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Apprenticeship training course

Software development technician (level 3)

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Information about Software development technician (level 3)

Building simple applications for use in larger software developments.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours
View knowledge, skills and behaviours

Knowledge

  • Fundamentals of all stages of the software development life cycle including development, Quality Assurance, User Acceptance Testing and release
  • Roles and responsibilities within the software development life-cycle
  • Roles and responsibilities of the project life-cycle
  • Different communication methods, how to adapt appropriately to different audiences including collaborative technologies such as discussion threads and document collaboration
  • The key similarities and differences between different software development methodologies, such as agile and waterfall
  • Principles of effective teamwork to produce software
  • Fundamentals of software design approaches and patterns, including when 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 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sensitive data.
  • Fundamentals of computing systems including physical, virtual and cloud technologies
  • Fundamental principles of algorithms, logic and data structures. For example, how they work using a step-by-step solution to a problem, or rules to follow to solve the problem
  • Principles and uses of relational and non -relational (nosql) databases
  • Basic principles of software designs and functional/technical specifications
  • Key principles of software testing frameworks and methodologies
  • Principles of pattern recognition such as looking for similarities among and within problems
  • Fundamentals of breaking down a complex problem or system into smaller, more manageable parts
  • The importance of valuing difference and understanding the protected characteristicsnamed in the Equality Act 2010
  • Basic principles of emerging technology trends and innovations such as Internet of Things (IoT) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Augmented Reality (AR)
  • Awareness of legal and regulatory requirements and their practical application to the role for example, Data Protection, Security, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Data sharing, marketing consent, personal data definition.
  • Fundamental approaches to actions such as sequence, selection and iteration
  • Basic principles of software project planning including: Risks and dependencies * integration * prioritisation of tasks * escalation of problems * quality
  • Basic principles of processes and protocols used to ensure internet security, including concepts of security assurance
  • Key principles of testing for components (including software, hardware, data),interfaces and the resulting service
  • Basic principles of digital tools and their use in business: tools such as presentation tools * evaluation tools and techniques. such as project management tools
  • Role and importance of Industry Standards and where to find them (e.g., ISO standards, IETF RFCs).
  • Software development approaches for example object oriented, event driven or procedural

Skills

  • Write simple code for discrete software components following an appropriate logical approach to agreed standards (whether web, mobile or desktop applications) under supervision
  • Apply appropriate secure development principles to specific software components at all stages of development
  • Support development of effective user interfaces
  • Make simple connections between code and defined data sources as specified
  • Test simple code and analyse results to correct errors found using unit testing under supervision
  • Conduct a range of test types under supervision , such as Functional and Non -Functional.
  • Apply structured techniques to problem solving, including carry out simple debug of code
  • Follows organisational and industry good coding practices (including for naming, commenting etc.)
  • Solve logical problems, seeking assistance when required (including appropriate mathematical application)
  • Support the creation of simple software documentation and visuals to effectivelycommunicate understanding of the program
  • Define functional and non -functional requirements such as use cases, storyboards, user stories, performance and accessibility.
  • Work within operational requirements such as health and safety, budgets, brands and normal business protocols
  • Develop user interfaces as appropriate to the organisations development standards and the type of software development being developed
  • Build scripts in line with work instructions for deployment into the relevantenvironment
  • Follow simple software designs and functional/technical specifications in line with work
  • Follow simple testing frameworks and methodologies in line with work instructions
  • Follow company, team or client approaches to continuous integration, version and sourcecontrol as instructed
  • Support the communication of software solutions and ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Apply algorithms, logic and data structures in a supported context in line with workinstructions
  • Follow work instructions to contribute to building a given design whist remainingcompliant with security and maintainability requirements
  • Apply techniques to break down complex problems.
  • Demonstrate how Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) can be used to frame and measuredesired outcomes
  • Implement secure code in appropriate languages of different types which is maintainable, readable, functional.
  • Design simple software solutions to meet a requirement using tools and techniques, such as waterfall and agile
  • Work in a shared code base with appropriate etiquette and tools, such as modularity and data definition
  • Use simple debugging techniques, such as interactive debugging, print debugging, remotedebugging
  • Implement test plans under supervision to show that a test plan is implementable in practice and implementation conforms to the plan.
  • Develop and use simple acceptance criteria.
  • Apply and maintain procedures and security controls to ensure confidentiality, integrityand availability
  • Use collaboration tools and technologies for source and version control to enable workingtogether on common projects, regardless of physical location,
  • Follow instructions to ensure client data is held securely under supervision e.g., not using personally identifiable information in test systems, making sure personal actions comply with ICO regulations
  • Use collaboration tools and technologies for writing technical documentation for, and adapting to, specific audience(s). e.g., technical, non-technical, internal, external

Behaviours

  • Use critical thinking skills when undertaking work tasks
  • Committed to guided Continuous Professional Development
  • Work independently and take responsibility within tightly defined parameters
  • Maintain a productive, professional and secure working environment
  • Team player, for example working collaboratively, keeping others informed using effective communication, recognising personal and professional limitations and seeking advice whennecessary
Apprenticeship category (sector)
Digital
Qualification level
3
Equal to A level
Course duration
18 months
Funding
£15,000
Maximum government funding for
apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
Job titles include
  • Assistant programmer and automated test developer
  • Junior application developer
  • Junior application support analyst
  • Junior developer
  • Junior games developer
  • Junior mobile app developer
  • Junior programmer
  • Junior software developer
  • Junior web developer
  • Software development technician

View more information about Software development technician (level 3) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.