App Developer Apprenticeship

App Developer Apprenticeship

You will manage and construct business-related systems as an apprentice app developer and translate software requirements into workable programming code.

You’ll usually work in a specialised development field, such as mobile phone applications, accounting software, office suites, or graphics software, and you’ll be proficient in at least one computer language.

The profession of an app developer differs from that of a systems developer in that systems software allows a computer to function. Users engage with software that is supported by system software.

Responsibilities

Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:

  • develop new apps or create ‘mobile-friendly’ versions of websites
  • work with other developers, designers and copywriters
  • design prototypes to suit client needs
  • write or amend computer code
  • test software, find faults and fix problems
  • write accurate notes about the development process
  • keep up to date with new technology trends and tools.

Salary

  • Apprentice salaries for app developers start at around £25,000.
  • Once established, you can expect to earn £34,000 to £40,000.
  • As a senior applications developer, your salary will be in the region of £45,000 to £70,000.

Working hours

Working hours are typically 9am to 5pm, 37 to 40 hours a week, but working long hours, evenings and weekends to meet project deadlines is common practice.

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client’s business.

Qualifications

Qualifications you can achieve as an app developer include:

  • Level 4 Software DeveloperEntry requirements for this level include 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship. This qualification takes 24 months to complete.

Skills

On an app developer, you’ll learn:

  • maths knowledge for understanding programming
  • the ability to write computer programs
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • knowledge of systems analysis and development
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • persistence and determination
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications.

Employers

Opportunities exist for apprentices in all employment sectors, including:

  • financial services
  • health
  • retail
  • travel and tourism.

Many financial institutions, management consulting firms, and large retailers provide graduate IT training.

IT corporations have large IT teams to manage their systems and assist other organisations with IT systems. Employers might be major international enterprises, medium-sized businesses, or small software consultancies with a few employees.

Job opportunities exist in various business sectors, including banking, public, and education. You’ll often work with other IT professionals, such as software developers, testers, and systems analysts, to construct programmes that meet their needs.

Professional development

Because the IT industry is constantly changing, you must maintain your knowledge. One way to do this is to take courses supplied by your employer.

Most businesses offer ongoing training, either in-house or via external courses. Still, if you’re self-employed or work for a small business, consider the cost and time implications of managing your training.

Employers often seek vendor certification while recruiting since it validates a candidate’s competency in certain areas. For example, individuals who have shown the essential abilities and knowledge to function with specific languages, programmes, and operating systems are certified by product makers and software businesses.

BCS also provides other professional qualifications (The Chartered Institute for IT). The college also provides career planning and skill development information and counselling.

More information on relevant certifications and skill identification may be available from the Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP) and the SFIA Foundation.

Career prospects

As an apprentice, it is common, to begin with programming work, which is one of the best places to start in an IT career since it enables you to get skills in systems analysis or systems design.

You may be promoted to senior applications developer in large organisations and given supervisory responsibilities. With further business experience, you may work in systems analysis or as an applica manager.

You will advance your career by focusing on management or contracts. You may also become proficient in a specific application, such as databases, or learn a particular language, such as Java or C++. Although this is a fairly limited career route, it is excellent if you want to become one of a small number of professionals in a specific field.

It is possible to go into project management, swap your detailed perspective for an overview, and take on responsibility for supervising programming teams and overall project design and specification.

Working as a contractor and being self-employed is another option. As a system developer, you would discuss user requirements, analyse them, and then create and implement the programmes.

Updated on November 14, 2022

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