Software Developer Apprenticeship

Overview

Firebrand’s Software Developer Apprenticeship trains you to become a competent software developer, working across the front-end, logic and data layers.

Apprentices develop a deeper understanding of key software development processes and practices so you can operate at all stages of the software development lifecycle, including design, development, testing, deployment and maintenance. The apprentice will learn advanced programming skills, including object-oriented concepts, use of automated testing tools and secure development principles and practices in order to develop high-quality and secure software.

Software development in essence is solving problems. Apprentices learn to understand client requirements and the business context of the software solutions you provide. They also learn how to apply logical thinking and structured problem-solving approaches. Through the apprenticeship our Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Learning Mentors (LMs) and world-leading trainers will prepare learners to work across multiple sectors.

Firebrand deliver the programme through a blended framework of Residential and Online Classroom learning, based on our Lecture, Lab and Review methodology. Apprentice’s learning will be supplemented with support from our SMEs, get full access to an e-learning platform that covers all areas of software development activities as well as over 5000 courses on other relevant topics to the industry.

Audience

This apprenticeship is ideal if you’re interested in:

Embarking on a career in software development
Developing your knowledge and understanding of key software development concepts and acquire relevant programming language skills to become a professional software developer

Funding

£18,000.

Level

This is a Level 4 Apprenticeship.

Professional Recognition

You will be able to apply for entry onto the professional register of IT technicians (RITTech) to benchmark and confirm your professional competence.

Duration

16 months total: 13 months Practical, 3 months EPA .

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Prerequisites

Before attending this accelerated apprenticeship, you should have:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs or A-Levels, a level 3 qualification (apprenticeship or BTEC in a relatable subject) or relevant experience and/or an aptitude test
Should not have an existing qualification at the same level or higher that this apprenticeship in a similar subject

STEM subjects would also be beneficial to your application.

End Point Assessment

All Apprenticeships end with the End Point Assessment (EPA). This is completed by a third party, the End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). The EPA encompasses the evaluation of all of the work completed throughout the duration of the Apprenticeship.

For the Level 4 Software Developer Apprenticeship, the EPA consists of:

A Work-based Project with questioning
A Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio

The apprentice will only enter the EPA ‘Gateway’ once the Employer is content that the apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard. In making this decision, the in-work mentor may take advice from Firebrand, but the decision must ultimately be made by them.

The EPAO determines when all other Gateway requirements have been met, and the EPA period will only commence once the EPAO has confirmed this.

The EPA assessment period in Gateway can be anything from 4 weeks to 6 months.

Progression Plan

On completion of the Level 4 Software Developer Apprenticeship, progression routes available to learners include:

Level 6 Digital and technology solutions professional (integrated degree)

Exams

On successful completion of the programme, and depending on the selected courses, you'll have the opportunity to gain the following qualifications:

BCS Level 4 Diploma in Software Development Methodologies
Java OCA Programmer Certificate
CertNexus Cyber Secure Coder Certificate