IT: Software Development

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.

Programming code

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, which is SCQF Level 6.

Your qualification includes:

Level 6

  • 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’ll 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.

What are Foundation Apprenticeships?

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