At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the design and development of innovative digital solutions.
- Company: Join Barnsley Council, an award-winning employer making a real difference.
- Benefits: Earn a competitive salary with flexible working and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive hiring practices; we welcome diverse applicants and support your growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your tech career while contributing to meaningful projects in your community.
- Qualifications: 4 GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, including Maths and English.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
All applicants welcome; we have no age restriction on our Apprenticeships.
Position reference: 50132113
Salary: NLW £10.85 - £12.71 per hour (dependant on age)
Working Arrangements: Flexible/Hybrid
Contract type: Fixed Term until 31/03/2028
This post requires a Basic Criminal Record Check. Prospective employees will be required to give a reasonable account of any significant periods (6 months or more in the past 3 years) of time living abroad. When applying, please ensure you are prepared to start work with all the necessary legal documents, such as a valid visa, relevant to the type of work you will be undertaking. Please be aware that our organisation does not possess a Home Office license and, as a result, is unable to provide sponsorship for anyone seeking a visa as a skilled or temporary migrant worker.
At Barnsley Council, you can start a career that makes a real difference to people’s lives, helping our council and residents to be the best they can be. We’re an award-winning council and one of the biggest employers in the borough, supporting around 243,000 people. We put people at the heart of everything we do, and that includes our employees. As part of the team, we offer lots of benefits and rewards to support you to thrive and grow, like flexible working, employee discounts, support for your health and wellbeing, and opportunities for training and development to grow your career and develop your skills.
There’s so much happening in our thriving borough, and now’s the perfect time to join our excellent Continual Service Improvement & Digital team as we work to make Barnsley the place of possibilities. We’re an award-winning team and one of the biggest employers in the borough supporting around 243,000 people. Working at Barnsley Council means being part of a team that makes a real difference to people’s lives, where you can develop the skills you need to make change happen. If you join the team, you’ll receive great pay alongside an excellent pension scheme. With flexible working, we’ll also support your work/life balance, helping you to adjust your hours and take time off when you need it. We’ll help you to develop your career and grow your skills with opportunities for training and development.
Key to our success is working with our residents, partners, businesses and organisations and building these partnerships to bring about change in Barnsley.
About the Post: Build Digital Solutions That Make a Difference
Are you interested in technology, software and creating innovative solutions? We're looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our Technology and Innovation Services as a Corporate Apprentice - Software Development and Testing. This is an exciting opportunity to learn from experienced developers while helping to build and enhance digital services used across the organisation. You will start by learning how digital solutions are designed, built, tested and improved, before gradually supporting low-code development, automation, testing and documentation activities.
What You Will Be Doing:
- Supporting the design, development and maintenance of digital solutions.
- Learning how to build applications using modern development platforms.
- Assisting with Power Platform, Dynamics and automation solutions.
- Writing, testing and troubleshooting software.
- Testing new systems and digital solutions before they go live.
- Recording and tracking bugs, issues and improvement opportunities.
- Supporting integrations between systems and applications.
- Participating in agile project activities and sprint reviews.
- Creating technical documentation and user guidance.
- Working closely with analysts, designers and stakeholders to deliver solutions.
Required Qualifications and Skills:
- Minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, including Maths and English Language.
- Commitment to undertake and successfully complete the relevant apprenticeship qualification.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to manage tasks effectively.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Confidence using computers and standard Microsoft Office applications.
- A positive attitude, curiosity and willingness to learn new skills.
Additional Skills and Attributes:
- A passion for technology and digital innovation.
- Logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Good attention to detail and a methodical approach.
- Ability to learn new technologies and technical concepts.
- An interest in coding, software development, automation or digital solutions.
What You Will Gain:
- A recognised apprenticeship qualification.
- Experience working with modern development tools and platforms.
- Exposure to Power Platform, Dynamics 365, automation and integration technologies.
- Training, mentoring and professional development opportunities.
- Experience working in agile delivery teams.
- A strong foundation for a career in software development and digital transformation.
Why Join Us? This is more than just an apprenticeship. It is an opportunity to learn, innovate and contribute to digital services that support local communities. You will work on meaningful projects, develop valuable skills and build a rewarding career in digital technology. You will be joining the Innovation Service at an exciting time as we develop a new operating model focused on designing better services, delivering practical digital solutions and making better use of technology, data and automation to improve outcomes for residents, colleagues and communities.
