Manchester-based automotive marketplace Autotrader is scaling up its early careers tech training and education efforts – including the expansion of its T Level programme – to help close the UK’s digital skills and gender gap.
It comes just days after new prime minister hopeful Andy Burnham called for employers to provide more work placements for young people.
As many organisations cut back on entry-level hiring in 2026, Autotrader is bucking the trend, introducing its latest cohort of 16–19-year-old T Level candidates for post GCSE study, all recruited from Greater Manchester.
Seven of the first eight T Level students signed up with its first cohort in 2024, will also start software engineering apprenticeships with the Group this September.
The two-year T Level course includes a 45-day placement, helping to prepare students for employment or higher education. The latest batch of candidates will be given the tools, training and confidence to pursue careers in tech, helped by Autotrader’s more than 300-strong engineering colleagues based at its new headquarters in Manchester’s Circle Square tech hub.
Students complete a range of tasks, working closely with the software engineering teams, developing new applications such as an app for the company’s annual internal employee technology conference and participating in the annual hackathon.
The T Level commitment builds on Autotrader’s support for the Manchester Baccalaureate, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) aim to create an additional 1,000 places across the region.
This year, Autotrader is also scaling up engineering apprenticeships and its support for DigitalHER’s ‘Ada Day’ event, offering 120 places to young women in Year 11.
Those taking part will spend the day with the Group, celebrating women in software engineering and gaining insight into the roles available to them. This follows its initial support last October for the event, which is named after computer pioneer Ada Lovelace, attended by 85 Manchester students.
Sarah Brooks-Pearce, Head of Early Careers and Social Mobility Network Lead at Autotrader, said: “Supporting upcoming tech talent in Manchester has never been more important, and we’ve seen first-hand the immense value of investing in local talent here at Autotrader. We’re incredibly proud of what our T Level students have achieved in the short time they’ve been with us, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them back as apprentices in September.
“While initiatives like this are a step in the right direction in tackling the digital skills gap, the reality is we need thousands more young people from all backgrounds coming through the system nationwide. The UK needs to futureproof the UK workforce, empower upcoming talent and create a more inclusive tech ecosystem. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity so often isn’t and that needs to change.”
