Level 4 DevOps Engineer Apprenticeship
At-a-glance
Accelerate delivery and streamline processes with teams that automate and collaborate with confidence. The Level 4 DevOps Engineer Apprenticeship builds the skills to develop, test and deploy software faster and more reliably – leaving your organisation more time to innovate.
Duration
17 months (14 months practical study and 3 months for end-point assessment)Study mode
Intensive (block release) – highly-focused and intensive training delivered online live or face-to-faceFunding
£17,000 levy funded, free for learners.
Non-levy employers pay 5% towards the overall cost of the programme directly, with the remaining 95% funded by the government.Apprenticeship standard
DevOps Engineer
Apprenticeship overview
The Level 4 DevOps Engineer Apprenticeship develops skilled professionals who deliver real business value through the automation and integration of systems and tools – while keeping up with evolving technology.
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Learners gain a deep understanding of the software development lifecycle, Agile software development practices and core DevOps concepts, values, methodologies and techniques.
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Through a cloud-focused and collaborative approach, the programme builds capability in infrastructure, DevOps practices, cloud security, source control and CI/CD implementation.
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Scripting is a critical skill in DevOps, which is why the programme includes a Python programming language course. Apprentices develop the skills to automate processes and manage configuration in DevOps environments – reducing manual effort and freeing your teams to focus on what matters.
This apprenticeship is ideal for those starting a career in roles such as:
● DevOps Engineer
● Automation Engineer
● Release Engineer
● Deployment Engineer
● Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
● Full-Stack Developer
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It’s also suitable for those involved in implementing DevOps processes who want to develop their knowledge and understanding of key concepts, and acquire relevant skills to build and deploy secure applications rapidly.
The apprenticeship is delivered by specialist instructors with real-world experience, through live online classrooms or face-to-face at one of our residential centres – based on our time-tested Lecture-Lab-Review model.
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Apprentices will receive support from subject matter experts as well as access to an e-learning platform and over 5,000 courses on other relevant business topics.
To apply for this apprenticeship, the learner must:
● Have a minimum of 5 GCSEs or A-levels, a Level 3 qualification (apprenticeship or BTEC in a related subject), or relevant experience and/or pass an aptitude test
● Not have an existing qualification at the same level or higher than this apprenticeship in a similar subject
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Qualifications in STEM subjects would also be beneficial to their application.
Months 1-4
● Technical module: Software Development Fundamentals (Methodologies)
● Work-based project: Understanding the Organisation, its Culture and Your Role in the Business
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Months 5-8
● Technical module: Python Advanced
● Technical module: Programming in: JavaScript (5 days), Java (4 days), C#
● Vendor certification: BCS Foundation Level Certificate in DevOps
● Work-based project: Writing Code, Problem Solving and Meeting User Needs
● Work-based project: Refreshing, Patching Automations, Tooling and Technology
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Months 9-14
● Vendor certification: choose between Microsoft Certified Azure DevOps Engineer (5 days)/AWS Certified DevOps Engineer
● Technical module: Certified Cloud Security
● Work-based project: CI/CD Pipeline
● Work-based project: Monitoring and Operability
● Work-based project: Data Persistence, Data Security and Data Ethics
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Months 15-17
● End-point assessment (EPA)
Assessment
All Firebrand apprenticeships conclude with an end-point assessment (EPA), completed by the End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), to evaluate the work produced during the programme.
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For the Level 4 DevOps Engineer Apprenticeship, the EPA consists of:
● A project with practical assessment
● A professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
Industry certifications (optional)
On successful completion of the programme, learners will have the opportunity to achieve the following industry-recognised qualifications:
● BCS Level 4 Diploma in Software Development Methodologies
● AWS Certified DevOps Engineer
or
● BCS Foundation Level Certificate in DevOps
● Microsoft Certified Azure DevOps Engineer
● CCSA Certified Cloud Security
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To do so, learners will be required to sit an exam. Certification exams are optional and not required to pass the apprenticeship. One exam attempt per certification is included at no extra cost.
Why Firebrand?
Get professionally recognised
Apprentices have the option to achieve industry-recognised BCS, AWS, CCSA or Microsoft certification on completion.
Expertise you can trust
Backed by government and trusted by leading organisations, our programmes are delivered by experienced professionals who’ve worked in the industry – not just taught it.
Study with the best
We’ve trained over 135,000 professionals and have been recognised as one of the Top 20 IT and Technical Training Companies in the World for over a decade.
Start building DevOps confidence today
Speak to an expert
Firebrand develops the capability and confidence that professionals, teams, and organisations need to perform when it matters most.
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Whether you're beginning your journey or looking for a new direction, our programmes equip you with the skills and experience to succeed.