Next Plc
Infrastructure Engineer Placement - 12 months - Pontefract

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The role
Technology drives what we do at NEXT, and as a Tech Placement, you will be a vital part of our evolution. This role is designed to help you learn and grow by giving you hands-on experience and real responsibilities.
As a Trainee Infrastructure Engineer on a 12-month placement at our Pontefract hub, you will play a hands-on role in keeping our warehouse infrastructure secure, robust, and future-ready. You will make a real difference by supporting the vital systems that power NEXT, working closely with our Information Security and Infrastructure teams to identify weaknesses and build secure, innovative solutions.
We don’t expect you to know everything from day one; you will be fully supported with clear technical standards, detailed documentation, and expert guidance from our Senior Engineers to help you hit the ground running and gain invaluable real-world experience.
What you'll take on
- Support the build, configuration, and maintenance of server infrastructure and storage solutions across our retail operations and head office.
- Carry out essential security remediation activities, such as patching systems, identifying vulnerabilities, and strengthening security across our wider networks.
- Assist in building and maintaining virtualisation platforms and cloud-based environments, ensuring our systems run efficiently.
- Follow the strategic direction set by our Infosec team, contributing to the overall safety and reliability of our data science and server infrastructure.
- Work collaboratively to follow established technical standards, actively using and updating documentation to support the wider team.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About you
- Currently studying towards a STEM degree (on track for a 2:1 or higher) or a STEM Master's degree, that includes a 12-month placement—ideally with relevant studies in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cyber Security, or a similar field.
- An exceptional eye for detail and a systematic, logical approach to solving complex problems.
- Natural curiosity and a strong desire to understand how systems work, and how they might break.
- Clear and professional communication skills, allowing you to articulate findings to both technical and non-technical team members.
- A self-motivated, ambitious attitude with an eagerness to learn and build strong, collaborative working relationships.
BE BRAVE. BE YOU. BE NEXT.
You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 44,000 people across the Next group. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 450 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 80 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!
- 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
- Company performance based bonus
- Sharesave scheme
- On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas
- 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
- Early VIP access to sale stock
- Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops
- Restaurants with great food at amazing prices
- Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services
- Free on-site parking
- Financial Wellbeing - Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing
- Apprenticeship - Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification
- Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store
- Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
- Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more


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Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.
We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.
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