Degree Apprentice - Computing Systems / Software Engineering

CME Group is seeking motivated school or college leavers for their Degree Apprenticeship Programme in Belfast. This program offers a fully funded degree in Computing Systems or Software Engineering from a partner university, combined with four days a week of real-world experience through six-month rotations in various technology teams like Software Development and Cyber Security. Apprentices will earn a competitive salary, gain practical skills, and contribute to real projects in a supportive global corporate environment.

Must Have

• GCSE grade B or above in English
• GCSE grade B or above in Maths
• A-Level predicted or achieved grades of BBB or above by August 2025
• One A-Level qualification in Maths, Chemistry, Physics, or a Computing-related subject
• Genuine interest in technology through personal projects or relevant experience
• Drive, commitment, and eagerness to learn
• Good communication skills
• Good collaboration skills

Good to Have

• A-Level Grade B or above in Software Systems Development, Computing, or Computer Science with coding experience

Perks & Benefits

• Fully funded degree
• Real-world experience through six-month rotations across various technology teams
• Competitive apprenticeship salary
• No student debt upon graduation
• Nurturing learning environment
• On-the-job coaching
• Access to training in business acumen, technology, and soft skills
• Contribute to real projects
• Work in a global corporate organisation
• Central Belfast office

Join CME Group as a Degree Apprentice

We are seeking motivated, enthusiastic, and inquisitive school or college leavers with a strong passion for IT to join our Degree Apprenticeship Programme in Belfast.

What We Offer:

• A Fully Funded Degree: Study one day a week for a degree at one of our partner universities:
• Ulster University – BSc (Hons) Computing Systems Degree Apprenticeship
• OR Queen’s University Belfast – BEng Software Engineering Higher Level Apprenticeship
• Real-World Experience: Work four days a week at CME Group, gaining practical experience through six-month rotations across various technology teams, including Software Development, Cyber Security, Operational Resilience, Infrastructure and Operations, and User Experience.
• Earn While You Learn: Receive a competitive apprenticeship salary, with no student debt upon graduation.
• Supportive Environment: Benefit from a nurturing learning environment, working with experienced teams, receiving on-the-job coaching, and accessing training in business acumen, technology, and soft skills.
• Valued Contribution: Contribute to real projects as a valued member of our global corporate organisation in a central Belfast office.

Your Studies Will Cover:

Both university courses develop essential skills in areas such as: programming, databases, networking, web development, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and embedded systems design.

What You Need to Demonstrate:

• Academic Achievement:
• GCSE grade B or above in English and Maths.
• A-Level predicted or achieved grades of BBB or above by August 2025. One qualification must be in Maths, Chemistry, Physics, or a Computing-related subject. STEM subjects are preferred, with Computer Science or Computing being ideal.
• Passion for Technology: Evidence a genuine interest in technology through personal projects or relevant experience outside of school.
• Personal Qualities: Show drive, commitment, eagerness to learn, and possess good communication and collaboration skills.

Preference may be given to candidates who have achieved or expected to achieve a Grade B or above at A-Level in Software Systems Development, Computing, or Computer Science with coding experience.

Application Details:

• Closing Date: 13th February 2026
• Start Date: Successful candidates will begin the programme in early September.
• University Preference: Candidates can state their preferred university course with supporting reasons, but are advised to remain open to both options. Final allocation will be determined by CME Group based on experience and interview performance.
• Important: This opportunity is not available through the UCAS application system. All candidates must evidence an existing right to work in the UK.
• Process: Successful candidates will be employed by CME Group and will then apply in partnership with us to the specified university for a place on the Higher Level Apprenticeship Degree course. (Subject to DfE funding.)

If you are interested in launching your career directly from school or college, we encourage you to apply!

CME Group: Where Futures are Made

CME Group is the world’s leading derivatives marketplace. But who we are goes deeper than that. Here, you can impact markets worldwide. Transform industries. And build a career by shaping tomorrow. We invest in your success and you own it – all while working alongside a team of leading experts who inspire you in ways big and small. Problem solvers, difference makers, trailblazers. Those are our people. And we’re looking for more.

At CME Group, we embrace our employees' unique experiences and skills to ensure that everyone’s perspectives are acknowledged and valued. As an equal-opportunity employer, we consider all potential employees without regard to any protected characteristic.

Important Notice: Recruitment fraud is on the rise, with scammers using misleading promises of job offers and interviews to solicit money and personal information from job seekers. CME Group adheres to established procedures designed to maintain trust, confidence and security throughout our recruitment process. Learn more here.