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Software Development Technician Apprenticeship Level 3

Course code: XMZT110P

Subject area: Apprentices

Study level: Apprenticeship

Course level: 3

Course details

Course time:

09:00 - 17:00

Days of week:

Various

Course date:

1st Aug 2024 - 31st Jul 2025

Course location:

Off Site

Contact details

Phone:

01235 216 216

A software development technician typically works as a junior member of a software development team, to build 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 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, building on code that other team members have developed, to produce the required component. The software development technician will also be engaged in testing specific components to ensure they meet their intended functionality
A software development technician typically works as a junior member of a software development team, to build 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 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, building on code that other team members have developed, to produce the required component. The software development technician will also be engaged in testing specific components to ensure they meet their intended functionality.

Duration: 13 months practical training period, plus 3 months for End Point Assessment

Delivery model:

• Work-based training with your employer

• Day release during term time (approximately 36 days per year)

• Approximately four on-site assessment visits per year

• Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English (7 days at college for each, if required)

• Off the job training will count for at least 6 hours a week of an apprentice’s time at work

Course units
• Fundamentals of all stages of the software development life cycle including development, Quality Assurance, User Acceptance Testing and release

• Roles and responsibilities within the software development life-cycle and the project life-cycle

• Different communication methods, how to adapt appropriately to different audiences including

• collaborative technologies such as discussion threads and document collaboration

• The key similarities and differences between different software development methodologies, such as agile and waterfall

• Principles of effective teamwork to produce software

• Fundamentals of software design approaches and patterns, including when to identify reusable solutions to commonly occurring problems

• Organisational policies and procedures relating to the tasks being undertaken, and when to follow them. For example, the storage and treatment of GDPR sensitive data.

• Fundamentals of computing systems including physical, virtual and cloud technologies

• Fundamental principles of algorithms, logic and data structures. For example, how they work using a step-by-step solution to a problem, or rules to follow to solve the problem

• Principles and uses of relational and non -relational (nosql) databases

• Basic principles of software designs and functional/technical specifications

• Key principles of software testing frameworks and methodologies

What next?
Those completing the apprenticeship can apply for registration with the Register of IT Technicians confirming level 3 professional competence.
Entry criteria
Applicants are likely to have 5 GCSEs A*- C / 9 - 4, including Maths and English, or equivalent, and will need to demonstrate the ability to achieve all elements of the apprenticeship during their programme, including working in a suitable job role.
Fee information
Free to apprentices. This apprenticeship has a £15,000 funding band. Small companies will need to contribute £750; large companies could pay through the apprenticeship levy if they have funds available.
Qualifications received
• Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths

• Level 3 Information Communications Technician Apprenticeship

Learning & method assessment
• Work based project and presentation

• Portfolio based interview

User skills
• Write simple code for discrete software components following an appropriate logical approach to agreed standards under supervision

• Apply appropriate secure development principles to specific software components at all stages of development

• Support development of effective user interfaces

• Make simple connections between code and defined data sources as specified

• Test simple code and analyse results to correct errors found using unit testing under supervision

• Conduct a range of test types under supervision, such as Functional and Non -Functional.

• Apply structured techniques to problem solving, including carry out simple debug of code

• Follows organisational and industry good coding practices

• Solve logical problems, seeking assistance when required

• Support the creation of simple software documentation and visuals to effectively communicate understanding of the program

• Define functional and non -functional requirements such as use cases, storyboards, user stories, performance and accessibility.

• Work within operational requirements such as health and safety, budgets, brands and normal business protocols