Software Developer Apprentice

At Trafford Council we are EPIC! We EMPOWER – We inspire and trust our people to deliver the best outcomes for our customers, communities and colleagues. We are PEOPLE CENTRED – We value all people, within and external to the organisation and give those around us respect. We will act with honesty and integrity in all that we do and create an environment that enables everyone we work with to thrive and succeed. We are INCLUSIVE – We are committed to creating an environment that values and respects the diversity and richness differences bring. We COLLABORATE – We build relationships, collaborate; treat people as equal partners and work together to make things happen.

Trafford is a lively, prosperous place to put down roots and build a career. The council and Trafford schools employ around 8,000 people, who are central to making the area great. In return for their commitment, the council offers its employees development opportunities, as well as a fair and flexible workplace. The council is a Living Wage Employer.

Responsibilities:

• Support the work of the Development team including ongoing maintenance of web-based applications, and bespoke system integrations along with implementation of automation processes and applications.
• Supporting the development of modern, web-based software applications and utilities to supplement and enhance off-the-shelf systems and reviews of business processes using lean methodologies to identify and deliver improvements through standardization, simplification, elimination, and automation.
• Assisting in project planning and execution throughout the entire software development life-cycle, using your technical knowledge to aid implementation.
• Supporting the maintenance and improvement of existing websites, web applications and IT.
• Contributing to the communication of software development solutions to a range of internal or external stakeholders to ensure clear understanding of requirements and how they have been met or adjusted.
• Supporting the delivery of one or more software deployment phases, such as trials and final release, to ensure that software developer outcomes are deployed correctly.
• Helping to identify and report any impediments to software development activities and propose practical solutions.
• Assisting with the breakdown of software development activities down into logical units of work to enable sequencing and ensure the best possible structuring of activities to deliver a high-quality product right first time.
• Contributing to the creation and updating of council developed software including design and coding (scripting) and debugging on development environments.
• Assisting in the testing, implementation and documentation of council software developed and the ongoing support and maintenance of software and databases & MS Power Platform.

Desirable skills:

• Experience or knowledge and understanding of coding programmes.
• Awareness of at least one development platform, e.g. Power Platform.
• Awareness of data security, e.g. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• Awareness of current trends and new technologies within the industry.

We’re looking for someone curious, motivated, and ready to learn. You’ll bring a logical approach to problem-solving, attention to detail, and an interest in software development. You should be comfortable using IT, have good communication skills, and be able to manage your workload and meet deadlines. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal with the ability to build good working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, including senior levels of the organisation. An ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively as part of a team. Ability to work flexibly in order to adapt to changing work priorities and service needs.

Entry requirements:

• The learner must have completed a Level 3 Software Development Apprenticeship with QA or have an equivalent qualification with another training provider OR an A-level in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) subject and a successful completion of our aptitude test OR a BTEC Diploma in IT and a successful completion of our aptitude test OR 2 years’ experience in a relevant role and successful completion of our aptitude test.
• You may also have a combination of qualifications and experience which demonstrate the minimum foundation needed for the programme. In this instance you could still be considered for the programme.
• If you hold international equivalents of the above qualifications, at the time of your application you must be able to provide an official document that states how your international qualifications compare to the UK qualifications.

Working hours: 36.25 hours per week.

Benefits:

You will be welcomed into a friendly environment where your personal and professional development will be encouraged. You will have the opportunity to work and grow in a people-centred and values-based organisation that promotes a positive permission culture. Your opinions matter so you will have the opportunity to shape how we do things here at Trafford. We also offer hybrid working.

Future prospects: 90% of QA apprentices secure permanent employment after completing: this is 20% higher than the national average.

About QA: Our apprenticeships are the perfect way to gain new skills, earn while you learn, and launch yourself into an exciting future. With over 30,000 successful apprenticeship graduates, we’re a top 50 training provider, dedicated to helping you succeed.

Interested? Apply now!