Level 3 Apprenticeship: Software Development Technician Standard
This qualification will teach you a range of skills to assist your coding development, so that you can analyse data and take account of any security procedures that you must follow.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
This qualification will teach you a range of skills to assist your coding development, so that you can analyse data and take account of any security procedures that you must follow. You will cover basic analysis models such as cases and process maps.
The apprenticeship involves Level 2 Maths and English, 20% off-the-job training and an end-point assessment which you will sit with BCS. You will have membership of BCS for the duration of the course and up to a year afterwards.
The length of the course, depending on your previous skills, knowledge and qualfications, is 18 months and it entails one day a week of tuition either in College on on Microsoft Teams (this will be decided).
Please note that there are no vendor qualifications within this apprenticeship.
Entry Requirements
Your screening results, if you have no exemptions, should be at Level 2.
You need contracted employment of 30 hours minimum.
What will you learn?
You will cover:
- Logic: writing simple code for discrete software components following an appropriate logical approach to agreed standards (whether for web, mobile or desktop applications)
- Security: applying appropriate secure development principles to specific software components at all stages of development
- Data: making simple connections between code and defined data sources as specified
- Test: functionally testing that the deliverables for a component have been met or not
- Analysis: following basic analysis models such as cases and process maps
- You will learn how to:
- Solve logical problems (including appropriate mathematical application)
- Respond to the business environment and business issues related to software development
- Develop user interfaces as appropriate to the organisation’s development standards and the type of component being developed
- Understand the business context and market environment for software development, the structure of software applications and the software development lifecycle
- Implement code, connect to specific data sources and understand database normalisation.
How will you learn?
The apprenticeship will be delivered in the workplace and on-site.
What will you need to bring with you?
If you are over 19, your employer will pay 5% of the funding.
You need a laptop.
How will you be assessed?
You will be assigned an assessor and tutor who will support you throughout the course. Assessment includes:
- Regular mock tests
- Observations
- Professional discussions
- Work products and projects
- End-point assessment
Where next?
This apprenticeship is recognised for entry onto the Register of IT Technicians, upon confirming an appropriate SFIA Level 3 professional competence. Those completing the apprenticeship would then be eligible to apply for registration.
You could also consider a Level 4 Software Developer qualification.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Is there any financial support available?
Course Information for Employers
Apprenticeship summary
The apprentice will attend College on site or remotely via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. They will be trained in:
- How to write simple coding
- Appropriate secure development
- Data
- Problem-solving
They will complete two modules of underpinning knowledge and have an end-point assessment.
Are they any entry requirements for my apprentice?
The apprentice should have a contract for a minimum of 30 hours per week and should have GCSE grade 5/C or above in Maths, English and one Science subject.
The employer will have to ensure there is:
- Paid attendance at College
- Training in the workplace, with opportunities for learning (20% per week)
- Time to complete the reviews with the assessor
What is required from the employer in the workplace?
- Training, helping the apprentice build an understanding of the development technician role, both practical and theoretical
- Time to train and complete their work
- Support
Behaviours expected within the role
- Excellent communication skills
- Good timekeeping
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Commitment to becoming a software technician and pursuing this as a career
- Motivated
What qualification will my apprentice gain?
- The Apprenticeship Standard
- End-point assessment
- Level 2 Maths and English
What will the assessment look like?
The assessment involves:
- Exams
- Assessment in line with an observation at work
- Questions
- Products of work
- Witness testimonies
You and your apprentice will be supported by a competent tutor/assessor.
Will my apprentice need to come into college?
Yes, but this may be remote attendance depending on the climate.
The delivery mode is to be decided but it will involve at least one day a week in College as part of their working week.
Is there any specialist equipment required?
The apprentice will need a laptop.
Your organisation also needs to deal in the criteria required to complete the qualification.
What progression can my apprentice expect after completion of their apprenticeship?
This apprenticeship is recognised for entry onto the Register of IT Technicians upon confirming an appropriate SFIA Level 3 professional competence. Those completing the apprenticeship would then be eligible to apply for registration.
They could also advance to a Level 4 Software Developer qualification.
What job roles will this apprenticeship be suitable for?
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.
Will the college help me find an apprentice?
You may already have someone in your organisation or someone has come to you direct asking for an apprenticeship, but if you don’t we have a free recruitment service to help you hire the best candidate for your organisation from our talent pool and external advertising through social media and the national apprenticeship services website
Contact us
If you are an employer and you would like to know more, please email businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or call 01332 387421
Career Information
This course could lead to one of these careers...
Programmers and Software Development Professionals
£35002
IT Project and Programme Managers
£37521
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Course Information Last Updated On: November 4, 2021 11:02 am
