Software Development Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3)
Are you finishing school or college and not sure what to do next?
Do you enjoy technology, problem‐solving, or helping people?
This apprenticeship lets you earn a salary, gain real work experience, and achieve a nationally recognised qualification, all while working for the NHS.
Role
Working in Digital Roles in the NHS
You don’t need to work in a clinical role to help the NHS save lives. Across the North West, healthcare organisations recruit apprentices each year through the Skills Development Network’s Foundation Digital Apprenticeship, helping to build the digital workforce that modern healthcare depends on.
As a Software Development Technician Apprentice, you’ll play an important part in supporting the use of data and technology that helps staff deliver safe, effective patient care. You’ll gain hands‐on experience in a real NHS environment, build valuable digital and workplace skills, and work towards a nationally recognised qualification - all while making a genuine difference.
You’ll be employed on a full‐time, fixed‐term contract and attend weekly training as part of your apprenticeship. Alongside this, you may have the opportunity to achieve additional industry‐recognised qualifications. We’re looking for motivated individuals who are organised, willing to learn, and have a genuine interest in IT and technology.
As a Skills Development Network apprentice in the NHS, you’ll be starting your career with the UK’s largest employer. In addition to excellent learning and progression opportunities, you’ll benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and flexible working options.
What You’ll Learn and Do
You’ll be trained to support staff across the NHS by helping them use digital systems and technology confidently. With support, you will learn how to:
- Assist the building software for web, mobile or desktop applications.
- Interpreting design requirements.
- Implementing code.
- Working within a development lifecycle.
- Testing software to meet functional requirements.
- Incorporating security into code.
- Support the development of user interfaces.
- Prioritising and working in accordance with defined standards of service and other organisational coding policies.
You’ll never be expected to know everything straight away - learning is part of the job.
Who This Role Is Perfect For
This role is ideal if you:
- Are leaving school or college
- Enjoy IT, computers, or technology
- Like helping people and solving problems
- Want a practical alternative to university
- Are reliable, keen to learn, and open to new challenges
No previous work experience is required.
Training
During this apprenticeship, you will follow a fully supported training programme with LearnTech, delivered through combined weekly remote classroom-based training, workplace assessment/training and online learning working towards completing the Software Development Technician standard.
The training covers the following core occupational duties:
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st0128-v1-1
This is a fixed‐term apprenticeship, but it gives you:
- Valuable NHS experience
- A recognised qualification
- Support and guidance to apply for permanent roles
Many apprentices go on to further digital roles within the NHS or wider industry.
- Apprenticeship Standard
- Software development technician (level 3)
- Training Provider
- TECHNICAL PROFESSIONALS LIMITED
- Working Week
- Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm).
- Expected Duration
- 1 Year 6 Months
- Positions Available
- 1
- Closing Date
- Monday, 30th March 2026
- Start Date
- Tuesday, 1st September 2026
Desired Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Problem solving skills
- Team working
- Reliable
- Adaptable
- Interest in Technology
Qualifications
- English GCSE, grade 4/C (Essential)
- Maths GCSE, grade 4/C (Essential)