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Software Development Technician apprentices are taught how to design, install, maintain and support communication networks within an organisation or between multiple organisations. They'll understand network configuration and administration, the cloud and monitoring tools; and be able to give technical advice and guidance.
Successful Software Development Technician apprentices go on into roles such as Network Technician, Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, Network Administrator.
Upon completion of their Software Development Technician apprenticeship, individuals will be able to:
Upon completion of their Software Development Technician apprenticeship, individuals will understand:
Apprentices will achieve two BCS qualifications.
£15,000
This is a level 3 apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship is recognised for entry onto the register of IT technicians confirming SFIA level 3 professional competence and those completing the apprenticeship are eligible to apply for registration.
The duration of this Firebrand apprenticeship is 16 months. Because this period involves both training and the final End Point Assessment (some of which must be carried out in the workplace), employers need to ensure the apprentice’s contract covers the full programme duration.
Once apprentices have completed their apprenticeship they are officially recognised by the British Computer Society (BCS) for entry onto the Register of IT Technicians, confirming SFIA level 3 professional competence.
Firebrand’s apprenticeship programme covers all mandatory knowledge and skills outlined in the apprenticeship standard. Every Firebrand apprentice attends a suite of market-leading training programmes, to cover knowledge required from the apprenticeship standard. This training is then fleshed out through a package of selected online learning, which also allows apprentices to explore any topics of particular interest/importance to them in greater depth.
Apprentices receive a range of market-leading training as part of their qualification – typically between three and five courses per apprenticeship - giving them fundamental skills at speed.
We'll deliver all the knowledge apprentices need to learn for each knowledge module in the Standard through our Lecture | Lab | Review delivery. Apprentices then attend a Syllabus Review Session to cover the knowledge content covered in the apprenticeship standard.
Upon completion of this Knowledge Module, Software Development Technician apprentices will:
Read through the full curriculum for Firebrand's classroom-based training and supporting online learning modules below.
Learners will understand that software development does not occur in isolation. Learners will gain an understanding of the stages in the lifecycle of software development and how these stages are likely to be performed by professionals in related disciplines. In particular learners will understand that core function of a software developer is to implement code to a given specification which will fulfil a set of functional requirements.
1.1 The role and scope of software development and its relationship to other associated disciplines
Learners will understand why it is important for software to be implemented using a structured software development methodology and the benefits of following the chosen method. Learners will be able to discuss why these benefits are important to other professionals such as project managers, and to the sponsors of the software development project, and for those who will support the software once it is has been deployed.
1.2 Explain the importance of the following in a procedural (Linear) /staged (Iterative) software development lifecycle, e.g.:
In this topic, learners will learn to describe the advantages and disadvantages of at least two software development methodologies in common use in industry. In comparing these methods, learners will be able to explain when a particular method would be preferable for a specific software implementation projects, and what the consequences of choosing the wrong method might be. The learner will also be able to describe the different team roles and responsibilities of at least two methods.
2.1 Summarise software development methodologies, application, advantages and disadvantages.
Learners will learn the specific differences between at least two common industry software development methodologies. Learners will learn that different methods related to wider business issues beyond the scope of software implementation such as the focus on working product (Agile) over completeness of process (Waterfall).
2.2 Compare and contrast software development methodologies
Learners will understand that software development typically takes place in a wider business which places constraints upon the software development process. The learner will be able to explain the types of constraints that may typically arise, and how they can be mitigated.
3.1 Describe the business environment related to software development
Learners will learn how to describe the business issues related to software development and how to mitigate them. In particular, learners will understand the importance of engaging with project management as business owners of the software development project.
3.2 Understand how to respond to the business environment and business issues related to software development
Learners will learn to explain a range of common roles found within an industry software development function. One person may hold multiple roles within an organisation. Core functions of business analysis, software design, software implementation, testing and architecture will be discussed.
4.1 Describe the roles and responsibilities within the software development and implementation lifecycle
Business analysts
Designers - Design a software model that fulfil the specifications:
Developers
Testers
Technical architects
Learners will learn that software development in industry is seldom an individual effort and that to be an effective software development professional, it is important to work as a member of a development team. This will require the learner to understand the wider business context and how they can engage with it through their peers and managers.
4.2 The importance of working as a member of an effective development team
Describe how key roles and responsibilities can be used to form teams. Key Roles e.g.
Describe factors that influence effective team working and their importance including internal and external factors e.g.:
Total time: 11 hours 38 minutes
Upon completion of this Knowledge Module, Software Development Technician apprentices will:
Read through the full curriculum for Firebrand's classroom-based training and supporting online learning modules below.
Implementing software code following a logical approach
Understand how to implement code, following a logical approach.
How code integrates into the wider project
Understand how code integrates into the wider project.
Developing software against a set of functional and non-functional requirements
Understand how to follow a set of functional and non-functional requirements.
The end user context for software development
Understand the end-user context for the software development activity.
Connecting code to data sources
Appreciate the importance of seamlessly connecting applications to databases and understand types of data storage and their applications.
Database normalisation
Demonstrate knowledge of database normalisation.
Following good coding practices
>Understand why there is a need to follow good coding practices.
Principles of good interface design
Understand the principles of good interface design.
Building in security software
Understand the importance of building security in to software at the development stage.
Total time: 28 hours 04 minutes
Additional courses are delivered when apprentices have submitted evidence to the End Point Assessment gateway.
There are some course combinations for this programme which mean you can select more than one course - we'll discuss this with employers on a case-by-case basis.
These additional courses support apprentices in achieving a Distinction grade at End Point Assessment.
