Software Developer Apprenticeship

Summary

We’re looking for an exceptional Software Developer Apprentice who shares our amazing values to help us make a difference to our planet by using cutting edge technologies to provide world-leading meteorological information to our customers around the world.

Wage

£22,911 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

As our Software Developer Apprentice, your starting salary will be £22,911, and you will have the opportunity to progress to £24,259 over time.

Training course

Software developer (level 4)

Hours

The job may be suitable for hybrid working. All details will be confirmed upon interview.

37 hours a week

Possible start date

Tuesday 2 September

Duration

1 year 8 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you’ll do at work

This role is part of the Data Services Tribe in the National Capability Technology function. As defined in the Research & Innovation strategy, the weather and climate 'National Capability' encompasses the science and technology required to deliver the data which underpins weather and climate services. The National Capability Technology function consists of the services provided by Technology which underpin the National Capability.

The Data Services tribe implement and support the services that allow the discovery, querying, subsetting and processing of environmental data via a set of internal interfaces. These interfaces are essential for providing data to Met Office products and services such as the app and the website.

You will have the opportunity to work with a team covering Software Development, allowing you to develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours in this occupation whilst contributing to Met Office aims.

In this role you will:

Spend a substantial portion of time shadowing others
Work with other developers to write code and tests
Build your knowledge
Follow a test-driven approach
Write code that is automatically tested

Where you’ll work

Fitzroy Road
Exeter
Devon
UK
EX1 3PB

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

QA LIMITED

Your training course

Software developer (level 4)

Equal to higher national certificate (HNC)

Course contents

create logical and maintainable code
develop effective user interfaces
link code to data sets
test code and analyse results to correct errors found using unit testing
conduct a range of test types, such as Integration, System, User Acceptance, Non-Functional, Performance and Security testing.
identify and create test scenarios
apply structured techniques to problem solving, debug code and understand the structure of programmes in order to identify and resolve issues
create simple software designs to effectively communicate understanding of the program
create analysis artefacts, such as use cases and/or user stories
build, manage and deploy code into the relevant environment
apply an appropriate software development approach according to the relevant paradigm (for example object oriented, event driven or procedural)
follow software designs and functional or technical specifications
follow testing frameworks and methodologies
follow company, team or client approaches to continuous integration, version and source control
communicate software solutions and ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders
apply algorithms, logic and data structures
interpret and implement a given design whist remaining compliant with security and maintainability requirements
create logical and maintainable code
develop effective user interfaces
link code to data sets
test code and analyse results to correct errors found using unit testing
conduct a range of test types, such as Integration, System, User Acceptance, Non-Functional, Performance and Security testing.
identify and create test scenarios
apply structured techniques to problem solving, debug code and understand the structure of programmes in order to identify and resolve issues
create simple software designs to effectively communicate understanding of the program
create analysis artefacts, such as use cases and/or user stories
build, manage and deploy code into the relevant environment
apply an appropriate software development approach according to the relevant paradigm (for example object oriented, event driven or procedural)
follow software designs and functional or technical specifications
follow testing frameworks and methodologies
follow company, team or client approaches to continuous integration, version and source control
communicate software solutions and ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders
apply algorithms, logic and data structures
interpret and implement a given design whist remaining compliant with security and maintainability requirements

Your training plan

This apprenticeship can offer you the support, training and industry recognised qualifications to get you on the path to a career in Software Development.

We would look for you to join us in September 2025 with your apprenticeship training beginning shortly afterwards. You would have 1 day per week dedicated to your 20% off the job training. The training will mostly be delivered online/face-to-face as well as self-study with the training provider, QA. Before applying, we recommend you consider if the delivery method suits your learner needs along with whether you feel you are committed to your own development and training as this element forms a significant aspect of a modern apprenticeship.

You will be managed by a line manager and have a mentor to offer further support. In addition to the formal training with a registered training provider, you will also have in house and on the job training.

All details will be confirmed upon interview.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

A Level in:

any related subject (grade Level 3)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Team working
Non judgemental
Experience with Python + Java

Other requirements

If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please contact us via careers@metoffice.gov.uk . You can request adjustments either within your application or by contacting us. We can only accept applications from those eligible to live and work in the UK - please refer to GOV.UK for information.

About this company

From science to technology, from meteorology to management, and from planning to communication, our expertise helps us stand out as the authority on weather accuracy and climate prediction. We help individuals, industries and government to make better decisions to stay safe and thrive. This is the Met Office. This is who we are. • We’re a force for good - focusing on our environmental and social impact • We’re experts by nature - always learning and developing to do things better • We live and breathe it - putting our purpose at the heart of decision-making • We’re better together - understanding partnerships and inclusivity make us greater • We keep evolving - pushing boundaries to make tomorrow better for our customers

https://careers.metoffice.gov.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Your total reward package is potentially worth up to £32,768 annually, which includes basic salary, potential corporate bonus and employer pension contributions.

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

There is potential for it to develop into a permanent position on successful completion of your apprenticeship.

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