA Foundation supports students across the UK and around the world in achieving their educational and career ambitions.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and technically capable Graduate Web Developer, AI & Digital Platforms Intern to join our Nottingham headquarters and help shape the future of the Foundation's digital ecosystem.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a graduate looking to develop a broad range of highly sought-after skills across web development, artificial intelligence, CRM systems, educational technology and digital product development within a purpose-driven organisation.
Following successful completion of the internship, there may be an opportunity to progress into a permanent full-time role within the organisation.
The Role
The Graduate Web Developer, AI & Digital Platforms Intern will work closely with senior management, developers, creative and digital marketing teams, as well as system architects, to support the Foundation’s digital infrastructure and online student experience.
The role combines website design, front-end development, CRM integration, digital marketing technology, AI-assisted development and platform support, offering exposure to a range of bespoke educational technologies and web-based systems.
You will assist in the maintenance, optimisation and development of our websites and online systems while gaining valuable experience across WordPress, Elementor, PHP development, ActiveCampaign CRM, AI-assisted software development, cloud hosting environments, marketing automation and digital product management.
Website Management & Development
Assist with the management, maintenance and ongoing development of the Foundation’s websites:
National Design Academy
· www.nda.ac.uk
· www.ndadubai.com
· www.nationaldesignacademy.com
National Motorsport Academy
· motorsport.nda.ac.uk
Responsibilities will include:
· Updating website content, layouts and landing pages.
· Creating and maintaining responsive web pages using Elementor.
· Working from Figma Design files and Figma Developer Mode hand-offs to accurately implement responsive web pages, components and user interfaces.
· Supporting website redesign and optimisation projects.
· Monitoring website performance, accessibility and user experience.
· Assisting with search engine optimisation (SEO) initiatives.
· Troubleshooting website issues and bugs.
· Implementing front-end design improvements.
· Supporting PHP-based development and customisation projects.
· Testing website functionality across devices and browsers.
· Assisting with analytics reporting and performance monitoring.
Artificial Intelligence & Digital Innovation
As part of the Foundation’s commitment to innovation, the successful candidate will be encouraged to utilise modern Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance productivity, improve user experiences and support digital development projects.
Responsibilities may include:
· Using AI-assisted development tools to support website and platform enhancements.
· Creating AI-generated content, graphics and digital assets where appropriate.
· Exploring opportunities to automate routine business and administrative processes.
· Assisting with AI-enhanced student support and learning experiences.
· Researching emerging AI technologies and making recommendations for implementation.
· Supporting prompt engineering and workflow optimisation initiatives.
· Evaluating AI tools that could improve student engagement, operational efficiency and learning outcomes.
· Assisting with the development of AI-driven internal tools and processes.
Creative Technology & Innovation
The NDA Foundation encourages experimentation, innovation and creative thinking across its digital platforms. Alongside maintaining and developing existing systems, the successful candidate will be encouraged to explore new ideas, emerging technologies and creative approaches that improve the student experience and internal workflows.
We are looking for someone who enjoys solving problems, experimenting with technology and building innovative digital experiences.
Responsibilities may include:
· Developing creative digital solutions to improve user experience.
· Experimenting with emerging web technologies and interactive experiences.
· Building internal tools and prototypes to improve business processes.
· Creating interactive web components, animations and engaging user interfaces.
· Exploring creative applications of Artificial Intelligence within education.
· Contributing ideas for future digital products and platform enhancements.
· Researching new technologies and presenting innovative concepts to the wider digital team.
Virtual Learning Studio (VLS)
The Foundation operates a bespoke Virtual Learning Environment known as the Virtual Learning Studio (VLS), which hosts all course content and interactive learning materials for students.
National Design Academy
· www.virtuallearningstudio.co.uk
National Motorsport Academy
· motorsport.virtuallearningstudio.co.uk
Responsibilities may include:
· Assisting with platform administration and testing.
· Supporting the ongoing development of platform features and functionality.
· Monitoring user experience and student engagement.
· Supporting the Senior System Architect and Developer.
· Identifying opportunities to improve the student learning experience.
Application & Enrolment Platform (AEP)
The Foundation also operates a bespoke Application & Enrolment Platform (AEP), which enables prospective students to apply, enrol and be onboarded onto the Virtual Learning Studio.
Administration Platform
· admin.online-applications.co.uk
Student Portals
· nda.online-applications.co.uk
· nma.online-applications.co.uk
Responsibilities may include:
· Monitoring platform performance and functionality.
· Assisting with testing and quality assurance.
· Supporting improvements to application and enrolment workflows.
· Assisting with integration between the AEP and VLS platforms.
· Working alongside external developers and system architects.
· Supporting troubleshooting and issue resolution.
· Assisting with development documentation and system testing.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) & Marketing Automation
The NDA Foundation utilises ActiveCampaign as its central Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and marketing automation platform across both the National Design Academy and National Motorsport Academy brands.
ActiveCampaign is tightly integrated with the Foundation's websites, enquiry forms, Application & Enrolment Platform (AEP) and digital marketing activities, enabling the organisation to manage prospective student journeys, automated communications and customer engagement throughout the student lifecycle.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with these integrations while supporting the ongoing development and optimisation of our digital marketing ecosystem.
Responsibilities may include:
· Supporting website integrations with ActiveCampaign forms, APIs and automations.
· Assisting with the development and testing of lead capture forms and enquiry workflows.
· Monitoring automated email campaigns and customer journeys.
· Supporting the integration of ActiveCampaign with the Application & Enrolment Platform (AEP).
· Assisting with CRM data management, segmentation and reporting.
· Helping to improve lead nurturing, applicant communications and student onboarding journeys.
· Supporting marketing campaign implementation across the Foundation's digital platforms.
· Working alongside the Digital Marketing and Creative teams to enhance customer engagement through automation and personalised communications.
Experience with ActiveCampaign is advantageous but not essential, as training will be provided. Candidates with experience of CRM platforms such as HubSpot, Salesforce, Zoho CRM or Mailchimp automation will also be considered.
Cloud Hosting & Infrastructure
The Foundation’s websites and digital systems are hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure.
While AWS experience is not essential, exposure to cloud hosting environments would be beneficial.
Responsibilities may include:
· Assisting with website deployment and hosting-related tasks.
· Monitoring website uptime and performance.
· Supporting the management of AWS-hosted environments.
· Assisting with backups, updates and system monitoring.
· Learning cloud infrastructure best practices from senior technical staff.
IT Support & Technology Liaison
The Foundation works with an external IT support provider, Roundworks IT, which manages office workstations, networking infrastructure and on-site servers.
The successful candidate may also assist with:
· Liaising with Roundworks IT regarding technical issues.
· Supporting office technology and workstation troubleshooting.
· Assisting with digital hardware and software deployments.
· Maintaining technical documentation.
· Supporting internal technology improvement projects.
Essential Skills & Experience
· Degree or equivalent qualification in Web Design, Digital Media, Computing, Software Development, Computer Science or a related discipline.
· Strong working knowledge of WordPress.
· Proficiency with Elementor website builder.
· Experience in creating responsive, accessible and engaging web experiences.
· Familiarity with AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot or similar platforms.
· Basic to intermediate PHP development skills.
· Good understanding of HTML and CSS.
· Strong attention to detail.
· Excellent organisational and time management skills.
· Strong written and verbal communication skills.
· Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
· Enthusiasm for technology, digital innovation and continuous learning.
Desirable Skills & Experience
· JavaScript knowledge.
· Experience working with MySQL databases.
· Understanding of UX/UI design principles.
· Knowledge of SEO best practices.
· Familiarity with AWS hosting environments and EC2 instances.
· Experience working with bespoke web applications.
· Understanding of learning management systems (LMS) or virtual learning environments.
· Knowledge of website security and performance optimisation.
· Experience using AI-assisted coding tools such as GitHub Copilot, Cursor or Windsurf.
· Understanding of prompt engineering and AI workflow design.
· Experience with CRM platforms such as ActiveCampaign, HubSpot, Salesforce or similar.
· Experience integrating websites with CRM platforms using APIs, webhooks or automation tools.
· Experience with Figma Design.
· Familiarity with Figma Dev Mode.
· Creative coding or generative design projects.
· Interactive animation using CSS, JavaScript or WebGL.
· Personal software, AI or creative technology projects.
· Experience with Three.js, GSAP or similar creative web technologies (desirable but not essential).
Personal Attributes
We are looking for someone who is:
· Enthusiastic about web technologies and digital innovation.
· Passionate about education and improving the student experience.
· Curious, proactive and eager to learn.
· Analytical and solution-focused.
· Creative with a strong eye for design and usability.
· Professional, reliable and organised.
· Comfortable working across multiple projects and technologies.
· Excited by the opportunities presented by AI and emerging technologies.
What We Offer
· Hands-on experience across multiple websites, applications and learning platforms.
· Exposure to bespoke educational technology systems.
· Experience working with modern web development and AI-assisted workflows.
· Mentoring from experienced developers and system architects.
· Opportunities to contribute to projects used by students worldwide.
· Professional development and career growth opportunities.
· Friendly and supportive working environment.
· Exposure to cloud-hosted infrastructure and enterprise systems.
· Potential progression to a permanent full-time role following successful completion of the internship.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit:
· A current CV.
· A covering letter outlining your interest in the role.
Applicants are encouraged to include examples of:
· Websites they have designed or developed.
· University projects.
· Personal coding projects.
· Creative coding experiments.
· AI tools or applications they have built.
· Interactive websites or animations.
· GitHub repositories.
· Figma prototypes.
· Online portfolios or CodePen projects.
We're looking for more than someone who can build websites. We're looking for someone who is naturally curious, enjoys experimenting with technology, embraces Artificial Intelligence, and wants to help shape the future of digital education. If you're the type of person who builds personal projects, explores new tools for fun, enjoys solving problems and loves learning new technologies, we'd love to hear from you.
The NDA Foundation is committed to widening access to education and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our passion for innovation, technology and lifelong learning.
Pay: £24,785.00-£27,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Do you have a Degree or equivalent qualification in Web Design, Digital Media, Computing, Software Development, Computer Science or a related discipline?
Work Location: In person