Either choose from one of Firebrand's accelerated courses listed below to add to this apprenticeship programme:
Microsoft MCSA: SQL Server 2016 - Database Development
Microsoft MCSA: Web Applications & MCSD: App Builder
Or choose two of Firebrand's courses listed below to add to this apprenticeship programme:
Microsoft MTA Software Development Fundamentals
Oracle OCA Java SE 8 Programmer
Scrum Firebrand's training for Scrum.org's Professional Scrum Master certification
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Developer - Associate
ISTQB Firebrand's Training for ISTQB's Foundation Software Tester Certification
Software Testing Introduction to DevOps
ITIL® Foundation Certification (ITIL V4)
ITIL® Foundation Certification (ITIL V4)
Upon completion of this Knowledge Module, Software Development Technician apprentices will:
Read through the full curriculum for Firebrand's classroom-based training and supporting online learning modules below.
Learners will understand that software development does not occur in isolation. Learners will gain an understanding of the stages in the lifecycle of software development and how these stages are likely to be performed by professionals in related disciplines. In particular learners will understand that core function of a software developer is to implement code to a given specification which will fulfil a set of functional requirements.
1.1 The role and scope of software development and its relationship to other associated disciplines
Learners will understand why it is important for software to be implemented using a structured software development methodology and the benefits of following the chosen method. Learners will be able to discuss why these benefits are important to other professionals such as project managers, and to the sponsors of the software development project, and for those who will support the software once it is has been deployed.
1.2 Explain the importance of the following in a procedural (Linear) /staged (Iterative) software development lifecycle, e.g.:
In this topic, learners will learn to describe the advantages and disadvantages of at least two software development methodologies in common use in industry. In comparing these methods, learners will be able to explain when a particular method would be preferable for a specific software implementation projects, and what the consequences of choosing the wrong method might be. The learner will also be able to describe the different team roles and responsibilities of at least two methods.
2.1 Summarise software development methodologies, application, advantages and disadvantages.
Learners will learn the specific differences between at least two common industry software development methodologies. Learners will learn that different methods related to wider business issues beyond the scope of software implementation such as the focus on working product (Agile) over completeness of process (Waterfall).
2.2 Compare and contrast software development methodologies
Learners will understand that software development typically takes place in a wider business which places constraints upon the software development process. The learner will be able to explain the types of constraints that may typically arise, and how they can be mitigated.
3.1 Describe the business environment related to software development
Learners will learn how to describe the business issues related to software development and how to mitigate them. In particular, learners will understand the importance of engaging with project management as business owners of the software development project.
3.2 Understand how to respond to the business environment and business issues related to software development
Learners will learn to explain a range of common roles found within an industry software development function. One person may hold multiple roles within an organisation. Core functions of business analysis, software design, software implementation, testing and architecture will be discussed.
4.1 Describe the roles and responsibilities within the software development and implementation lifecycle
Business analysts
Designers - Design a software model that fulfil the specifications:
Developers
Testers
Technical architects
Learners will learn that software development in industry is seldom an individual effort and that to be an effective software development professional, it is important to work as a member of a development team. This will require the learner to understand the wider business context and how they can engage with it through their peers and managers.
4.2 The importance of working as a member of an effective development team
Describe how key roles and responsibilities can be used to form teams. Key Roles e.g.
Describe factors that influence effective team working and their importance including internal and external factors e.g.:
Total time: 11 hours 38 minutes
Upon completion of this Knowledge Module, Software Development Technician apprentices will:
Read through the full curriculum for Firebrand's classroom-based training and supporting online learning modules below.
Implementing software code following a logical approach
Understand how to implement code, following a logical approach.
How code integrates into the wider project
Understand how code integrates into the wider project.
Developing software against a set of functional and non-functional requirements
Understand how to follow a set of functional and non-functional requirements.
The end user context for software development
Understand the end-user context for the software development activity.
Connecting code to data sources
Appreciate the importance of seamlessly connecting applications to databases and understand types of data storage and their applications.
Database normalisation
Demonstrate knowledge of database normalisation.
Following good coding practices
>Understand why there is a need to follow good coding practices.
Principles of good interface design
Understand the principles of good interface design.
Building in security software
Understand the importance of building security in to software at the development stage.
Total time: 28 hours 04 minutes
Additional courses are delivered when apprentices have submitted evidence to the End Point Assessment gateway.
There are some course combinations for this programme which mean you can select more than one course - we'll discuss this with employers on a case-by-case basis.
These additional courses support apprentices in achieving a Distinction grade at End Point Assessment.
Either choose from one of Firebrand's accelerated courses listed below to add to this apprenticeship programme:
Microsoft MCSA: SQL Server 2016 - Database Development
Microsoft MCSA: Web Applications & MCSD: App Builder
Or choose two of Firebrand's courses listed below to add to this apprenticeship programme:
Microsoft MTA Software Development Fundamentals
Oracle OCA Java SE 8 Programmer
Scrum Firebrand's training for Scrum.org's Professional Scrum Master certification
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Developer - Associate
ISTQB Firebrand's Training for ISTQB's Foundation Software Tester Certification
Software Testing Introduction to DevOps
ITIL® Foundation Certification (ITIL V4)
ITIL® Foundation Certification (ITIL V4)
While apprentices benefit from new digital skills they can use in their job, almost all digital apprenticeships that Firebrand offer provide the chance to gain industry recognised qualifications.
Apprentices gain qualifications through either BCS or Vendor specific exams where applicable. These qualifications add to a professional career and can be used to help move seamlessly between roles in the IT industry.
All relevant exams that will be achieved during this apprenticeship are listed below: