Software Developer Apprenticeship

Kickstart your career in software development career with our new Level 4 Apprenticeship. Get hands-on experience and industry recognised qualifications.

This apprenticeship standard will develop the skills necessary to build and test simple, high-quality code across front-end, logic and database layers.

A Software Developer Apprentice will typically be working as part of a larger team, in which they will have responsibility for some of the straightforward elements of the overall project. Apprentices will be able to confidently understand, use and develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device.

Typical job roles include:

• Web Developer

• Application Developer

• Mobile App Developer

• Games Developer

• Software Developer

What does the course cover?

• Writing high-quality code (logic)

• Developing effective user interfaces for at least one channel

• Linking code to a database

• Testing code and analysing results to correct errors

• Investigating and defining customer requirements

• Software design fundamentals

• Object-oriented computer programming

• Event-driven computer programming

• Testing IT systems

• Diagnosing faults in IT systems

• Data modelling

• Web development and software

• Database software

• Soft skills (communications skills, customer care etc)

• Preparation for EPA

In addition to completing a Level 4 Software Developer standard, apprentices can also complete courses available on Pluralsight.

The apprenticeship covers a range of knowledge, skills, and behaviours which include:

Technical Competencies

• Logic: writes good quality code (logic) with sound syntax in at least one language

• User interface: can develop effective user interfaces for at least one channel

• Data: can effectively link code to the database/data sets

• Test: can test code and analyse results to correct errors found using either V-model manual testing and/or using unit testing

• Problem-solving: can apply structured techniques to problem-solving, can debug code and can understand the structure of programmes in order to identify and resolve issues

• Design: can create simple data models and software designs to effectively communicate understanding of the program, following best practices and standards

• Analysis: can understand and create basic analysis artefacts, such as user cases and/or user stories

• Deployment: can understand and utilise skills to build, manage and deploy code into enterprise environments

Technical Knowledge and Understanding

• Understands and operates at all stages of the software development lifecycle

• Understands the similarities and differences (taking into account positives and negatives of both approaches) between agile and waterfall software development methodologies

• Understands how teams work effectively to produce software and contributes appropriately

• Understands and applies software design approaches and patterns and can interpret and implement a given design, compliant with security and maintainability requirements

• Understands and responds to the business environment and business issues related to software development

• Understands and applies the maths required to be a software developer (eg algorithms, logic and data structures)

Underpinning Skills, Attitudes and Behaviours

• Logical and creative thinking skills

• Analytical and problem solving skills

• Ability to work independently and to take responsibility

• Can use own initiative

• A thorough and organised approach

• Ability to work with a range of internal and external people

• Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of situations

• Maintain productive, professional and secure working environment

When will I attend?

This course is fully remote with two delivery models available -

24 months + 3 months EPA:

Delivered via a blended model of fortnightly group training sessions, one-to-one sessions every 4 weeks, webinars, online courses, video, and additional support as required.

18-22 months:

Beginning with an upfront 12 week group boot camp delivery, one-to-one sessions, webinars, online courses, video, and additional support as required.

What will I achieve?

• On successful completion, you will achieve a Level 4 Software Developer Apprenticeship.

What are the entry requirements?

• You must hold a GCSE grade 4/C or above in maths and English or equivalent.
• You must be employed in an IT/software related job role.