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Level 4 Software Developer Apprenticeship 

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At-a-glance

Design, build and deploy software that delivers real business value. Through hands-on training, the Level 4 Software Developer Apprenticeship creates teams that can code, test and deliver with confidence.

    • Duration 
      16 months (13 months practical study and 3 months for end-point assessment)

    • Study mode
      Intensive (block release) – highly-focused and intensive training delivered online live

    • Funding 
      £18,000 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  
      Software Developer

    Apprenticeship overview

    Firebrand’s Level 4 Software Developer Apprenticeship builds competent software professionals who can work across front-end, logic and data layers to solve business challenges.
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    Working across multiple sectors, learners gain a deep understanding of key processes and practices across the software development lifecycle – from design and development to testing, deployment and maintenance.
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    Apprentices develop advanced programming skills – including object-oriented concepts, use of automated testing tools, and secure development principles and practices – to build high-quality, secure software. They also gain insight into software engineering principles, understanding client requirements and applying logical, structured problem solving.

    This apprenticeship is ideal for those either stepping into a software development role or looking to formalise and advance their existing skills.
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    Typical job roles include:  
    ● Application Developer
    ● Mobile Application Developer
    ● Software Developer
    ● Web Developer

      The apprenticeship is delivered by specialist instructors with real-world experience, through live online classroom learning – 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 Software Developer 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
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        Qualifications in STEM subjects would also be beneficial to their application.

          Months 1-3

          ● Core module with Digital Badge: Software Foundations
          ● Core module: Programming Essentials
          ● Core module: Applied Programming

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          Months 4-8

          ● Core module with Digital Badge: Data and Databases
          ● Core module with Digital Badge: Software Design
          ● Core module: Software Development
          ● Core module: Secure Development
          ● Core module: AI and Machine Learning

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          Months 9-13

          ● Core module: Quality Engineering
          ● Core module with Digital Badge: Deployment and Operations
          ● Core module: Project Communication
          ● Optional module: Building with AI
          ● Optional module: Software Development Hackathon

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          Months 14-16

          ● 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 Software Developer Apprenticeship, the EPA consists of:
            ● A work-based project with questioning
            ● A professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

            Industry certifications (optional)

            On successful completion of the programme, learners have the opportunity to achieve the following industry-recognised qualifications:
            ● Certiport IT Specialist: Databases
            ● BCS Foundation Certificate in the Ethical Build of AI
            ● BCS Foundation Certificate in Agile
            ● One of the following: Certiport IT Specialist – C#/Java/Python/Power Platform Fundamentals

            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 Certiport IT Specialist or BCS Foundation certification on completion.

              Expertise you can trust

              Backed by government and trusted by leading organisations, our programmes are delivered by experienced software development 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 software 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.

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