Who is this course for?
This apprenticeship is ideal if you’re interested in embarking on a career such as:
- Software Development Technician
- Junior Developer
- Junior Web Developer
- Junior Application Developer
- Junior Mobile App Developer
- Junior Software Developer
- Junior Programmer
- Assistant Programmer
Level
Software Development Technician is a Level 3 Apprenticeship.
Duration
16 months total: 13 months Practical, 3-month EPA.
Funding
£18,000
Overview
Software Development Technicians are the supportive entry-level team member who helps create computer programmes. Some assist in developing the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. Others assist in developing the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.
A Software Development Technician typically works as a junior member of a software development team to build simple software components (web, mobile or desktop applications) to be used by other members of the team as part of larger software development projects, or by end users. They will interpret simple design requirements for discrete components of the project under supervision.
The approach will typically include implementing code and building on code that other team members have developed to produce the required component. The Software Development Technician will also be engaged in testing that the specific component meets its intended functionality.
A Software Development Technician is typically office-based; however, field-based research and testing may require periods of time working in the environments of the clients whose needs they are seeking to meet.
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. Our Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Learning Mentors (LMs) and world-leading Instructors will prepare learners to work across multiple sectors.
Firebrand’s programme is taught through a blended framework of Residential and Online Classroom learning based on our Lecture, Lab, Review methodology.
Your apprentice will receive support from our SMEs as well as full access to an e-learning platform that covers all areas of software and over 5,000 courses on other relevant business topics.
Prerequisites
Before attending this accelerated apprenticeship, you should have:
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs or A-Levels, a Level 2 qualification (apprenticeship or BTEC in a relatable subject), or relevant experience and/or an aptitude test
STEM subjects would also be beneficial to your application.
Curriculum
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 evaluates all the work completed through the duration of the Apprenticeship.
For the Level 3 Software Development Technician Apprenticeship, the EPA consists of:
- a Knowledge Test comprised of 2 units, and
- a Presentation and Interview also comprised of 2 units, with the independent assessor
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.
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.
Exams
Next steps
Upon completion of the Software Development Apprenticeship, progression routes include: