L6 Software Developer Apprenticeship

Company: Ada, National College of Digital Skills
Location: London, E20 1JQ
Type: Apprenticeship
Salary: £21,533.00
Sector: Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Ref: VAC-00004
Application Deadline Date: 05/07/2023
Start Date: 02/10/2023
Positions Available: 1
Working Week: Monday to Friday

Brief Description

The British Council promotes UK culture and education globally. It offers English language courses, English language tests like IELTS, and supports international partnerships. Through arts and cultural events, it fosters intercultural understanding and collaboration, contributing to a
more connected world.

Qualifications Required

- Must be 18 years old and over
- Cannot already have a degree in a similar subject e.g. Computer Science Degree
- Have the right to work in the United Kingdom and been a resident in the UK/EU for at least 3 years
- GCSEs or equivalent with Maths and English at grade 4 and above (A-C).

Plus one of the following:
- 3 A*-C at A-level or Equivalent (STEM subject is an advantage, but not necessary)
- BTEC National or NVQ/SVQ Level 3
- Level 3 Apprenticeship Qualification (or equivalent)

Skills Required

*Minimum/essential requirements*
- Be good at computational thinking – and at writing pseudocode
- Have some understanding of basic machine learning concepts and algorithms.
- Have problem-solving skills and the ability to think analytically.
- Be a good communicator and have teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Show a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.
- Have a strong interest in artificial intelligence and a passion for building AI applications.

*Desirable*
- You have some limited practical experience of coding, and/or of building simple apps (even if in a low-code environment)
- Have some familiarity with AI frameworks and tools, including Azure OpenAI Service, Azure Cognitive Services, or similar platforms.
- Have some knowledge of front-end development technologies, such as Microsoft Power Apps, HTML, CSS, JSON, and JavaScript.

Training to be Provided

Our apprenticeship goes beyond the Level 4 standard and includes a Foundation Degree in Digital Innovation which is validated by the Open University. Each cohort spends their first 6 weeks at college taking part in our Launchpad training.

This training not only covers modules for the degree programme but also ensures to prepare you for the workplace. Following the Launchpad training you will return to your employer for 7-8 weeks returning to Ada for one-week blocks on a rotation basis.

Vacancy Detail

The British Council is seeking a talented and innovative individual to join our team as an Associate Software Developer (Apprentice). This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in building Power Apps and web apps using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies while working with an internationally renowned organisation that promotes cultural relations and education worldwide. You will shadow – and be coached by – experienced software developers and DevOps colleagues as you develop your skills and gain experience.

AI Engineer Career Path:
As an Associate Software Developer apprentice at the British Council, you will have the unique opportunity to progress in your career to the role of AI Engineer. We offer a clear career path that includes funding for a Level 7 apprenticeship in AI. This advanced apprenticeship program will provide you with specialised knowledge and skills in AI engineering, empowering you to contribute to cutting-edge AI initiatives and drive innovation within the organisation.

As an Associate Software Developer apprentice, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Data Science and Analytics team in developing and deploying AI apps to support our internal and external customers. Your responsibilities will include:

Apps development:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams in various project-related tasks. This will include working closely with Data Engineering and IT/Digital teams on app development.
- Work on front-end development, including Microsoft Power Apps and other technologies to build user-friendly interfaces.
- Utilise Azure OpenAI Service and Azure Cognitive Services to develop and deploy AI models to power apps. This will include the use of first- and third-party plug-ins for GPT models.
- Implement, test, and monitor AI algorithms and techniques to enhance performance and drive business outcomes.

Apps Deployment and Support:
- Deploy AI applications and models to internal customers, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.
- Provide technical support for, and troubleshoot issues related to developed Apps.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to gather feedback and iterate on app development for continuous improvement.

Agile Development:
- Work in an ‘agile’ development environment, participating in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives.
- Collaborate with team members to prioritise tasks and deliver high-quality solutions within project timelines.
- Embrace a culture of continuous learning and improvement, staying up to date with the latest AI technologies and best practices.
- Complete the British Council induction training, Mandatory Training, and role-related courses

Benefits:
By joining the British Council as a Associate Software Developer (Apprentice), you will enjoy the following benefits:
- Hands-on experience in a dynamic and globally renowned organisation.
- Mentoring and guidance from experienced professionals who will support your learning and development.
- Access to the latest data and AI tech stack.
- Opportunity to gain a recognised Level 7 apprenticeship qualification in AI.
- Exposure to diverse cultures and international projects that broaden your perspectives.
- Clear career progression path to become an AI Engineer, contributing to cutting-edge AI initiatives.