Software development technician
Reference Number: ST0128
Details of standard
Role profile
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
Software Development Technician, 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.
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 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 business’s, their 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 software at the development stage
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 productive, professional and secure working environment
Qualifications
Apprentices must achieve each of the Ofqual-regulated Knowledge Modules, as summarised below. Further details are available in the occupational brief available from the https://www.nsar.co.uk/digital-eqa/digital-apprenticeship-standards/
Knowledge Module 1: Software Development Context and Methodologies (for level 3 Software Development Technician)
Knowledge Module 2: Programming (for level 3 Software Development Technician)
English and Maths
Level 2 English and Maths will need to be achieved, if not already, prior to taking the end point assessment.
Professional recognition
This apprenticeship is recognised for entry onto the Register of IT Technicians upon confirming an appropriate SFIA level 3
professional competence and those completing the apprenticeship would then be eligible to apply for registration.
Duration
The duration of this apprenticeship is typically 18 months.
Level
This is a level 3 Apprenticeship.
Review date
This standard will be reviewed in two years.
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