AI Graduate Engineer 2026

No of Roles: 2

Location(s): Birmingham & London

Start Date: 5th October 2026

Assessment Centres: July 2026

Duration: 24 months

Ready to Launch Your Career in AI?

Compass Group UK & Ireland isn’t just the UK’s top food and support services provider—we’re a global powerhouse, part of Compass Group PLC (FTSE 20), and we’re obsessed with creating amazing experiences for millions every single day.

But here’s the real story: We’re looking for bold, ambitious grads who want to shape the future of technology. If you’re passionate about making an impact, collaborating with diverse teams, and driving real change, this is your moment.

Why Join Us?

• Grow Fast, Go Far: Our AI Graduate Engineer Programme is your launchpad. You’ll rotate through different teams, tackle real-world challenges, and get hands-on with projects that matter.
• Mentors & Mates: You’ll be supported by inspiring mentors and a network of fellow grads. We’re all about helping each other succeed.
• Make an Impact: We’re passionate about sustainability, inclusion, and innovation. Bring your ideas—we want to hear them.

Programme Overview

• Placements: 6-9 month rotations across exciting UK business sectors and our Group business.
• Diverse Rotations: Gain experience across a variety of functions, giving you vast experience over 2 years.
• Location: Birmingham and London.

What’s In It For You?

• Structured Learning: A 4 week structured training programme of Workshops, online tools, and practical experience— just real skills for real jobs.
• Career Pathways: A permanent role from day one, not a fixed term scheme with an uncertain ending.
• Epic Experiences: From day one, you’ll be making decisions, solving problems, and collaborating with leaders.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Recent Grads: Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science or a related field – 2:1 grade or above (within the last 2 years).
• Passionate & Adaptable: Comfortable coding in at least one modern language. Someone curious enough to break things and thoughtful enough to fix them.
• To sent us: Your CV, a link to your GitHub, GitLab or personal repo, and a short note about the project you are proudest of. Need an adjustment to take part in the process? Just tell us and we will make it work.
• Team Players: Great communicators who love working with others.
• Future Leaders: Ready to take ownership and drive change.
• Eligibility: You must be able to demonstrate right to work without Compass Group UK&I sponsorship for the full duration of, and beyond, the programme end date, as the Home Office’s eligibility criteria will not be met.

Your Journey Starts Here

If you’re ready to kickstart your career, build your skills, and join a team that’s all about growth, impact, and opportunity—Compass Group UK & Ireland is waiting for you.

Apply now and let’s build the future together – our application process consists of video interviews, online testing and an in-person assessment in July 2026.

We will give you a real world problem and ask you to design, explain and partially build an AI driven solution. Use the tools you would actually use. Show us how you think and what you can create.

We care about your code, your architecture, your judgement and your ability to learn. Perfect is not required. Evidence of building is.

Please apply early, as this vacancy may be closed once sufficient applications have been received.