What's IT: Software Development like?
Gaming, virtual reality, cyber security – the digital world is changing fast. You could help decide where it goes next.
It's a great time to work in the industry. With this Foundation Apprenticeship, you’ll be ready for roles that are in demand now and in the future. They could include:
- software developer
- web developer
- database administrator
- network manager
As a software or web developer, you could create programs, robotic systems, apps and websites. As a database administrator or network manager you could design and build computer systems.
What's the qualification?
You’ll gain a Foundation Apprenticeship in IT: Software Development. That's the same level of learning as an SQA Higher, at SCQF Level 6.
This includes:
- a National Progression Award (NPA) in Software Development at SCQF Level 6
- core units of a Diploma for IT & Telecommunications Professionals at SCQF Level 6
- a work placement
What will I learn?
For your National Progression Award, your topics will be:
- Computing Applications: Development
- Computing: Authoring a Website
- Software Design and Development
In S6, you’ll work in a hands-on way as part of your work placement, towards achieving the 5 units of your Diploma. You'd do:
- Data Modelling
- Investigating and Defining Customer Requirements for IT and Telecoms Systems
- Health and Safety in IT and Telecom
- Personal Effectiveness
And one of the following:
- Event Driven Computer Programming
- Procedural Programming
- Object Oriented Computer Programming
Your Foundation Apprenticeship will also help you to develop meta-skills. Employers value these skills, which include:
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Working with others
- Time management
You'll need these transferable skills for working in a range of other related jobs.
Where could it take me?
Your Foundation Apprenticeship gives you lots of options, including:
- Modern Apprenticeship: When you complete your Foundation Apprenticeship, you’ll have achieved core units of the Modern Apprenticeship in IT and Telecoms. That gives you a great head start.
- Graduate Apprenticeship: You'll have the skills and experience for a Graduate Apprenticeship in IT: Software Development.
- further education: Continue your studies at college, with an HNC or HND in an ICT and digital subject. Your workplace experience will support your college application.
- university: All Scottish universities recognise Foundation Apprenticeships as equal to SQA Highers. You’ll already have experience in the industry – this will make your UCAS stand out from the crowd. This apprenticeship also provides you with 42 UCAS tariff points. Find out more about points on the UCAS website.
- straight to a job: Use your qualification and work experience to find a job in the ICT and digital technologies industry.
How will it work?
You'll do the Foundation Apprenticeship alongside your other school subjects. You'll work on projects with an employer and a learning provider, such as a college. It'll give you an industry-recognised qualification that's great for your CV.
Read our brilliant info on the IT: Software Development Foundation Apprenticeship to see how it all works!
How can I apply?
If you're staying on at school, you can apply for a Foundation Apprenticeship.
Use the search tool to find out if this subject is available at your school. Then fill out the form that comes next, to let us know you're interested. We'll get back to you with more information.