Programme Overview
Tech City Stars Web & Software Development Apprentices develop the skills needed to implement the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). As part of this, they learn to undertake an information management system analysis, and produce a web application, database, and website, producing required documentation.
The Apprentice will be involved in Front and Back End Development with focus on the fundamentals of languages, IDE, database design, graphics and development methodologies:
The training focuses on 4 key areas:
- Web Design & Development
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery, Agile vs Waterfall, Adobe Suite
- Project Planning & Database Design
- MySQL (DMLDDL), Schemas, Trello, SDLC Documentation
- App Development
- UML, Algorithms, Java, C++, C#, NetBeans, Eclipse/Visual Studio
- Information System Development
- Business Processes, Investigation Methods, Data Flow Diagrams, Development Methodologies
Qualifications in this course
Apprentices work towards their qualifications during their morning classroom sessions, once a week. During this time, apprentices will sit a range of exams, complete assignments and compile a portfolio of work. They receive full support from their dedicated Learning & Development Specialist to review and track progress. At the end of the apprenticeship, they will achieve the following qualifications:
- Advanced Apprenticeship in IT, Software, Web & Telecoms Professionals
- Edexcel Level 3 Diploma in Professional Competence, IT, Software, Web & Telecoms Professionals
- Edexcel Level 3 Diploma in IT
- Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, English & ICT (if required by eligibility rules)
Delivery Model & Duration
- The Apprenticeship takes 13 months to complete
- Morning classroom sessions are delivered once a week
- 5 hours per week of self directed study time
- Monthly Visits & Pastoral Support from LDS
Curriculum
Project Planning & Database Design
During this 3-month block apprentices will concentrate on designing and developing a working database with defined specifications, using suitable development methodologies. Apprentices look in-depth at the concepts, logic and functionality of databases. They will use Entity Relationship Diagrams and Schemas to design the database using MySQL (DDL & DML) or any other preferred database. The Apprentice monitors the progress of the Project using relevant project management tools such as Trello and will be required to implement changes working within a team of developers.
Web Design & Development
At the start of this 3 month block the Apprentice, Manager and Learning & Development Specialist will agree a specification for a Website. The Apprentice will conduct a full investigation of the requirements and as a result will produce a specification document & list of resources required for the project. The Apprentice will design and develop the website with all the required documentation using HTML and CSS, adding interactivity using Javascript.
Detailed Content Blocks
App Development
The Apprentice, Manager & Learning & Development Specialist will meet to see if there is an opportunity for the Apprentice to develop a relevant and useful application for the company. During the project planning stage, the apprentice will follow a development methodology used in the workplace. The Apprentice will learn about writing algorithms and various programming paradigms, such as procedural & object oriented programming. Development work will be completed in Java/C++/C# using NetBeans/Eclipse or Visual Studio as the IDE.
Information System Development
Apprentices will complete an investigation of requirements for an IT System in the workplace. Apprentices will be able to evaluate the current system, recognise problems, and produce a requirements specification for the proposed solution. Apprentices will produce the designs for the solution using data flow diagrams where system entities, processes, data flow, and data storage will be represented.
The Process
Who is it for?
The Tech City Stars Web and Software Apprenticeship (Level 3) is for young people with a passion for the tech industry. Candidates should be actively seeking work in the sector and be able to demonstrate their energy, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Ideal candidates will be able to present a portfolio of work (this could include personal or education-related software development projects) and be able to demonstrate an element of self-taught knowledge. If you’re technically minded and have a desire to make some of the software that drives the modern world, then this apprenticeship is a great option for you!
What comes before the apprenticeship?
The Tech City Stars Career Kickstarter is our awesome, day-long course which gives young people the opportunity to meet with and get to know employers. It starts with a morning of practicing your interview techniques and building confidence. In the afternoon, we invite employers to join candidates for a light lunch. This is followed by elevator pitches from employers and candidates, and an afternoon of speed interviews!
Takeaways
Upon completion of this apprenticeship with Tech City Stars, apprentices will receive the following:
- A year of highly valuable work experience in an industry leading company
- A network of friends, colleagues and contacts upon which to build a career
- Dedicated 1 – 2 – 1 support and guidance both in the workplace and out
- Portfolio of work including website, application, database, project management techniques and business analysis documentation.
Progression
75% of apprentices who achieve a Tech City Stars apprenticeship go on to be offered a permanent role with their employer. Apprentices can progress onto the Tech City Stars Level 4 Software Developer Apprenticeship. Those who are not offered a permanent role have access to dedicated support to work out their next step. Those who continue to work can expect to start earning more money and to develop into roles such as Web Developer/ Junior Software Developer.