Software Development Consultant Apprentice

Employer description:

Our diverse teams of experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough use of technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results.
An innovation and transformation consultancy, we are over 4000 specialists in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport. Our people are strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers and technologists.

We operate globally from offices across the UK, US, Netherlands and Nordics.

PA. Bringing Ingenuity to Life.

Our People Make a Difference.

Job description:

Position: Software Development Consultant Apprentice
Company: PA Consulting
Location: London, UK

Overview:

PA are delighted to announce recruitment of our first cohort of Digital Apprentices. We offer unique opportunities for you to develop your skills and gain hands on software development experience on some of the most the complex digital initiatives where you’ll be using contemporary coding platforms and modern tooling. First, a little bit about us and what we believe in.

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future.

As strategies, technologies and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity.

Digital has changed businesses forever. Organisations that have embraced digital are leading their industry and influencing others – and those that haven’t are falling behind. Joining us as a Apprentice, you will work on an assortment of exciting projects providing innovative software solutions to our clients' most critical business issues.

During your time spent on the Apprenticeship at PA, you’ll learn some of what it takes to be a top-notch software developer and consultant. You’ll be coached and guided by experts and have countless opportunities to broaden your experience on challenging projects and programmes. Whatever you work on, you’ll be part of the team and free to build your networks, both here at PA and far beyond.

You will be enrolled on the L6 Digital Technology Solutions apprenticeship delivered by QA training. On successful completion of the 3-year apprenticeship you will gain a L6 Bachelors Degree in Digital & Technology Solutions Professional

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with a team of experienced software developers and consultants to understand client requirements and develop custom software solutions
• Learn and implement new technologies and software development best practices
• Participate in code reviews and ensure the quality of the code
• Participate in meetings with clients to understand their requirements and provide solutions
• Write documentation and conduct training sessions to clients
• Continuously improve your skills and knowledge in software development

What we are looking for:
Skills, qualities and experience:

• Ideally you may have some programming skills – preferred languages are Java, C#, JavaScript
• Good grasp of relational or non-relational databases
• Adaptable and able to flex their style and thinking
• Collaborative and work at their best in dynamic teams
• Curious and want to broaden their understanding of the world
• Credible and comfortable working with clients in high performance environments
• Driven to succeed — and help others achieve the same
• Open to change and have a growth mindset
• Relationship builders — with both clients and peers
• Hungry for new challenges
• Have an enquiring mind, with the capability for innovative and analytical thinking

Entry Requirements:
A Level 3 qualification in a relevant area in any grade. Acceptable qualifications include:

• 2 or more A levels in STEM subjects (Maths, ICT and Computer Science)
• Level 3 apprenticeship in a similar subject
• International Baccalaureate at Level 3 in a similar subject
• BTEC Extended Diploma in ICT
• A Work experience route (2-3 years) in a similar subject-related role

Note: “Similar subject” relates to areas directly relevant to or commensurate with “Digital and Technology Solutions”

As to what constitutes a “similar subject” this would therefore typically be areas such as but not limited to Level 3 digital apprenticeships, A-Level/BTEC Computer Science, Information Technology, Networking, Software Engineering, etc.

Note: Learners must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship in a similar subject.

Benefits:
Our Offer:

• The support and coaching to grow your software development skills and experience on real client work, tackling real world technical and business challenges
• The opportunity to work across all areas of the development lifecycle, from strategy to implementation, and to take on assignments in different sectors
• You will work closely with test and DevOps specialists as well as service managers on automated software releases to production
• We will provide you with a broad base of experience from which to build an outstanding digital career
• The opportunity to develop software and provide high-level technical designs in collaboration with business analysts and software architects.
• Flexible healthcare plans
• Competitive leave allowances
• A wide range of internal and external training programmes
• 3 days’ volunteering for a charity of your choice through our ‘Give as You Earn’ scheme
• We work flexibly at PA, in the office, with client and remotely, and your work base will be our London Farringdon office.
• Full time role with time allowed – 20% - to participate in your apprentice programme

This role will start in late March 2023. Exact dates will be confirmed at offer stage.

Additional information:
Inclusion & Diversity:

We believe that diversity makes us a stronger firm and look to employ people with different ideas, styles and skill sets. This diversity stimulates a rich, creative environment – one in which our people develop, and our clients enjoy enduring results. We’re committed to recruiting, promoting and rewarding our people solely based on their ability to contribute to PA’s goals, without regard to their sex, race, disability, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age or marital status.

Future prospects:

92% of QA Apprentices secure permanent employment after finishing their apprenticeship. Additionally, there may be opportunities to undertake further apprenticeship training as many of our programs offer on-going development tracks.

Important Information:

QA’s apprenticeships are funded by the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), an executive agency of the Department for Education.

To be eligible for a Government funded apprenticeship you must have lived in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA) for the last 3 consecutive years.