SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN

A Software Development Technician typically works as part of a software development team, to builds simple software components (whether web, mobile, or desktop applications) to be used by other members of the team 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:
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 with a focus on IT skills.
Qualifications:
Apprentices will achieve each of the Ofqual-regulated Knowledge Modules such as City & Guilds or BCS, as summarised below. Further details are available in the occupational brief available from the Tech Partnership at thetechpartnership.com/apprenticeship/softwaredeveloper.
Knowledge Modules:
Module 1: Software Development Context and Methodologies (for level 3 Software Development Technician)
Module 2: Programming (for level 3 Software Development Technician)
Underpinning Skills, Attitudes, and Behaviours:
• Logical and creative thinking skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and to take responsibility
• Can use own initiative
• A thorough and organised approach
• Ability to work with a range of internal and external people
• Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of situations
• Maintains a productive, professional, and secure working environment
Technical Competencies:
Logic: writes simple code for discrete software components following an appropriate logical approach to agreed standards (whether for web, mobile, or desktop applications)
Security: applies appropriate secure development principles to specific software components at all stages of development
Development support: applies industry-standard approaches for configuration management and version control to manage code during build and release
Data: makes simple connections between code and defined data sources as specified Test: functionally tests that the deliverables for that component have been met or not
Analysis: follows basic analysis models such as use cases and process maps
Development lifecycle: supports the Software Developers at the build and test stages of the software development lifecycle
Quality: follows organisational and industry good coding practices (including those for naming, commenting, etc.)
Problem-solving:
• Solves logical problems, seeking assistance when required (including appropriate mathematical application)
• Responds to the business environment and business issues related to software development
• Communication: clearly articulates the role and function of software components to a variety of stakeholders (including end-users, supervisors, etc.)
• Operates appropriately in their own businesses, its customers’ and the industry’s environments
• User Interface: develops user interfaces as appropriate to the organisations development standards and the type of component being developed
Technical Knowledge and Understanding:
• Understands the business context and market environment for software development
• Understands the structure of software applications
• Understands all stages of the software development lifecycle
• Understands the role of configuration management and version control systems and how to apply them
• Understands how to test their code (e.g. unit testing)
• Recognises that there are different methodologies that can be used for software development
• Understands the particular context for the development platform (whether web, mobile, or desktop applications)
• Understands their role within their software development team
• Understands how to implement code following a logical approach
• Understands how their code integrates into the wider project
• Understands how to follow a set of functional and non-functional requirements
• Understands the end-user context for the software development activity
• Understands how to connect their code to specified data sources
• Understands database normalisation
• Understands why there is a need to follow good coding practices
• Understands the principles of good interface design
• Understands the importance of building in security to the software at the development stage