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Software Development Technician Apprenticeship – Level 3

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About the course

Software development technicians are the supportive entry level team member helping to create computer programs. 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. For example, a software development technician may work to support a software developer or wider team on Transport ticketing systems, traffic light control systems, customer-facing websites for journey planning and account management, internal websites for monitoring the status of train and road networks. They may assist in developing software to create bespoke asset management systems.

The software development technician may work on assisting software developer teams in devising innovative solutions to problems such as flood warning systems and creating products that enhance farmers engagement with sustainable farming approaches. Organisations use software to ensure that their operations become ever more effective and robust reducing the incidence of downtime by building quality tested software solutions to give a better service. For example, in commercial organisations this can give them a competitive advantage by being able to analyse significant amounts of data quickly and efficiently to provide the business with information and management systems.

This can save time and help the business spot profit making opportunities. For public sector bodies the right software solution can drive up performance and help target scarce resources more effectively and ensure that customer expectations are more likely to be met.

Topics and units

  • Follow clearly defined requirements to deliver software development activities and products
  • Report progress against metrics on software development activities accurately throughout the stages of the software development lifecycle
  • Identify and report any impediments to progress in development activities to supervisors
  • Follow instructions to convert customer requirements to technical requirements
  • Communicate outcomes from development activities to team members and other stakeholders both internal and external
  • Identify and implement security features of a proposed design
  • Write logical and maintainable software solutions in line with given specifications to meet the design requirements and organisational coding standards
  • Apply security principles and practice to the software development tasks assigned
  • Maintain appropriate project documentation throughout the software development tasks
  • Apply appropriate recovery techniques to ensure that the software solution being developed is not lost.
  • Undertake unit testing of solutions, with appropriate levels of test code coverage, to identify and, where necessary, escalate issues
  • Contribute to testing of the end-to-end software solution to ensure a high-quality output
  • Support delivery of deployment phases, including trials and final release.
  • Identify the need for a suitable ‘bug fix’, appropriate to the severity and priority of the issue identified.
  •  Practice continuous guided self-learning to keep up to date with technological developments to enhancerelevant skills and take responsibility for own professional development

Careers and progression

Most apprentices remain with the companies that hired them.

Web developer, web designer, computer games developer or tester, pathways into higher education.

Entry requirements

A minimum of GCSEs at grades 4 – 9 (GCSE C or above)
English and Maths.
• Be able to work more than 30 hours per week.
• To sit an assessment for English, maths and multi choice
IT test.
• An interview with our Sales team and Computing
Apprenticeship Tutor(s)

Additional information

Apprentices attend college for one day per week (term time) and work towards passing the knowledge requirements of Infrastructure technician course. Completing 4 modules each assessed by an exam.

Telford College works with the employer to create a specific development plan to meet the apprenticeship standards which the apprentice is expected to work towards. Whilst working to the plan in the workplace the apprentice will track the journey mapping to the require standards showing valuable knowledge, skills and practical experience gained. Alongside an off the job record highlighting all the learning that has taken place (a min of 20% of the duration of the
apprenticeship). Apprentices are supported by a computing tutor whilst at college.

Assessment in the workplace and with regular reviews between the employer, tutor and apprentice to discuss
progress and achievements.
When the apprenticeship standard, knowledge requirements, portfolio, and off the job learning hours has been completed apprentices move to gateway. This is where the employer confirms competency and a project is set for the apprentice to complete ready for end point assessment.
A project report is created by the apprentices and submitted to the EPA for grading. Following the submission a discussion takes place to confirm competency and is graded.

What to do next

If you are interested in applying for this course, please click ‘apply now‘ on this page or at the top of any page, and create an website account or sign in an account you have already created and complete the application form. 

To find out more information about our courses and college life, you can visit an open event to meet our team and check out our facilities for yourself.

Type

Full time

Duration

18 months

Campus

Haybridge Road

Support

We understand that there are many barriers when you look at coming to college. Find out more information about the support we offer.

Talk to us

If you need some more information you can contact our course information, advice and guidance team using our online form.

Upcoming events

Open event
13 November 2024
5.00pm — 7.30pm
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Open event
22 January 2025
5.00pm — 7.30pm
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Open event
12 March 2025
5.00pm — 7.30pm
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