Kainos
Job Description
Become a member of Kainos and help construct the future. At Kainos, we are innovators, problem-solvers, and partners united by a goal to generate meaningful change. Whether we are overhauling digital platforms for millions, providing sophisticated Workday integrations, or exploring new technological frontiers, we achieve it as a collective. We prioritize a people-centric environment where your concepts are prized, your professional journey is nurtured, and your work produces a tangible impact. Join an ambitious and diverse group that values collaboration and ingenuity.
Position: Apprentice Technologist
Remuneration: £21,800 – £24,800
Earn While You Learn – Apprentice Technologist
Are you prepared to launch a premier career in the technology sector? Kainos is an international firm delivering digital transformations that improve lives globally. Our prestigious Higher Level Apprenticeship provides the chance to spend four days weekly within our technical units while dedicated to a part-time degree one day weekly. You will study Computing Systems at Ulster University’s Belfast campus, earning your degree in roughly four years.
Apprentice Incentives:
• Full coverage of all university tuition costs
• A competitive annual salary throughout the program
• A permanent contract with Kainos from your first day
• Detailed foundational training and onboarding
• Exceptional prospects for career advancement
Core Responsibilities:
Upon joining, you will enter our 16-week AI First Apprentice Technologist Academy. This program builds your expertise in cloud architecture, modern engineering, data & AI, low-code systems, and quality assurance. Following the Academy, you will move into hands-on project work, guided by expert mentors. You will refine your business and technical capabilities while adapting to our high-energy environment. You will have opportunities to rotate across software engineering, platforms, and data teams based on your interests and business requirements.
Professional Experience Areas:
Software Engineering
Design and implement robust software solutions using contemporary frameworks and languages, focusing on secure and scalable applications.
Quality Assurance & Testing
Acquire skills in manual and automated testing to ensure product reliability at every phase of the development cycle.
AI & Data Science
Investigate the transformative power of AI, developing data pipelines and utilizing generative AI and machine learning to resolve practical challenges.
Low-Code Development
Utilize rapid-delivery platforms to build business tools, balancing deployment speed with high-standard integration practices.
Cloud Platforms
Gain proficiency in DevOps, cloud infrastructure, and automation to ensure solutions remain performant and secure.
Essential Criteria:
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/A or higher (or equivalent).
• Obtained or predicted a BTEC Extended Diploma or 3 A-Level Cs (or equivalent), including at least one STEM subject (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Maths).
• A documented passion for technology evidenced through personal or academic projects.
• Collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively in team settings.
• Problem-solving creativity and the ability to view challenges from new perspectives.
• A proactive desire to learn and implement generative technologies to improve innovation and processes.
Job Data Table
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | Kainos |
| Location | Belfast, United Kingdom |
| Locality | Northern Ireland |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| City | Belfast |
| Region | Belfast |
| Job Type | Full-time (4 days work / 1 day study) |
| Salaries | £21,800 – £24,800 |
| Experience Level | Apprentice / School Leaver / Career Changer |
| Travel | Occasional (client-based requirements) |
| Language | English |
| Benefits | Paid Degree, Permanent Role, Life Assurance, AI Academy |
Skills & Competency Table
| Key Skills | Competency Level |
| Programming Foundations | Foundational |
| Problem Solving | High |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Advanced |
| AI Curiosity & Initiative | High |
| STEM Academic Background | Mandatory |
| Adaptability | High |
Salaries Pay Calculator Table
| Annual Salary | Bonus | Total Compensation | Notes |
| £21,800 – £24,800 | Not Specified | £21,800 – £24,800 | Plus ~£18,000 in tuition fees paid by Kainos |
Job Summary
This Apprentice Technologist role in Belfast offers a permanent position combined with a four-year part-time Computing Systems degree at Ulster University. You will receive a 16-week intensive AI Academy training before rotating through Software Engineering, Data/AI, and DevOps teams, earning a full salary while Kainos covers all tuition fees.
FAQs
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by Friday, 13th February 2026.
Do I need a degree to apply?
No, this is a degree apprenticeship. You are ineligible if you already have an IT-related undergraduate degree.
What are the academic requirements?
You need GCSE Maths and English (A-C) and 3 A-Levels (minimum Cs) or a BTEC Extended Diploma, including one STEM subject.
Will I be a permanent employee?
Yes, you are a permanent staff member at Kainos from your first day in September 2026.
How is the work-study week split?
You will work in the Kainos office for four days and attend Ulster University one day per week.
Expert Analysis
This is one of the most competitive “Earn as You Learn” schemes in the UK. The inclusion of a 16-week AI-focused academy reflects Kainos’s shift toward generative technologies. For school leavers, the total value (salary plus tuition) exceeds £40,000 annually, offering a debt-free route into high-level engineering.
Location & Logistics Guide
The role is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Assessment centers take place at the Kainos HQ in the city center. Belfast is a major European tech hub with a high concentration of software firms and a low cost of living compared to other UK capital cities.
Wikipedia URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belfast
Career Path
Graduates of this apprenticeship typically move into Associate Software Engineer or Associate Consultant roles. Given Kainos’s status as a top Workday partner and government digital service provider, career paths often lead to Senior Engineer, Technical Architect, or Lead Consultant positions within five to seven years of joining.
To apply for this job please visit careers.kainos.com.