Software Development Apprentice

Software Developer Apprentice: 
The Met Office, the national meteorological service for the UK, provides critical weather services and world-leading climate science. We deliver our services through exceptional scientific, technological, and operational expertise making us one of the most trusted forecasters in the world. 
Now our Technology and Science teams are looking to recruit up to 8 exceptional Software Developer Level 4 Apprentices to help us make a difference to our planet.

As an apprentice you spend up to 19 months working with our technology or science teams allowing you to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding, whilst working towards industry recognised qualifications. 

It is an exciting chance to see first-hand how the teams support the Met Office, as well as make a real impact in something the Met Office truly values.

We invest in our people to unlock their full potential. As our Software Developer Apprentice, we will support you to develop and thrive to be the best you can be. 

We champion positive physical and mental health in the workplace and are committed to being an inclusive organisation, providing a working culture that actively values an equal and diverse workforce. 

Find out more about our values here - https://bit.ly/3fokaRD

Salary: 
£18,380 in year 1
Increasing to a minimum of £20,049 in Year 2. 

Interested?  Apply now!

Responsibilities:

• Key duties vary according to the specific team you are assigned to.

Typical responsibilities would include:

• Developing software for customer facing applications
• Developing software to manipulate complex datasets 
• Developing scientific software applications and tools to help advance our weather and climate prediction capabilities
• Providing support to scientific programmers and application developers
• Learn about development from requirements through to delivery

What we are looking for:
Skills:

• A genuine interest in investigating and solving technical problems
• A drive to develop your skills 
• Good communications skills – oral and written
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Experience with at least one programming language (preferably Python) whilst not essential will strengthen your application

Entry criteria:

• Maths and English at GCSE grade 4/C
• 2 A-levels OR equivalent OR 2 years’ experience in a relevant role  (If awaiting exam results, any offer made will be conditional on meeting the entry requirements)
• Successful completion of the QA Aptitude test

Working week:
9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday.

Location:
Hybrid working:

• 1 day per week in our Exeter HQ 

The initial 10 weeks of this Apprenticeship will be full time learning. After this, there will be weekly time off the job for application of learning. 

Benefits: 

• Assigned mentor to offer support
• Registered training provider
• September start

Closing date: 14th June 2023.  
You will hear from us once the closing date has passed, with interviews commencing shortly after. 

Important Information:
To qualify for apprenticeship funding, you must: 

• Not be enrolled on another funded apprenticeship, or another funded further or higher education programme, at the time you start this apprenticeship 
• Be applying for an apprenticeship unrelated to any qualifications you already hold, at the same or higher level 
• Be eligible to live and work in the UK - please refer to GOV.UK for information. Due to the security clearance required you need to have resided in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years

If you are considering applying and need assistance to do so, please contact us via apprenticeships@qa.com 
You can request adjustments either within your application or by contacting us. 

You can select to be considered under the Disability Confident (Guaranteed Interview) Scheme. Under this scheme, your application must meet the essential criteria for the role. 

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from those with all protected characteristics. 
We recruit on merit, fairness, and open competition in line with the Civil Service Code.

Future prospects:
Whilst this temporary apprentice post is for up to 19 months, there is the potential for it to develop into a permanent position on successful completion of your apprenticeship. 
This may be as a Technology Junior Developer or Foundation Scientific Software Engineer.

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