Software Development Technician Apprenticeship Level 3

Maximise the effectiveness and productivity of your software development to keep your business on top of the competition.

With innovation and development at its heart, a Kaplan Software Development Technician apprenticeship is anything but standard.

As well as developing technical skills using a range of core technologies and platforms, we support our learners to weave together the ability to diagnose problems, develop client needs, and communicate solutions to drive business technology forward.

expand_more Who's it for?

Ideal for new talent in the organisation with an active interest in software development or existing staff taking on a development role.

If you’re looking for a higher level apprenticeship, you may be interested in our Software Developer Apprenticeship Level 4.

expand_more Job roles and career progression

Junior Developer, Programmer, Web Developer, Application Developer, Mobile App Developer, Games Developer, Software Developer, Application Support Analyst, Assistant Programmer and Automated Test Developer - but this list isn’t exhaustive, it’s more about what you do in your job role than the actual title.

An apprentice’s journey doesn’t end when their apprenticeship has finished. This is just their first step to becoming a software developer. The next steps could be to move to the Kaplan Software Developer Level 4 Apprenticeship.

expand_more Eligibility

To do this apprenticeship you must have at least a grade of 4/C GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English. If you don’t have this level of Maths and English, Kaplan offers free resources and support to make sure you have a strong understanding of the subjects by the end of your apprenticeship.

Apprentices on this programme should be in a full-time technical role where their primary responsibilities will be coding and testing.

Apprentices typically have one of the following:

GCSE or other Level 2 qualification
12 months of work experience in the last 24 months if they do not have any other Level 3 qualifications

18 months with Gateway at 15 months

Costs / funding

Levy payer

£15,000

Non levy payer

£750

Learner

Free

Qualifications received

Software Development Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship

Optional: PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer Certification, Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals

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About the programme

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Keep your business future proof

The Software Development Technician apprenticeship will give your people the skills to build software components to be used as part of larger software development projects, giving your business the tools it needs to succeed now and in the future.

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Learn skills and technologies that are in high demand

Including Python, SQL, PowerApps, HTML5, CSS, Javascript, and GitHub.

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Work with colleagues and customers

A Software Development Technician apprentice will gain the skills and knowledge needed to interact with a wide range of stakeholders as part of the Software Development Lifecycle, delivering innovative and fit-for-purpose solutions.

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Supported by an industry experienced Talent Coach

Each learner has regular 1:1 contact and progress reviews to keep them on track, review their portfolio, and get them fully prepared for their End Point Assessment.

Training modules

Our Software Development Technician apprenticeship programme integrates six modules of technical training with work based projects. This ensures that learning and skills are directly applied to the apprentice’s role, and maximises the time used as part of off-the-job training.

For each module, learners benefit from attending small, scheduled Live Online classes taught by a subject matter specialist, combined with additional online learning that can be completed at their own pace. Each of our live classes are interactive and involve lots of practical discussion, giving learners quality time both with tutors and industry peers to spark new ideas and get new perspectives. Learners get practical lab time to hone their skills and learn from each other, as well as their tutor.

5 days

Python Programming Fundamentals

Python will be used as the main language for training. Apprentices will be able to use their learning to pick up other programming languages they may need to use in the workplace.

Introduction to Python and computer programming
Data types, variables, basic input-output operations, basic operators
Boolean values, conditional execution, loops, lists and list processing, logical and bitwise operations
Functions, tuples, dictionaries, and data processing.

5 days

Intermediate Python Programming

In this module apprentices will build on the Python Basics from Module 1. They will start to look into Object Oriented Programming concepts.

Modules, Packages and PIP
Strings, String and List Methods, Exceptions
Object-Oriented Programming.

Apprentices can take the optional Python Institute – PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer certification but this is not included as part of the apprenticeship and will have to be funded by the employer.

5 days

SQL and Databases

This module is used to develop a practical understanding of databases and creating software Apps. The first part will cover the essential concepts of databases including:

What is a database?
Designing a database and data modelling
Managing tables
Querying and sharing data in the database using SQL.

The second part cover the fundamentals of the Microsoft Power App Platform including:

The business value of Power Platform
The core components of Power Platform
Capabilities of Power BI
Capabilities of Power Apps
Power Automate
Power Virtual Agents.

Apprentices can take the optional Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals certification but this is not included as part of the apprenticeship and will have to be funded by the employer.

5 days

Web Technologies

This module will cover the basics of Web Development and Web Development Technologies including:

Configuring HTML5 tags to display text content
Configuring HTML5 tags to display graphics and play media
Configuring HTML5 tags to organise content and forms
Configuring HTML5 tags for input and validation
Formatting the user interface by using Cascading Style Sheets
Coding by using JavaScript.

The module provides a strong foundation on using Web Technologies. It will enable apprentices to pick up other web technologies they may be using in the workplace e.g. React.js, Node.js.

3 days

Agile Software Development

This three-day immersive workshop will explore Agile principles and mindset and how this can be used within Software Development Projects. It will include:

How to develop a blueprint to becoming agile and using agile methodology for the projects you are part of.
Understanding various philosophies including collaboration within teams, continuous improvement and frequent feedback.

Whilst this module will cover the history of agile, the manifesto and principles, the focus will be on experiencing this within teams and taking a practical understanding back to the workplace.

2 days

EPA Readiness Training

The End Point Assessment readiness module provides apprentices with practical strategies and guidance on how to approach the two assessment tasks in the End Point Assessment.

This module will take them through a practical application of a technology project. They will be provided with a practical project structure which they will use to create a project report.

The EPA Readiness Training will help support them in preparing for their End Point Assessment giving them an opportunity to build skills in an immersive exercise getting real time feedback as they hone their skills.

expand_more View all modules

date_range Timetables

Programmes are running regularly throughout the year. View our timetables for scheduled Live Online sessions to see when the next one is running.

View timetables

Why choose Kaplan to do a Software Development Technician apprenticeship?

Aligned to learning outcomes

Our Software Development Technician apprenticeship programme is designed to deliver real impacts in the apprentice’s daily role.

Leading partners

Underpinned by specialist content and learning labs co-created with leaders in their field Python, SQL, PowerApps, JavaScript, developing your skills in a range of technologies and platforms, not just one.

Flexible learning

Learners attend scheduled, interactive Live Online classes involving lots of practical discussion and application, and combine this with additional online learning that can be completed at their own pace.

Expert teaching

Our tutors are all subject matter experts, with real world experience, and teach small cohort groups of like minded learners.

Support for employers:

Named account director as your key point of contact
Recruitment service to help you hire an apprentice for a new vacancy
Transparency throughout the application and onboarding process for your learners
Named tutor and talent coaches, often a single contact
Accurate, timely and accessible tracking for each learner
Line Manager visibility of your learner’s portfolio dashboards

Support for learners:

Tutor contact via email outside of scheduled classes
Regular 1:1 contact and progress reviews with a named, industry experienced talent coach to keep them on track, review their portfolio and get them fully prepared for their End Point Assessment.
Peer to peer contacts from across the industry as part of a small cohort - creating opportunities to spark new ideas and get new perspectives
Integrated learning system with everything in one place. Access all online learning, track your progress, capture off-the-job activity and hours, manage and capture progress reviews, upload evidence, as well as communication, and leave messages for each other with their Talent Coach
Interactive lab environment to practise and put learning to the test
Student Service support available 362 days a year