The college will remain CLOSED tomorrow (Friday 15 January 2021) due to adverse weather and the likelihood of ice.

Students due to attend the Derby Road campus tomorrow (specifically, those with an EHCP, disability, learning difficulty or other vulnerability, or children of key workers who have chosen to access the site) should log-on to Microsoft Teams for their timetabled online lessons. We will be back to normal on Monday (18 January 2021) for those students eligible to attend on site. College buses and special transport will operate as normal from Monday.

Software Development Technician - Advanced Apprenticeship - Level 3

Overview

A Software Development Technician typically works as part of a software development team, to builds simple software components (whether web, mobile or desktop applications) to be used by other members of the team as part of larger software development projects. They will interpret simple design requirements for discrete components of the project under supervision. The approach will typically include implementing code, which 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.

Professional Recognition

This apprenticeship is recognised for entry onto the Register of IT Technicians upon confirming an appropriate SFIA level 3 professional competence and those completing the apprenticeship would then be eligible to apply for registration.

Entry requirements

Individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include 5 GCSEs (especially English, mathematics and a science or technology subject); other relevant qualifications and experience; or an aptitude test with a focus on IT skills. (English & Mathematics at grade 4 or above are mandatory).

How long is the course?

The duration of this apprenticeship is a minimum of 24 months.

Location

Derby Road

How will I be assessed?

Your apprenticeship will be assessed in a variety of ways including external examinations, observations, reflective journals and work place assessments.

You will be assessed on:

Technical Competencies
Technical Knowledge and Understanding
Underpinning Skills, Attitudes and Behaviours

After completing all training you will be entered for EPA which consists of 4 parts:

Submission of a portfolio of work completed during your apprenticeship
Synoptic Project
Interview or Professional Discussion
Detailed reference from your employer

What does the course lead to?

Typical Job Roles

Software Development Technician, Junior Developer, Junior Web Developer, Junior Application Developer, Junior Mobile App Developer, Junior Games Developer, Junior Software Developer, Junior Application Support Analyst, Junior Programmer, Assistant Programmer and Automated Test Developer.

What will I study?

Full details of this apprenticeship standard can be found at: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/software-developer/

Study programmes

It is an entry requirement for some courses to have gained GCSEs A*-C in English and maths (see entry requirements). If the entry requirements to a course do not require A*-C in these subjects, and you haven’t already gained GCSEs A*-C in English and maths before joining us, you will continue to study English and maths as part of your programme and take appropriate qualifications in these subjects with the aim of achieving A* to C grade. In addition, to help you gain essential skills for employment, every student aged under 19 and studying a full-time course at college will take part in our study programmes alongside their main subject qualification. Find out more.