Software and Web DevelopmentAdvanced to Higher Apprenticeship

F R O M G C S E - L E V E L T O S K I L L E D D E V E L O P E R

Apprenticeships

ContentsProgramme Overview ..............................

Classroom Units Part 1 ................................

Workplace Units Part 1 ................................

Vendor Qualifications Part 1 ...................

Classroom Units Part 2 ..............................

Workplace Units Part 2 ..............................

Programme Add-ons .................................

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Our Software and Web Development Advanced to Higher apprenticeship programme combines high-quality classroom training with on-the-job experience to develop your apprentice’s real world skills. The programme gives them the qualifications, skills and technical grounding in the most popular technologies and programming languages, relevant to the wide range of activities where software and web development play a role.

This is the ‘pre-degree’ programme on our degree track – progression routes are available at the end of the Advanced to Higher apprenticeship, allowing apprentices to study to degree level.

Roles this programme is suitable for:

• Software Developer • Web Developer • Programmers

Programme duration:

• Part 1 - Level 3 apprenticeship: 12-15 months • Part 2 - Level 4 apprenticeship: 18-21 months (with the opportunity to step off after part 1)

Approximately 10% of training takes place at a QA study centre, with the remaining 90% being completed on-site.

in workplace in classroom

PROGRAMMEOVERVIEW

First Year ofDegree

HigherApprenticeship

AdvancedApprenticeshipTraineeship

Second Year ofDegree

Final Year ofDegree

MSc

Our Advanced to Higherprogramme

Programme progression

Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7Level 3Level 2

Our Degree programme

Our programme is part of a progression path from GCSE to degree

Competency units are delivered in the workplace, providing a direct link between the-ory and practice. A qualified QA assessor visits apprentices on site to verify that they are progressing with their studies, and that they are gaining confidence and experience using their knowledge in the world of work. They also support apprentices throughout the programme providing them with a single point of contact for any questions or help they need - including help developing their portfolio, adjusting to the world of work, and expert pastoral care including advice, guidance and safeguarding.

What return on investment can I expect from the programme?

The sheer depth and breadth of high-quality training units included in our programme ensures that QA apprentices provide a great return on investment. With a QA apprentice you have the opportunity to grow your own talent — taking bright, enthusiastic young people from your local area and training them in the specific skills your business needs — whilst they become loyal, valuable employees.

Designed to meet the needs of employers and school leavers, the Software and Web Development Higher programme fully prepares apprentices for a career in IT. On completion they will be a skilled developer ready to take on higher-level responsibility, and will have the opportunity to progress onto our Degree apprenticeship.

What apprenticeship and vendor qualifications are included?

• City and Guilds Level 3 Certificate in ICT Systems and Principles (equivalent to A-level educational level) • City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (equivalent to A-level educational level) • City and Guilds Level 4 Diploma for ICT Professionals — Systems and Principles (equivalent to first year of degree study) • City and Guilds Level 4 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence (equivalent to first year of degree study) • MTA Software Development Fundamentals (exam optional)

What will the programme cover?

To ensure your apprentice develops relevant skills for the modern IT workplace, the Software and Web Development Advanced to Higher programme from QA Apprenticeships teaches them to master the technologies you use. We develop our programmes based on the needs of the IT industry and training units can be tailored to suit your needs — so your apprentices have the specific skills required by your business. Java and C# tracks With our Higher programme, you’ll choose whether your apprentice specialises in Java or C#, depending on the needs of your business.

Programme units cover a number of fundamental programming languages and systems including:

• C# • The .NET framework • SQL • Java • Javascript

How is the programme structured?

The programme is made up of two components, ensuring apprentices have a rounded, in-depth understanding of fundamental principles, techniques and technologies.

Knowledge units introduce apprentices to IT theory, in a local QA learning centre. Each instructor-led unit is completed at a time convenient to your business, maximising the time apprentices spend developing practical skills at work.

“QA designs and delivers a model of excellence in apprenticeship training that has brought significant

benefits to the United Kingdom economy”

Latest QA Ofsted Findings

Introducing the Individual Learning Plan

Your business has a vested interest in tracking your apprentice’s progress. QA Apprenticeships will support you in maintaining an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) tailored to the specific needs and career goals of your apprentice.

The ILP is a handy way for you to collate and track information on your apprentice’s progress. It includes details of all their training – both completed and yet to complete – and will help you plan your apprentice’s workload to provide the necessary opportunities to complete practical tasks in line with training goals.

In addition to the ILP, your apprentice will also have an e-portfolio, where they can collect evidence of the skills and experience they have acquired as they complete each unit. They’ll work with an assessor from QA Apprenticeships to build their portfolio as the programme progresses.

Proposed timeline

The timeline is simply a guide to show how the programme could be arranged — units can be scheduled whenever best suits the needs of the business and the apprentice.

QA aims for apprentices to complete most of their training for the Level 3 portion of the programme within the first 6 months, to help them start contributing to the business straight away.

in workplace in classroom

Initial assessment

All our apprentices are assessed by a qualified QA assessor prior to starting on programme, to decide which level of study is appropriate. They may need a stronger base of foundation knowledge and skills, so would start at Level 3; or they may be more than capable of Level 3 study and would benefit from progressing straight to Level 4. The assessment ensures the right apprentices are on the right programmes – and in turn helps to ensure successful completions.

Month 1 2 3

Workplace induction Induction | C#/Java Fundamentals(3 weeks) Workplace units

Object Orientation in Java/C#(2 weeks)

Workplace units

Month 4 5 6

Workplace units

Intro to SQL | Data Modelling - C# | Web Development - Java | Using C# to Access

Databases(2 weeks)

Workplace units

Data modelling - Java | Web development

- C# | PHP and MySQL | Event driven programming - Java

(2 weeks)

Month 7 8 9

Workplace units

Month 10 11 12

Workplace unitsEND OF PART 1

Level 3 apprenticeship

Month 13 14 15

Workplace unitsInduction | System

Development(2 weeks)

Workplace units

Month 16 17 18

Project Management(1 week) Workplace units

Database Design Concepts(1 week)

Workplace units

Month 19 20 21

Workplace units

Web Development Using JSP |

Event-Driven Programming Using

WPF (1 week)

Workplace units

Month 22 23 24

Workplace unitsTest Driven

Development(1 week)

Workplace units

Month 25 26 27

Workplace units

Month 28 29 30

Workplace unitsEND OF PART 2

Level 4 apprenticeship

*Exact timings vary from apprentice to apprentice but most complete the first part of the programme in 12 to 15 months

92% of QA apprentice

graduates go on to full-time jobs

PART 1LEVEL 3 APPRENTICESHIP

(EQUIVALENT TO A-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL LEVEL)

The first part of the Software and Web Development Advanced to Higher programme introduces the fundamental development skills your apprentice needs. Over approximately 6 months, apprentices will complete the following classroom units.

Some cover the same material regardless of whether the apprentice is on the C# or Java track, but others will vary, as shown below.

UNITS FOR BOTH THE C# AND JAVA TRACKS

Develop software using SQL

An assignment-based unit that teaches the apprentice how to use the SQL language:

• Using comments to query and display data from single or multiple tables. • Creating and manipulating data in tables to display information to users. • Controlling user access to limit who can see or manipulate data.

Creating an object-oriented computer program using Java/C# An assignment-based unit that introduces the concept of object-oriented programming:

• Understanding exception objects and exception-handling syntax. • Learning about polymorphism and inheritance. • Introducing abstract classes and interfaces.

Introduction to data modelling

A unit offering a full introduction to the theory of data modelling:

• Describing entities, the attributes that can be assigned to them and the relationships that can exist between them. • Introducing the concept of normalised and un-normalised data. • Using standard notation to represent data sets as a logical data model.

UNITS FOR C# TRACK ONLY

C# fundamentals

A unit providing apprentices with a working knowledge of the C# language:

• Exploring the different features of C# and the applications of each. • Understanding the syntax and various operators within C#. • Introducing the Visual Studio 2015 as the tool of choice for editing source code.

Using C# to access databases

A unit that helps apprentices understand how C# is used to access databases:

• Understanding the role of ADO.NET in accessing databases. • Defining how LINQ and SQL enable developers to query databases. • Practising using Visual Studio 2015 to create and edit source code.

Web development using ASP.NET MVC An assignment-based unit introducing the apprentice to web development concepts with a focus on C# and the .NET framework:

• Understanding how the web works and how to develop web applications using ASP.NET MVC. • Describing the different elements of the MVC pattern and how these combine to create web applications. • Building secure web applications.

CLASSROOM UNITS

UNITS FOR JAVA TRACK ONLY:

Java fundamentals

A unit providing apprentices with a working knowledge of the Java programming language:

• Exploring the different features of Java and their applications, including methods, and classes. • Understanding the syntax and various operators within Java. • Practising writing and testing simple Java programs.

Web Development using HTML, CSS and Javascript

An assignment-based unit introducing the apprentice to web development concepts with a focus on HTML, CSS and Javascript:

• Understanding how the web works and the roles of Javascript, cascading style sheets (CSS) and HTML. • Creating a basic website using these three technologies. • Discovering more advanced markup languages, including XHTML and HTML5.

Getting started with PHP and MySQL A unit extending the knowledge gained in the web development unit and introducing new technologies:

• Learning about the role of PHP in web development, and its basic syntax. • Creating a database and running queries in MySQL. • Combining these two technologies with an understanding of web security to create a basic PHP website.

Introduction to event-driven programming A unit providing the apprentices with a basic knowledge of event-driven programming and its applications in IT:

• Understanding the theory behind event-driven programming and key elements of an event-driven program, including windows, objects and event handlers. • Discovering and using Java technologies including Java foundation classes (JFC), Swing, Java 2D and abstract window toolkit (AWT). • Using these technologies and learning to create an interactive ‘front end’ for an application.

MANDATORY UNITS

The two units below are mandatory units to be completed in the workplace during part 1 of the Software and Web Development Advanced to Higher programme on both the C# and Java tracks:

Health and Safety in ICT

A workplace-based introduction to safe working practices, covering:

• Identifying the Health and Safety procedures that apply to various tasks. • Finding additional help and advice for improving Health and Safety standards at work. • Demonstrating compliance with Health and Safety procedures.

Develop own effectiveness and professionalism

A portfolio-based unit helping apprentices gain the skills and confidence required to be a valued member of your IT team:

• Planning and developing personal and professional skills for working in a team. • Understanding the legal guidelines that IT professionals are bound by, and how they are applied to keep customers, colleagues and employers compliant. • How your business is structured, and how that affects organisational effectiveness.

SUGGESTED UNITS

This is a suggested list of units that can be completed in the workplace during part 1 of the programme, although other units are available. Contact your QA Apprenticeships account manager to discuss the available options and which best suit the needs of the business and your apprentice.

Introduction to IT systems development

A portfolio-based unit addressing the theory behind, and role of, IT systems development in business:

• Understanding how IT systems are structured, and the personnel involved in their running and development. • Describing the different IT systems development lifecycle (SDLC) models. • Learning the concepts and processes behind different SDLC models, and articulating the benefits and disadvantages of each.

Investigating and defining customer requirements for IT systems

A portfolio-based unit helping apprentices to work with customers to analyse existing IT systems:

• Using different investigative methods to gather information on a customer’s existing systems and processes, and record the results confidentially. • Analysing that information to correctly identify customer needs, while identifying defective information to eliminate errors. • Understanding customer needs and constraints, and how these can impact on the design of an ICT system.

Technical advice and guidance

A portfolio-based unit helping apprentices to better assist your non-IT staff with technical issues:

• Understanding when to provide advice and guidance to customers. • Providing reactive guidance to customers according to corporate guidelines so they get the answers they need. • Giving customers proactive advice allowing them to avoid future problems and issues.

Testing ICT systems

A portfolio-based unit equipping the apprentice to implement and carry out system tests:

• Choosing the best tests for the system at hand, and preparing to run these tests in line with business agreements and requirements. • Carrying out testing and supporting others as they carry out tests. • Analysing test results to gather information on faults across single systems, or multiple systems to observe and analyse trends.

WORKPLACE UNITS

Data modelling

A portfolio-based unit building on what the apprentice has learned in the classroom units on data modelling:

• Recapping data modelling concepts covered in the classroom. • Applying data modelling techniques to create logical data models. • Refining those data models with access sequences, rules, and triggers.

Creating an object-oriented computer program using Java/C#

A portfolio-based unit building on what the apprentice has learned in the classroom unit on object orientation, structured around their chosen track:

• Implementing an object-oriented software program based on the theory elements covered in the classroom. • Testing and refining an object-oriented program using naming and coding standards, error-handling and reporting and data validation. • Documenting an object-oriented program to provide accurate guidance for program users.

In the first half of the programme, apprentices on the C# track also have the option to study for an industry-recognised qualification from Microsoft:

MTA software development fundamentals

Assessed by external exam, this unit trains the apprentice in the use of Microsoft software development tools:

• Appreciating various software development disciplines including core programming, object-oriented programming, and databases. • Using ASP.NET to develop web applications. • Understanding various desktop applications including Windows Forms and Windows Services.

VENDORQUALIFICATIONS

Once the first part is complete, apprentices and employers have the option to ‘step off’ the programme if continuing study for the second part is not appropriate.

If they do step off, your apprentice will receive a Level 3 apprenticeship qualification – equivalent to A-level educational level – and your business will have a competent, valuable employee trained in software and web development.

All grades and credits remain valid, allowing apprentices to resume training whenever they are ready, and gain further qualifications in the future should they choose to do so.

FLEXIBILITY FOR EMPLOYERS AND APPRENTICES

HigherApprenticeship

AdvancedApprenticeship

Our Advanced to Higherprogramme

Level 4Level 3

Step o�

90% of QA apprentices

are with their employers for a year or

longer

*Exact timings vary from apprentice to apprentice but most complete the second part of the programme in 18 to 21 months

PART 2LEVEL 4 APPRENTICESHIP

(EQUIVALENT TO FIRST YEAR OF DEGREE STUDY)

The second part of the Software and Web Development Advanced to Higher programme builds on the Level 3 content, starting with a number of classroom-based units to further expand the apprentice’s technical knowledge and prepare them to take on higher-level responsibility.

UNITS FOR BOTH THE C# AND JAVA TRACK:

System development

An assignment-based unit introducing software and system development principles:

• Understanding the system development lifecycle and the role of stakeholders in defining deliverables and outcomes. • Establishing requirements for a new project and producing the required design specifications for that project. • Planning and carrying out an implementation project once development is complete.

Project management

An assignment-based unit covering the skills and knowledge required to successfully deliver IT projects:

• Setting up a project from scratch, and obtaining the necessary stakeholder support to begin work. • Understanding the tools and frameworks that assist with keeping a project on track. • Learning how to adjust milestones and deliverables without compromising project outcomes.

Database design concepts An assignment-based unit developing the apprentice’s knowledge of data modelling:

• Understanding the need for different database models and their values from different business perspectives. • Creating databases using a range of models including static, process, and dynamic event-driven models. • Evaluate the success of different models in achieving business objectives and meeting system requirements.

CLASSROOM UNITS

Test-driven development in C#/Java

An assignment-based unit introducing the apprentice to test-driven development methodologies:

• Understanding the principles of test-driven development, unit testing and the test-driven development lifecycle. • Solving problems using test-driven development techniques and tools. • Testing and evaluating solutions built using test-driven development.

UNITS FOR C# TRACK ONLY:

Event-driven programming using WPF

An assignment-based unit teaching the apprentice how to create event-driven computer programs:

• Understanding the principles of event-driven programming using the WPF subsystem of .NET. • Designing and implementing event-driven programs, making use of control structures and an integrated development environment (IDE) effectively. • Testing and documenting event-driven programs to identify opportunities for improvement and to provide user assistance.

UNITS FOR JAVA TRACK ONLY:

Web development using JSP

An assignment-based unit extending the apprentice’s knowledge of web development using Java-based technologies:

• Understanding the design concepts that underpin modern, fully interactive websites. • Designing and implementing a fully functional interactive website to a specification. • Testing that website to assess areas for improvement, incorporating feedback from tests and test users.

MANDATORY UNITS

The three units below are mandatory units to be completed in the workplace during part 2 of the Software and Web Development Advanced to Higher programme for both the C# and Java tracks.

Effective communication in business

An assignment-based unit helping the apprentice develop their inter-personal and communication skills:

• Understanding the role of different types of communication, including written, verbal and non-verbal. • Practising each type of communication in a business setting, and understanding which communication type is appropriate in different scenarios. • Evaluating communication efforts against objectives to establish whether a message has been successfully communicated.