We welcome applications from school leavers, college students, career changers and individuals looking to start a rewarding career in digital services. We are committed to developing talent and will provide training, mentoring and support throughout the apprenticeship programme.
Please note: Candidates must be able to demonstrate the required GCSE qualifications (or equivalent) at the point of application. Please use the documents below to help support you with your application form. Please ensure you view the job profile for this role, as you will need to demonstrate in your application form how you meet the required criteria.
We welcome the opportunity to have a chat about the role and are happy to address any questions you may have about flexible working arrangements, including as a result of caring responsibilities. We're committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued and everyone truly feels able to be themselves. If you have any support needs during the recruitment process, please let us know. CVs will not be accepted. At Barnsley Council, we believe in second chances and value diversity. Our recruitment process is inclusive, and we welcome applicants with past convictions. We're committed to fairness and do not discriminate.
Corporate Apprentice - Software Development in Barnsley employer: Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Barnsley Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a strong commitment to professional development, the Advanced Practitioner role within the Practice Development Hub offers opportunities for mentoring, training, and collaboration with educational partners, ensuring that staff have the resources they need to excel. Located in Barnsley, the council promotes a culture of teamwork and innovation, making it an ideal place for motivated practitioners to make a meaningful impact in children's social care.
Contact Details:
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Apprentice - Software Development in Barnsley
✨Get Your Tech Game On
Diving into coding communities like GitHub or Stack Overflow is a must! Contribute to open-source projects or join local coding meetups in your area. This not only boosts your skills but also shows potential employers, like Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, that you’re genuinely passionate about software development.
✨Connect with Apprenticeship Networks
Look for apprenticeship-focused platforms or community groups where you can connect with current apprentices and mentors. These networks can often provide insider tips on upcoming openings and help you gain a better idea of what companies like Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council look for in a candidate.
✨Show Off Your Projects
Build a portfolio that showcases any projects or code you've worked on, even if they're just personal projects or coursework. Employers love to see hands-on experience, so having a well-organised GitHub repository to share when you apply can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Leverage University Resources
If you’re still studying, make sure to use your university’s career services. They often have partnerships with companies like Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and can help you find relevant apprenticeship opportunities or even connect you with alumni who’ve successfully landed similar roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Apprentice - Software Development in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Coding Skills:Don’t forget to highlight any coding projects or contributions you’ve made, whether they're personal, school-related, or open source. Including links to your GitHub or any code repositories can really showcase your hands-on experience and enthusiasm for software development.
Tailor Your CV for Tech:When preparing your CV, make sure you highlight relevant skills such as programming languages (like Python, Java, or JavaScript) and frameworks you’ve worked with. Also, be sure to include any academic accomplishments, courses, or certifications that relate to software engineering—these catch our eye!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:When applying for an apprenticeship, your motivation and eagerness to learn are super important. In your cover letter, share what excites you about software engineering and why you want to join Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. Don’t hesitate to mention what you hope to gain from this apprenticeship experience.
Link to Your Portfolio:If you’ve got a portfolio that showcases your projects—be it apps, websites, or any software you've developed—make sure to include it in your application. This gives us a clear idea of your abilities and creativity. Plus, feel free to list your availability and any specific areas you want to explore during your apprenticeship with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Show Off Your Coding Skills
During the interview for a software engineering apprenticeship at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, you'll likely face some technical questions or coding challenges. Brush up on your coding skills, and be prepared to explain your thought process as you solve problems. Practising with platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank could give you a leg up!
✨Demonstrate Your Curiosity
As an apprentice, they're looking for your potential and enthusiasm to learn. Be ready to discuss any projects you’ve worked on, whether they're school assignments or personal side projects. Show how you tackled challenges and what you learned from them; it’ll highlight your eagerness to grow in this field.
✨Understand the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with tools commonly used in software development, such as version control systems like Git, frameworks relevant to the role, or project management tools. Knowing your way around these tools will show that you’re not just a coding whiz but also ready to jump into real-world projects at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.
✨Prepare for Soft Skills Questions
While technical skills are vital, soft skills matter too, especially in a collaboration-heavy environment like software engineering. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked in teams, resolved conflicts, or adapted to feedback. They want to know you can fit into the Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council culture and work well with others!
