Software Developer Apprentice

Summary

Attending training sessions to expand your technical skillset. Working on software projects within the assigned Science Group Contributing to team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project discussions.

Wage

£21,630 a year

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Training course

Software developer (level 4)

Hours

Days and shifts to be confirmed.

40 hours a week

Start date

Friday 8 August 2025

Duration

1 year 7 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Attending training sessions to expand your technical skillset.
Working on software projects within the assigned Science Group
Contributing to team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project discussions.
Involving in NPL Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Outreach activities.
Ensuring software quality by following best coding practice, test procedures, change management processes and cyber security principles.
Producing and maintaining up-to-date documentation of supported applications for knowledge transfer and team resilience.

Where you'll work

National Physical Laboratory
Hampton Road
Teddington
Middlesex
TW11 0LW

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

QA LIMITED

Your training course

Software developer (level 4)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

create logical and maintainable code
develop effective user interfaces
link code to data sets
test code and analyse results to correct errors found using unit testing
conduct a range of test types, such as Integration, System, User Acceptance, Non-Functional, Performance and Security testing.
identify and create test scenarios
apply structured techniques to problem solving, debug code and understand the structure of programmes in order to identify and resolve issues
create simple software designs to effectively communicate understanding of the program
create analysis artefacts, such as use cases and/or user stories
build, manage and deploy code into the relevant environment
apply an appropriate software development approach according to the relevant paradigm (for example object oriented, event driven or procedural)
follow software designs and functional or technical specifications
follow testing frameworks and methodologies
follow company, team or client approaches to continuous integration, version and source control
communicate software solutions and ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders
apply algorithms, logic and data structures
interpret and implement a given design whist remaining compliant with security and maintainability requirements
create logical and maintainable code
develop effective user interfaces
link code to data sets
test code and analyse results to correct errors found using unit testing
conduct a range of test types, such as Integration, System, User Acceptance, Non-Functional, Performance and Security testing.
identify and create test scenarios
apply structured techniques to problem solving, debug code and understand the structure of programmes in order to identify and resolve issues
create simple software designs to effectively communicate understanding of the program
create analysis artefacts, such as use cases and/or user stories
build, manage and deploy code into the relevant environment
apply an appropriate software development approach according to the relevant paradigm (for example object oriented, event driven or procedural)
follow software designs and functional or technical specifications
follow testing frameworks and methodologies
follow company, team or client approaches to continuous integration, version and source control
communicate software solutions and ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders
apply algorithms, logic and data structures
interpret and implement a given design whist remaining compliant with security and maintainability requirements

Your training plan

Why choose our Software Engineer Level 4 apprenticeship?

Our Software Engineer Level 4 Apprenticeship gives learners advance skills and technical grounding to design, test and maintain software and web systems. Learners will also gain an understanding on advanced programming, systems and software development projects. Software Development is at the heart of digital transformation. With demand for services to be consumed online by both clients and employees increasing exponentially, software developers are in high demand. Software Engineers build and test high-quality code across front end, logic and database layers.

QA’s Software Engineer Level 4 apprenticeship programme enables the apprentice to:

Build advanced skills and technical grounding to design, test and maintain software and web systems.
Receive training on end-to-end software dev stack, as opposed to hyper-focusing on one area of development.
Develop more advanced applications.

Tools and technologies learned: Learners will learn to use HTML5, JavaScript and CSS3.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

A Level in:

STEM (grade Any)

BTEC in:

IT (grade Any)

Other in:

Software (grade Level 3)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Team working

Other requirements

About QA: Our apprenticeships are the perfect way to gain new skills, earn while you learn, and launch yourself into an exciting future. With over 50,000 successful apprenticeship graduates, we're a top 50 training provider, dedicated to helping you succeed. Interested? Apply now!

About this company

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.

Company benefits

Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and industry-leading practices. Mentoring from seasoned professionals who are passionate about sharing their expertise. Personal and professional growth opportunities, continuous learning and development.

After this apprenticeship

90% of QA apprentices secure permanent employment after completing: this is 20% higher than the national average.

Ask a question

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