Personal and professional development

An assignment-based unit helping the apprentice understand how they can develop themselves to fulfil their workplace and personal potential:

• Understanding different learning methods and how these impact on an individual’s development. • Creating a development plan to map out expected personal and professional progress. • Evaluating progress against a development plan and recommending opportunities to further develop..

WORKPLACE UNITS

Develop own effectiveness and professionalism A portfolio-based unit developing the skills apprentices need to perform effectively in a team and drive their career forward:

• Understanding the training and learning methods available, and which best suits their needs. • Drawing up personal and professional development plans to map out career goals. • Understanding the professional, ethical and legislative guidelines governing IT professionals.

SUGGESTED UNITS This is a suggested list of units that can be completed in the workplace during part 2 of the programme, although other units are available. Contact your QA Apprenticeships account manager to discuss the available options and which best suit the needs of the business and your apprentice.

Designing and developing object-oriented computer programs

A portfolio-based unit further developing the apprentice’s knowledge of object-oriented computer programming:

• Designing and developing object-oriented programs in line with established industry best practice that address loosely-defined problems. • Testing strategies to determine the efficacy of a program, using tools including regression testing. • Developing documentation to help users operate and maintain an object-oriented program.

Designing and developing a website

A portfolio-based unit building the apprentice’s knowledge of website design and development:

• Designing websites based on loosely-defined requirements from the business. • Using web development tools to develop websites that address defined specifications, using HTML and CSS. • Understanding the World Wide Web from a business perspective, web standards, and developing test strategies to ensure quality in web design.

Data structures and algorithms

A portfolio-based unit developing the apprentice’s knowledge of data structures and algorithms:

• Understand the structure and uses of various data structures and their associated algorithms. • Understand the operation of established algorithms. • Select appropriate data structures and associated algorithms for specified problems. • Describe the data structures and associated algorithms in a non-executable program specification language. • Implement data structures and algorithms in an executable programming language. • Understand how strings are structured and processed

Designing and developing event-driven programs

A portfolio-based unit building on the apprentices’ knowledge of event-driven programming:

• Design event-driven programs to address loosely-defined problems. • Produce a working event-driven program which meets the design specification. • Develop event-driven programs that reflect established programming and software engineering practice. • Develop test strategies and apply these to event-driven programs. • Develop design documentation for use in program maintenance and end-user documentation.

QA delivers 80% of all Microsoft partner

apprenticeship courses, and serves over

80% of the FTSE 250

PROGRAMMEADD-ONS

First Year ofDegree

HigherApprenticeship

AdvancedApprenticeshipTraineeship

Second Year ofDegree

Final Year ofDegree

MSc

Our Advanced to Higherprogramme

Programme progression

Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7Level 3Level 2

Our Degree programme

Something missing? No problem. Claim your free QA course.

Upon completion of the Software and Web Development Advanced to Higher programme, your apprentice can choose an additional course from QA’s industry-leading selection. This additional, free course gives you the opportunity to further tailor your apprentice’s training to the specific needs of your business and its IT environment.

Example of suitable complementary courses include:

• Java programming using the Eclipse IDE • Developing secure Java applications - mitigating the OWASP Top 10 Security Vulnerabilities • Developing Android applications • Developing responsive websites • Developing web applications using HTML5

QA is the UK’s largest provider of IT training and has dozens of courses to meet the specific technical requirements of your business. Contact your QA Apprenticeships account manager to discuss the options available to ensure you get maximum value from your investment.

* Terms and conditions apply. Ask your QA Apprenticeships account manager for more details.

A progression path from GCSE to degree

This is just part one of our degree track.

QA’s apprenticeship programmes are designed with progression routes from GCSE level right up to attaining a full degree. After completing the Advanced to Higher programme, apprentices can progress straight onto our Degree apprenticeship programme — providing them with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions from the University of Roehampton on completion.

What’s next?

Once they have completed the Software and Web Development Advanced to Higher programme, your apprentice will be a highly competent and valuable member of your team.

With the skills and experience they’ve gained during the programme — both in training and in your business — they will have a strong technical grounding and become a skilled developer, ready to take on higher-level responsability.

Take the next step in building the IT team your business needs by contacting your QA Apprenticeships account manager today on 0345 074 7825. Or email us at employanapprentice@qa.com.