Employer Solutions
Software Development - Level 4 Apprenticeship
Build your development capacity with Software Development Level 4 apprentices. Develop skilled programmers who can design, build, and maintain enterprise software solutions while accessing government funding for training costs.
Transform Your Development Capabilities
Our Level 4 Software Development apprenticeship programme enables you to build a skilled, future-ready development team while significantly reducing recruitment costs and developing company-specific technical expertise.
What Your Software Development Apprentice Will Deliver
Technical Contributions
- Design and implement software solutions aligned with business requirements
- Develop and maintain web applications using modern frameworks
- Create robust APIs and microservices architectures
- Implement automated testing and quality assurance processes
- Optimise database performance and data structures
- Deploy and maintain cloud-based applications
Business Value
- Reduce dependency on contractors (£500–£1,000/day, depending on role and location)
- Accelerate project delivery through dedicated internal resources
- Enhance technical innovation and problem-solving
- Improve system reliability and performance
- Align technology more closely with business objectives
Strategic Business Impact
Cost Efficiency
- Average contractor replacement savings: £80,000–£120,000/year*
- Up to 100% of training costs funded
- Reduced recruitment fees (£15,000–£25,000 typical savings)
- Lower project overrun costs through stable team composition
*Figures are indicative and may vary by organisation.
Operational Benefits
- Structured apprenticeship onboarding can be up to 70% faster than hiring external experienced developers*
- Estimated 85% retention rate post-programme*
- Increased intellectual property protection
- Enhanced team knowledge sharing and documentation
*Estimates based on typical outcomes for structured Level 4 apprenticeships.
Structured Skills Development (College Delivery)
Foundation Building
- Core programming principles and best practices
- Version control and collaborative development
- Database fundamentals and SQL mastery
- Web technologies and responsive design
Advanced Development
- Enterprise application architecture
- Cloud platforms and containerisation
- Advanced frameworks and libraries
- Performance optimisation techniques
Professional Mastery
- System design and scalability
- Security implementation and testing
- DevOps practices and automation
- Technical leadership and mentoring
Government Funding Package
Financial Benefits
- Up to £18,000 funding per apprentice (Level 4 band)
- Up to 100% coverage for eligible employers
- No upfront training costs
Additional Support
- £1,000 incentive for hiring 16–18-year-olds
- Extra funding for apprentices with additional needs
- Support with Digital Apprenticeship Service setup
- Guidance to maximise funding eligibility
Ideal for These Business Scenarios
Growing Technology Teams
- Scale development capacity cost-effectively
- Build specialised technical skills
- Create sustainable talent pipelines
- Reduce contractor dependencies
Digital Transformation Projects
- Develop in-house technical capabilities
- Modernise legacy systems
- Implement new technologies
- Build innovation capacity
Structured Learning Journey
Workplace Application
- Real project contributions from day one
- Gradual increase in responsibilities
- Mentorship from senior developers
- Integration with existing workflows
Professional Training & Development (College – Off the Job training)
- Industry-recognised certifications
- Full delivery of the Level 4 Software Developer Apprenticeship Standard
- Modern development methodologies
- Exposure to emerging technologies
- Professional skills development
Measurable Success Indicators
Technical Proficiency
- Completed project portfolio
- Code quality metrics
- Technical assessment scores
- Certification achievements
Business Integration
- Project delivery contributions
- Team collaboration effectiveness
- Innovation initiatives
- Knowledge transfer success
Why Choose This Programme?
Develop highly capable internal developers who deliver measurable business impact, reduce reliance on external contractors, and strengthen your team's technical expertise—creating a sustainable, future-ready development capability.
Government Funding
Up to 100% of training costs covered
Skilled Workforce
Train employees to your standards
Business Growth
Improved productivity and retention
Cost Effective
Lower recruitment and training costs
Duration
15-24 months
Level
Level 4
Sector
Technology
Training Structure
Off-the-job training provided
Start Dates
Flexible starts available
Government Funding Available
Reduce training costs with government support for this apprenticeship
Maximum Funding Available
£18,000
Per apprentice
Training Costs Covered
Up to 100%
For eligible employers
Key Funding Benefits
100% funding for 16-21s
Full training costs covered
Additional incentive
£1,000 for hiring 16-18 year olds
Business support included
Account management & mentoring
Up to 100% funding for most employers
Up to a 5% employer contribution
Off-the-job training: 439 hours minimum (20% of working hours)
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