If you are interested in software development and want to be part of a team that unlocks customer and business value faster, then becoming a DevOps Engineer may be perfect for you.
DevOps is a practice that merges software development and IT operations. This means that as a DevOps Engineer, you would be responsible for developing and maintaining code, as well as ensuring that all tools and automated processes run smoothly.
What do I need to become a DevOps Engineer?
A DevOps Engineer embraces the culture and practices of Agile and DevOps and has a holistic view of how the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) works. They typically have a background in software development, system administration or QA. However, when kickstarting your career, it is not necessarily compulsory, or expected, for you to have a wide range of relevant experience.
Our DevOps Engineer apprenticeship programme can help you kickstart your career with the support of your line manager, our programme tutors and a dedicated coach. This programme is free for you and your employer pays a maximum of £850 towards your training depending on their eligibility for levy funding. To enrol, you need to have one of the following:
- A Level 3 Apprenticeship
- 2 A Levels or International Baccalaureate or any other Level 3 qualification such as a BTEC Extended Diploma
- 12 months of work experience in the last 24 months if you do not have any other Level 3 qualifications
Salary and career prospects
According to Glassdoor, the average salary of an entry-level Apprentice DevOps Engineer is £21,139 per and this average rose to £50,612 per year for a fully qualified and experienced DevOps Engineer. At the end of your apprenticeship, you can progress to a level 6 or 7 Apprenticeship, or undertake product-specific vendor training. DevOps Engineers remain highly sought after, even in tough economic times, due to their ability to drive speed, efficiency and customer value for businesses.
DevOps tools and skills
The DevOps Toolchain is a set of tools and practices that are used to automate the software delivery process. One of the key benefits of using a DevOps Toolchain is that it enables developers to rapidly and reliably deliver high-quality software. With these tools, developers can quickly develop, test, and release new code without spending a lot of time on manual processes or interrupting the workflows of other teams. Some of the tools and technologies used by DevOps Engineers include:
- Version control tools (e.g. Git)
- Cloud and cloud-based services (e.g. AWS, Azure and GCP)
- Configuration Management tools (e.g. Ansible)
- Container platforms (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes)
- Automation and scripting tools (e.g. Jenkins, Terraform and PowerShell)
In addition to technical skills like programming using python, DevOps Engineers must also have strong communication and teamwork skills. DevOps is a collaborative field that relies on close coordination between developers and operations teams, which may be aided by tools like Slack, Jira, and Miro. DevOps Engineers need to be able to work well with others and communicate clearly about technical issues.
Daily tasks of a DevOps Engineer
A DevOps Engineer's day-to-day job duties can vary depending on their experience and the organisation they work for, but generally, they will involve some or all of the following:
- Developing and maintaining code - this includes writing code, debugging code, and ensuring that all code is compliant with coding standards.
- Configuring and managing systems - this includes configuring servers, setting up and managing databases, and monitoring system performance.
- Collaborating with other teams - DevOps Engineers must be able to work well with other members of their team, as well as other departments within their company (such as Development, QA, and Operations).
- Troubleshooting technical issues - DevOps Engineers are responsible for troubleshooting any technical issues that may arise and finding solutions.
- Participating in DevOps initiatives - many DevOps Engineers are also involved in implementing DevOps practices within their organisation, such as automating tasks or creating DevOps pipelines.
How do I become a DevOps Engineer?
If you would like to pursue a career as a DevOps Engineer, there are several different ways that you can do so. One option is to pursue an apprenticeship programme in DevOps. Kaplan offers a DevOps Engineer Level 4 apprenticeship which provides the opportunity to gain both the technical and non-technical skills required for a successful career in DevOps. As well as on-the-job training, the apprenticeship includes formal education and additional optional certifications.
Whether you are just starting in the tech field or looking to make a career change, becoming a DevOps Engineer can be an exciting and rewarding opportunity.
Interested in becoming a DevOps Engineer?
If a career in DevOps interests you, but you don’t know where to start, we have a dedicated team who can help you find a new position and kickstart your apprenticeship. Find out more by contacting kaplan.recruitment@kaplan.co.uk or take a look at our DevOps Engineer Level 4 apprenticeship programme.