Junior Developer Level 3 Apprenticeship
Empowering future software creators with essential coding skills
The Junior Developer Level 3 Apprenticeship develops the technical skills needed to bring software ideas to life.
Apprentices learn how to write, test and maintain code while gaining experience of modern development practices, helping organisations strengthen their digital capabilities, accelerate project delivery and support innovation through technology.
Trusted by 7,000+ organisations globally
Why choose the Junior Developer programme?
Equip your development teams with the technical grounding needed to support every stage of software development, cultivate proficiency in app development, database management, and front-end design to improve team collaboration.
- Optimise development cycles
- Develop cross-functional expertise
- Streamline component development
Level 3 Junior Developer Programme Details
- Details of standard: Software development technician
- Level: 3
- Total cost: £15,000
- Programme duration: 16 months
- Live instructor sessions: 19 days
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for this programme are as follows:
- 7 GCSEs total
- English GCSE grade D or above
- Other 6 GCSEs, including Maths, to be C or above
- You must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship in a similar subject.
Learner journey
This programme combines live workshops, self-paced learning, and on-the-job application.
Learners are supported by a dedicated Digital Learning Consultant (DLC) and follow QA’s “Discover, Practise, Apply” methodology.
Modules | 13 months
Module 1: Agile Software Development
Module 2: Python Programming and SQL Principles
Module 3: Web Fundamentals
Module 4: Object-Oriented Programming
Module 5: Cloud Development
EPA | 3 months
- Professional discussion
- Project report with questioning
Qualification
IfATE JD3 Qualification Award
AI-powered apprenticeships
AI is for everyone, not just technical teams. Every QA apprenticeship programme includes built-in Microsoft Copilot training for every learner.
- No extra cost, no separate programme, just built-in AI modules
- Practical AI training designed for every role
- Develop AI readiness across your organisation
Job roles
This programme is suitable for multiple roles, such as:
- Junior Developer
- Junior Web Developer
- Junior Application Developer
- Junior Software Developer
- Junior Application Support Analyst
- Junior Programmer
- Assistant Programmer
Funding
There is no cost to you as an apprentice. Apprenticeships are fully funded through your employer.
If you are an employer, the maximum funding for this programme is £15,000. Expenses for travel to QA centres should be covered by the employer.
Find out how your organisation could benefit from the Apprenticeship Levy.
Tools and technologies
Apprentices will learn to use a variety of tools and technologies, including:
Programming
- Python
- Java
- C#
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
Testing
- PyUnit
- JUnit/NUnit
- Maven
Development tools
- Eclipse
- Visual Studio
- VSCode
Databases
- SQL
- JDBC (or C# equivalent)
Project management
- Trello
- Jira
- Git
- GitHub
Methodologies
- Agile
- Scrum
- Waterfall
- TDD
Digital by Design
Our market-leading approach accelerates skill development and achievement through our Discover, Practise, Apply methodology, ensuring that both learners and employers are fully supported throughout their programme.
Discover
Leveraging QA’s learning platform, learners follow a development path focused on their job role.
Practise
Learners come together for instructor-led training sessions, practising their skills through hands-on labs and sandboxes in a safe environment.
Apply
These learnings are applied through work-based activities at key and sequenced stages, supported by Digital Learning Consultants.
Junior Developer downloads
Download programme guide
Apprenticeships, with added flex
Flexible durations. Tailored for you.
Our apprenticeship programme timelines are not set in stone – flexible options for Level 3-5 apprenticeships deliver the skills you need, when you need them. Talk to our experts to find out more.
What our learners say
"I saw data as something that is always going to be needed in every company. I wanted learn somewhere with hands-on experience, which I would say is as important as the qualification, and that's something that you get much more in an apprenticeship. In my day-to-day role I troubleshoot people's issues and make databases to make everyone's life easier.”
“Originally I was trying to get into med school but couldn’t garner enough funding. I had heard about apprenticeships in school before so I thought I should give that a try. Now, I’m getting paid to learn something I love to do and I really do feel I could become anything and that the sky’s the limit. I think apprenticeships are inclusive, flexible, and challenging.”
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If you're an individual interested in starting an apprenticeship, you can get in touch with us via our apprenticeship platform.