The software development sector is facing a recruitment crisis. Demand for developers is increasing yet a lack of candidate availability is leading to high salaries and lengthy recruitment processes.
According to research from Tech Nation, last year there were 150,000 software developer jobs advertised across the UK but only 15,000 searches for ‘software developer jobs’ – highlighting that the current demand for developers outweighs the number of candidate searches by 10 times.
An effective way to tackle this skills shortage is by growing your own developer from the ground up, investing in them as part of a long-term strategy to futureproof your software team.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT APPRENTICESHIPS
A Software Development apprenticeship combines apprenticeship training with practical work-based learning, this route offers a wireframe for building future software talent.
Our Level 3 Junior Software Developer apprenticeship teaches people how to design software, create code, test components and fit seamlessly into your development team. At this level, we take broad, full-stack approach, covering the fundamentals of software design, development and deployment, nurturing future talent to develop the knowledge and flexibility to grow into key software roles.
Below, we will guide you through the top 5 benefits hiring a software development apprentice can have on your team:
1. FUTUREPROOF YOUR SOFTWARE TEAM
The demand for coding skills continues to increase and the amount of developer vacancies advertised is higher than ever. In order to protect yourself from these skills shortages, organisations must act smart and invest in fresh software talent as part of a long-term strategy. With 86% of UK employers stating that apprenticeships helped them develop the skills relevant to their organisation, software apprenticeships can help you develop a pipeline of coding talent.
2. FREE UP YOUR SENIOR DEVELOPERS’ TIME FOR LARGER PROJECTS
Like most new starters, an apprentice will need support and guidance to begin with – but once they have built their confidence, they can help increase the productivity of your software team! A Software Apprentice will work with your wider development team to build simple software components, implement code, and assist with software testing, relieving the pressure on your Senior Developers and allowing them more time to focus on more complex projects that need specialist attention.
3. DEVELOP SKILLS IN YOUR SOFTWARE TEAM
Software teams are diverse, from the programming languages they use to the types of software they design – so we understand there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to development.
Our Level 3 Software Development apprenticeship can be tailored to fit your organisation’s requirements. Alongside our technical training and personal development curriculum, our programme also encourages learners to stretch and challenge themselves, building targeted skills through independent study.
4. PROMOTE A CULTURE OF CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
An apprenticeship is a comprehensive, structured training plan for someone new to the industry. A Level 3 Software Development apprenticeship is a minimum 12–15-month commitment and covers not only the technical requirements needed to succeed in the workplace, but also the soft skills that are equally important such as time management, working towards deadlines, and how to communicate with employees, stakeholders, and clients.
Upon completion of a Level 3 programme, learners have the choice to progress onto a Level 4 Software Developer apprenticeship to develop their skills further. This course can help increase an apprentice’s responsibilities as it provides them with the knowledge they need to create and manage software solutions.
This Level 4 programme is not only a progression route for current apprentices but can also be used for Junior Developers in your team who are interested in professional development.
5. invest in a future leader of your business
Everyone has to start somewhere. With the right support, guidance, and investment, an apprentice can grow to become a senior member of your team. We’ve witnessed IT support apprentices advance to become helpdesk managers, software apprentices become team leaders, and one of our own directors, Brooke Urwin, started her career as a marketing apprentice at Baltic!
Related Blog: From Apprentice to Director: Brooke’s Career Reaches New Heights with Baltic
GROW YOUR OWN SOFTWARE SUPERSTAR WITH AN APPRENTICESHIP:
To learn more about employing an apprentice, or to discuss how a software apprentice could benefit your development team, get in touch with our friendly team. Alternatively, check out our software development apprenticeships below: