Become a Software Developer with IT Apprenticeships
Could this fascinating career be right for you?
Bob Armstrong
09 February, 2025
Apprenticeships can be a great way to earn while you learn. In many cases, they can also enable you to enter IT faster than you would by going to uni.
One of the most popular Apprenticeship standards is Software Developer.
Could it be right for you? Let's take a look.
What is a Software Developer?
Also known as Developers, Programmers, or Coders, Software Developers analyse what users need and create, test, and optimise software to meet those needs.
Software Developers work for all major industries, from commerce, healthcare, and transportation, to finance, energy, and many more—from private companies of all sizes and structures to Governments around the world.
To succeed in this role, you need a thorough understanding of key programming languages and Software Development techniques; you also need to be a keen problem-solver with great attention to detail and good communication skills.
In the UK, the average Software Developer salary is over £60,000.
What types of Developers are there?
The 3 main types of Developer are:
- Front-End Developers
- Back-End Developers (Server-Side)
- Full-Stack Developers
Front-End Developers focus on the public- or client-facing side of the project, Back-End Devs deal with the 'behind-the-scenes,' server-side issues, and Full-Stack Developers are mavericks who can do both.
Developers can focus on many other areas too; we therefore have:
- Web Developers
- Mobile Developers (Android, iOS)
- App Developers
- Game Developers
- Database Developers
- Cloud Developers
- Desktop Developers
- Customization Developers,
and many more.
What does a Software Developer do?
Job responsibilities do vary according to the structure of the team they work in and sometimes their industry; however, typical Software Developer job responsibilities include:
- assessing user and stakeholder needs
- designing and building applications
- coding in a variety of languages to create those applications (JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Java, Python, Ruby, and more)
- using APIs to integrate applications effectively
- designing responsive and scalable applications
- designing user-friendly apps according to UX/UI principles
- troubleshooting, debugging, and testing applications
- updating and maintaining applications and software,
and more.
To achieve these tasks, Developers need to know specific technology, such as:
- writing code in languages such as Python, Java, HTML, CSS, Javascript, Swift, Kotlin, React Native
- using project tools such as GitHub, Bitbucket, and Jira
- using web frameworks like Angular, React, Vue.js
- using databases like MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL and data warehouses such as Kafka and Snowflake
- track of versions through Github
- using Cloud Computing frameworks such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS, Google Cloud Platform
- using Machine Learning tools such as Tensorflow and Pytorch,
and more.
Will Software Developers be replaced by AI?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is indeed changing the way we work; however, despite the emergence of Low-Code/No-Code (LCNC) programming, the rise in Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) combining web and mobile, the increasingly personalised Internet Of Behavior (IoB), and the increasingly complex Cyber Security landscape make it highly unlikely for Developers to be replaced by AI anytime soon. AI can code, but these complex tasks need human input and supervision.
What is the Firebrand Software Developer Apprenticeship like?
At Firebrand, we help people become competent, confident, and certified at twice the speed.
We were the first Apprenticeship provider to adopt the new Digital Standards and, four years ago, the first training provider to be inducted into the WorldSkills UK Excellence programmes.
Our Level 4 Software Developer Apprenticeship takes 16 months, 13 for practical followed by a 3-month EPA.
This apprenticeship helps you develop a deep understanding of key Software Development processes and practices, from design and development to testing, deployment, and maintenance. It also helps you develop programming skills, understand databases, and design according to Cyber Security best practice.
The programme is taught through a blended framework of residential and online learning. Throughout the programme, learners are supported by Learning Mentors from Firebrand and their workplace, as well as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with decades of experience in IT.
Can you get certified while doing this Apprenticeship?
At Firebrand, learners have the chance to gain industry-recognised certifications during their Apprenticeship.
During our Level 4 Software Developer Apprenticeship, you'll have the chance to achieve:
- The Level 4 Diploma in Software Development Methodologies issued by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
- Java OCA Programmer Certificate
- CertNexus Cyber Secure Coder Certificate
If you do a Software Developer Apprenticeship, how can you progress?
After completing a Software Developer Apprenticeship with Firebrand, you will be able to apply for entry into the BCS Professional Register of IT Technicians (RITTech). Depending on your interests, you may choose to continue working as a Software Developer or specialise further, such as doing a Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional integrated degree.
Interested?
See our latest Apprenticeship vacancies.
What is Firebrand?
For the past 14 years in a row, we’ve been named one of the Top 20 IT Training Companies in the World.
We specialise in accelerated courses that help you become competent, confident, and certified fast.
Could they be right for you?