SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN - LEVEL 3

OCCUPATIONAL PROFILE

A Software Development Technician typically works as part of a software development team to build simple software components (whether web, mobile or desktop applications) to be used by other team members as part of larger software development projects. They will interpret simple design requirements for discrete components of the project under supervision. The approach will typically include implementing code, which other team members have developed, to produce the required component. The Software Development Technician will also be engaged in testing that the specific component meets its intended functionality.

TYPICAL JOB ROLES

Software Development Technician, Junior Developer, Junior Web Developer, Junior Application Developer, Junior Mobile App Developer, Junior Games Developer, Junior Software Developer, Junior Application Support Analyst, Junior Programmer, Assistant Programmer and Automated Test Developer.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include 5 GCSEs (especially English, mathematics and a science or technology subject); other relevant qualifications and experience; or an aptitude test focusing on IT skills.

COURSE OVERVIEW AND LEARNING

Learners will acquire the technical competencies that include using logic to write simple code and coding practices. They will learn secure development principles of industry standards, approaches for configuration management and version control to manage code during build and release. They will develop an understanding of software development lifecycle, the context for development platforms, how code integrates into the wider project and how their role fits into and supports the software development teams.

Apprentices must achieve each of the Ofqual-regulated Knowledge Modules, as summarised below.

Knowledge Module 1: Software Development Context and Methodologies (for level 3 Software Development Technician)

Knowledge Module 2: Programming (for level 3 Software Development Technician)

END-POINT ASSESSMENT

■ Summative portfolio of work

■ Synoptic Project

■ Interview

■ Employer Reference

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

Upon completion, learners will be eligible to apply for registration onto the Register of IT Technicians upon confirming an appropriate SFIA level 3 professional competence. Those completing the

EMPLOYERS INVOLVED IN CREATING THE TRAILBLAZER STANDARD:

IBM, Cisco, Cap Gemini, Qinetiq, Accenture, Capp, Virgin Media, Fujitsu, The Royal Signals, The Royal Navy, The RAF, Lloyds Banking Group, John Lewis, BCS, Accenture, DSP Managed Solutions, Fujitsu, Integrated Payment Solutions, Invotra, Microsoft, Real Asset Management, Terias Consulting, Virgin Media

FEES: Fully Funded for Apprentices aged 16-18 years

Employer contribution: 5% for Apprentices aged 19 years or above

DURATION: 18 Months