BSc (Honours) IT: Software Development (Graduate Apprenticeship)

The IT: Software Development Graduate Apprenticeship is aimed at employment in the following areas:

Software development
Software testing
Web development
Database architecture and development

Your organisation can utilise this new programme to plug crucial digital skills gaps and ensure you have the talent to manage future technological changes.

Through tutor-supported online learning, apprentices can flex learning around their work schedule, reducing time away from the workplace. Skills learnt as they progress through the programme are immediately embedded into the workplace, giving an almost instant return on investment.

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Why choose The Open University’s IT: Software Development Graduate Apprenticeship?

It is delivered flexibly around the demands of your organisation and requires minimal time away from the workplace, using a blend of tutor-supported, rich-media online learning resources.
Learning can be delivered simultaneously to various locations using our tried-and-trusted educational technology, providing a consistent programme at scale to multiple staff.
Our ‘inclusive-by-design’ apprenticeships are accessible to everyone. This helps your organisation to attract and advance staff regardless of prior attainment, widening participation and expanding your talent pool.
Our apprenticeships build knowledge and practical experience in tandem, delivering integrated learning that delivers immediate benefits to your organisation.
We have over 50 years’ experience in providing supported distance learning programmes.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The apprenticeship is funded by the Scottish Funding Council and is available to new and existing employees 16 years of age and over, who live and work in Scotland and are looking to develop their careers in a digital profession.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

There are no academic requirements.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The programme is delivered over four stages, with a combination of tutor-supported study modules and work-based learning modules at each stage.

This is a work-based higher education programme designed to develop the apprentice’s learning and experience. The programme equips them with the knowledge, skills and behavioural characteristics needed to underpin a successful career as a software development professional.

The initial stages of the programme enable the apprentice to acquire solid core foundational skills and knowledge across all the pillars of IT. This is vital as systems, technologies and platforms become increasingly integrated. The programme also develops valuable project and service management skills alongside the programming, software engineering and systems design and implementation aspects. Work-based learning supports the application of new knowledge and skills in the workplace right away. This means the apprentice gains quality, practical experience in designing, building and evaluating software components and systems.

	Stage 1 (120 credits)	Stage 2 (120 credits)	Stage 3 (120 credits)	Stage 4 (120 credits)
Theory modules	Introduction to computing technologies Introduction to computing and IT	Object-oriented Java programming Managing IT: the why, the what and the how	Software engineering Web technologies	Web, mobile and cloud technologies IT systems: planning for success
Practice modules	Career development and employability (work-based learning) Professional Practice 1 (work-based learning)	Change strategy and projects at work (work-based learning) Professional Practice 2 (work-based learning)	Work-based learning 3 (work-based learning) Professional Practice 3 (work-based learning)	Final project (work-based learning) Professional Practice 4 (work-based learning)

At stage 1, graduate apprentices will also receive guidance and support to aid their development as an IT: Software Development Graduate Apprentice within their employment context.

THE SUPPORT TEAM

The Open University has the experience and support in place to help apprentices succeed and make a positive impact on practice.

In addition to designated account management support, the OU will deploy expert staff to support your organisation and your apprentices. They will work collaboratively with the relevant roles in your organisation:

Practice Tutor (PT)

The PT is a key role and provides individual support to apprentices to progress and complete all the requirements of the apprenticeship or professional programme they have enrolled in. The support is tailored to the context of each learner’s professional duties and their workplace environment. Regular engagement with each learner’s line manager or work-based supervisor is a critical component of this role. In addition, the PT coaches the apprentice to integrate their academic learning with their professional work, guide them in the development of their portfolio and prepares them for their end-point assessment.

There are further roles and teams that support both apprentices and employers, and that work very closely with the PTs.

Academic Tutors

The role of the Academic Tutor is to support success by using, interpreting and building on the teaching resources produced by the OU and provided to apprentices. They monitor progression, mark assignments, provide personalised feedback and work in partnership to support the apprentices’ academic, personal and professional development. In addition, Academic Tutors provide pastoral support to apprentices. They are sometimes also referred to as Associate Lecturers or Module Tutors.

Apprenticeship Enrolment and Support Team (AEST)

The AEST supports apprentices throughout their Apprenticeship journey. This team of friendly Senior Advisors can offer advice and support for a range of queries apprentices may have whilst studying their modules, whether that be for advice on an upcoming assignment or exam, navigation around the OU online learning platforms or when they are experiencing difficult circumstances that are having an impact on their studies. This support team is able to reach out to a wide range of relevant teams within the University to help apprentices get back on track again.

Apprenticeship Programme Delivery Managers (APDM)

This role supports employers to recruit and onboard applicants on to the chosen apprenticeship programme. APDMs provide information, advice and guidance and carry out an initial assessment to ensure the apprenticeship is the right one at the right level for the individual. APDMs provide quarterly management information reports to employers detailing learners progress and put interventions in place where an apprentice is in need of support. Employers will have a named APDM to be the primary contact for apprenticeship delivery throughout the programme.

Line Manager / Mentor

This is a person in the workplace who supports the choice of apprenticeship programme for their employee or applicant and is involved in the onboarding process with their applicant. Line managers facilitate the apprentice to take off the job training time and fully engage in quarterly review meetings with the Practice Tutor and apprentice. Line managers have regular one to one meetings with their apprentices to integrate the apprenticeship into performance and development. They are key to enabling a successful work-based project and completion of the apprentice’s end-point assessment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An apprenticeship requires at least 20% of an apprentice’s working time to be allocated for off-the-job protected in the workplace to engage in the learning. The Open University’s tutor-supported online learning gives the employer and the apprentice the flexibility to pick the most suitable times proactively and reactively around organisational and personal needs – minimising the impact on day-to-day productivity.

Travel costs and expenses are also minimised, as most apprentices don’t have to attend day or block release sessions.

At present the face-to-face days on the programme are being delivered via online meeting rooms. It is a compulsory requirement for learners to attend these days. The Open University is currently reviewing the safe delivery of on-campus face-to-face days and the programme team will be guided by the university and the Statutory Health Profession Regulators in reviewing online and on-campus delivery. Employers and learners will be advised in advance of any changes to the delivery pattern.

Online delivery is both varied and interactive, using rich media formats that engage and enthuse apprentices on their journey. Learning can be accessed 24/7 on computers, tablets and mobile devices. Online forums and tutorials as well as email and telephone communication are used to support apprentices throughout the programme.

INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYERS

Develop the relevant skills for your organisation, improve productivity and achieve higher staff morale.

INFORMATION FOR APPRENTICES

Earn while you learn and develop the skills you need to gain access to sectors you want to work in.

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