Early careers
Whether you're a student looking for a work experience placement, an apprentice, or graduate seeking a permanent role, there's an opportunity for you at Autotrader.
How it all works
Early Careers covers our graduate and apprenticeship programmes, with roles in areas such as software engineering, sales and data. They're not your run-of-the-mill programmes though.
All the roles link to specific areas of the business, so that means you need to have a real interest in the area you're applying to. Once you're there, you'll be part of a structured programme we call our Academy, which balances work and development - growing your knowledge and skills in order to progress and make an impact on the job.
It's all designed to kick start your career and develop your skills over the course of two years, alongside all the other graduates and apprentices who are on the same journey. The programme begins with an Academy Foundation, where you'll learn about yourself, each other, our company, culture, products, and customers.
Most of the roles will be based out of our Manchester office. Apprentice vacancies are usually advertised in February and start in September, while Graduate jobs typically open in September and start the following October.
Your recruitment journey
Application
Take your time when filling in your application form and make sure it's tailored to the role you're applying for. We know it can be daunting, but that's why we have an application top tips video to give you some pointers at this stage. You'll no doubt be aware of AI and it's growing presence, so we've put together some helpful guidance on how best to use it in your application, too.
You're in! Now what?
As a new graduate or apprentice, you'll become part of the Academy. This is where you'll start your learning journey alongside other Early Careers colleagues. There will be differences in how the Academy programme works for apprenticeships compared to graduates, but they will both cover onboarding, training, and tracking your development and progression. You'll also get support every step of the way from our Early Careers team.Hear stories from past and present Early Careers colleagues
This is Chad, AT his most productive
Chad's 10-year journey took him from customer service apprentice to account manager.
This is Byron, AT his most confident
Byron shares his path from graduate developer to principal, and how learning built his confidence.
This is Aidan, AT his most inquisitive
Aidan shares his journey from apprentice engineer to delivery lead, including personal challenges.
This is Cole, AT his most supported
Cole explores the many areas of software development he can try at Autotrader.
This is Jenni, AT her most progressive
Jenni traces her journey from data entry to customer service and a tech apprenticeship.
This is Sarah, AT her very best
Sarah reflects on her graduate programme and the value of staying true to yourself.