Software Developer

Software Developer Apprenticeships Knowledge:

• All stages of the software development life-cycle (what each stage contains, including the inputs and outputs)
• Roles and responsibilities within the software development lifecycle (who is responsible for what)
• The roles and responsibilities of the project life-cycle within your organisation, and your role
• How best to communicate using the different communication methods and how to adapt appropriately to different audiences
• The similarities and differences between different software development methodologies, such as agile and waterfall.
• How teams work effectively to produce software and how to contribute appropriately
• Software design approaches and patterns, 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.
• Algorithms, logic and data structures relevant to software development for example:- arrays- stacks- queues- linked lists- trees- graphs- hash tables- sorting algorithms- searching algorithms- critical sections and race conditions
• Principles and uses of relational and non-relational databases
• Software designs and functional or technical specifications
• Software testing frameworks and methodologies

Skills:

• 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

Behaviours

• Works independently and takes responsibility. For example, has a disciplined and responsible approach to risk and stays motivated and committed when facing challenges
• Applies logical thinking. For example, uses clear and valid reasoning when making decisions related to undertaking work instructions
• Maintains a productive, professional and secure working environment
• Works collaboratively with a wide range of people in different roles, internally and externally, with a positive attitude to inclusion & diversity
• Acts with integrity with respect to ethical, legal and regulatory ensuring the protection of personal data, safety and security
• Shows initiative and takes responsibility for solving problems within their own remit, being resourceful when faced with a problem to solve
• Communicates effectively in a variety of situations to both a technical and non-technical audience
• Shows curiosity to the business context in which the solution will be used, displaying an inquisitive approach to solving the problem. This includes the curiosity to explore new opportunities, techniques and the tenacity to improve methods and maximise performance of the solution and creativity in their approach to solutions
• Committed to continued professional development

• C&G Level 2 Functional Skills in English
• C&G Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths

TDM are acutely aware that the UK faces a productivity gap in our workforce when we are compared against competitor nations.  We are determined to do our bit to improve the performance and quality standards of the UK workforce.

This is why TDM also offer a dedicated Professional Development Coach who, in collaboration with employer mentors, will further develop apprentices’:

• Logical and creative thinking skills
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to work independently and to take responsibility
• Readiness to use own initiative
• Application of a thorough and organised approach
• Ability to work with a range of internal and external people
• Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of situations
• Ability to maintain productive, professional and secure working environment
• Engagement with Professional Development Activities which go beyond their job role

Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in both English and Maths will need to be achieved by all TDM learners.

TDM coaches also proudly support other National Educational Priorities, such as:

• British Values: Democracy, The Rule of Law, Tolerance & Mutual Respect, Individual Liberty.
• Health & Safety in the Workplace
• Employee Rights and Responsibilities
• Equality & Diversity
• Safeguarding (including prevention against radicalisation)

To achieve and exceed the National Apprenticeship Standard, 6 hours a week of salaried hours must be spent in learning away from the workstation. 

Your Individual Learning Plan will be delivered by both “field expert” Tech Coaches and “gently uncompromising” Professional Development Coaches.  According to the particular needs of each employer / learner / topic, TDM coaches will responsively plan and deliver options such as:

• one-to-one coaching tutorials (online or in the workplace) which guide ePortfolio and employer reference building
• task-setting and guidance through personally selected learning activities to be completed away from workstation including (eg): eLearning, print materials, journal articles, practice labs and tutorials, etc.
• “tutored” online group learning events
• classroom size <=15 learners (in Birmingham or Worcester)
• classroom size <=8 learners (in Birmingham or Worcester)
• ad-hoc extra support from a Professional Development Coach who will support the apprentice to develop more employable attitudes and behaviours.

Individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include:

• 2 x A levels
• OR a level 3 apprenticeship
• OR another relevant qualification
• OR relevant experience
• AND/OR an aptitude test with a focus on functional maths.