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Interested in joining our next programme?

Enrollment Deadline

16th April 2023

Join our programme

One digital apprentice can create real business impact

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£1.4m revenue

identified through data-driven insights

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£120,000 saved

by creating efficiencies

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90% shorter project times

achieved through automations

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5x faster ML model training

achieved through automations

Develop skills to build digital infrastructure

Our comprehensive curriculum covers all aspects of Python programming and software engineering. From mastering Python syntax and data structures to exploring agile methodologies, working with databases, and developing REST APIs, learners acquire a wide range of skills. With elective options in functional programming, front-end development, cloud computing, and algorithms, our curriculum provides a well-rounded education for aspiring software engineers and our conversion modules allow learners to transition to other programming languages like Java or Go.

Python is a high-level, versatile programming language that is widely used for web development, data analysis and artificial intelligence. By training your staff as Python developers, you can:

  • Increase productivity and efficiency through faster development times and fewer errors
  • Drive innovation and stay ahead of the competition by leveraging Python's capabilities in data analysis and machine learning
  • Benefit from a strong community of developers and resources for learning and problem-solving

Hear from Jonathan Wagstaff, Group Head of Business Intelligence at Exertis

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Hear from Jonathan Wagstaff, Group Head of Business Intelligence at Exertis

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Jonathan Wagstaff
Data apprenticeships enable myself and my team to keep up-to-date with the latest.

Eligibility

This programme is open to employees looking to reskill as full-stack software engineers. This includes existing technical staff, such as front end engineers, but also other IT staff such as QA testers and IT support roles. The apprenticeship is also an opportunity to reskill returners to work into new future-proofed roles.

Suitability of role

  • Have a basic understanding of variables, data structures and loops in python
  • Currently or will be working in a software engineering role where they can apply their skills to work-based projects
  • Will be working with Python programming and have access to the Python ecosystem

Eligibility for funding

  • No prior software engineering degree or related experience.
  • Employed in England and resident in the UK or EEA for the last 3 years.
  • Employees working at least 30 hours a week (part-time employees can be considered for a minimum cohort size)
  • Can commit to the minimum 6 hours a week on the job learning requirement for the duration of the programme (15 months of training)
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Pioneers

Python from Day One

Python is a powerful programming language that is widely used for software development. By teaching Python as a core component of our program, learners gain valuable skills that will position them for success in their careers.
Feedback

Instant Feedback for Accelerated Learning

Our program benefits from the support of EDUKATE.AI, which provides instant feedback on coding work. This unique feature accelerates learning outcomes by allowing learners to see where they need to improve and make corrections in real time.
Practice

Real-World Practice for Accelerated Impact

EDUKATE.AI provides a sandbox environment where learners can practice new skills on real datasets. This accelerates the impact that learners can make in their workplace, allowing them to immediately apply what they've learned.
Curriculum

Milestones for application of skills

The programme is uniquely designed around key milestones that evidence the competency of the apprentice through application of skills into the workplace.
Personalized

Personalized Learner Support

We provide each learner with a dedicated Data Mentor and Learner Success Coach to support them on their technical and personal development. This personalized support structure helps learners to succeed and overcome obstacles they encounter.
Online

Flexible Fully Online Learning

Our program is fully online, providing maximum flexibility for learners and employers alike. This means that learners can access their content from anywhere, with no set up or installation of EDUKATE.AI required.
Community

Expert Curriculum

Our comprehensive curriculum develops the skills for success as a software engineer. As well as a core understanding of developing programmes in Python, the curriculum includes electives in functional programming, front-end development, cloud computing, and algorithms, plus conversion modules for other languages.
Community

Community

Joining our program means becoming part of a thriving community of thousands of digital professionals. Learners have the opportunity to tap into this rich network of peers and alumni and benefit from the expertise and experience of others in the field.
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A real-world learning experience

EDUKATE.ai is our learning experience platform which delivers a seamless experience in one place, and accelerates learning and impact through real practice on real projects with immediate personalised feedback on code.
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The Curriculum

Core Modules

Learn basic Python syntax, functionalities, and command line fundamentals.

Learn to set up a Python environment, work with virtual environments and Git fundamentals, and gain an introduction to CI/CD.

Gain knowledge of software engineering concepts, including testing, code quality, debugging, and the software development life cycle (SDLC).

Understand the principles of Agile software development and the processes involved in sprint planning, requirements gathering, and communicating progress to stakeholders.

Develop skills in processing data using Pandas and SQL queries.

Learn advanced Python concepts, including decorators, magic methods, coupling, cohesion, encapsulation, static methods, class methods, and inheritance.

Acquire knowledge about different types of databases, SQL (Postgres) and NoSQL, and working with databases using Python and ORMs like Django.

Learn about protocols and tools required to build REST APIs, such as HTTP, serialization, JSON, and Flask framework for building endpoints.

Understand key design patterns, immutability, data classes, and package management in software development.

Learn best practices for documentation, code productivity tools, code reviews, and self-learning strategies to keep up with the latest technologies.

Develop skills in debugging, error handling, logging, and utilizing external resources like Stack Overflow for troubleshooting.

Gain knowledge of secure coding practices, OWASP vulnerabilities, input validation, authentication, authorization, cryptography, reliability, and system recovery.

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Elective Modules

Learn functional programming concepts such as lambdas, data classes, and pattern matching.

Develop skills in front-end web development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, along with knowledge of common frameworks and libraries.

Gain an understanding of cloud computing, different types of cloud services, cloud security, cloud storage, cloud databases, and serverless computing.

Learn about algorithms and their analysis, including topics like time and space complexity, searching, sorting, graph algorithms, and dynamic programming.

Transition from Python to Java or Go, acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills to work effectively in the chosen programming language.

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FAQs

What delivery options do you offer?

We tailor our delivery to your workforce needs. This ranges from from independent, immersive elearning supported by EDUKATE.AI through to tailored bootcamps, to our structured apprenticeship programmes. The Level 4 Python Software Engineer Apprenticeship is available to learners based in England.

Are you able to tailor the programme to the organisation and sector?

Yes. We work with our clients to contextualise our programmes to their organisation and sectors they operate in. We do this through tailored hackathons, bespoke assignments and guest lectures from industry experts. We also work with a range of partners to create bespoke programmes for sector, such as health and journalism.

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a long-term training commitment which seek to support people entering the workforce and upskill existing UK-based employees within an organisation, enabling employers to foster a workforce consisting of highly-skilled and highly-engaged talent.

The Cambridge Spark Python Software Engineer Apprenticeship runs 14 months plus a 3-month end-point assessment and includes a minimum of 6 hours per week off-the-job training, enabling a blended approach between theory and practical-learning.

What is the Apprenticeship Levy?

The UK government introduced the Apprenticeship Levy scheme in April 2017 as a way to drive investment in strengthening the country’s skills base.

All organisations with annual staff costs of over £3m have to pay 0.5% of their salary bill into a ring-fenced apprenticeship levy pot. The money is collected monthly via PAYE and can only be used for training on approved apprenticeship schemes (such as the Level 4 Python Software Engineer Apprenticeship that we offer). Organisations must forfeit any levy funding left unspent for 24 months or more

What if my organisation doesn't pay into the UK Apprenticeship Levy?

An organisation that doesn't pay into the levy can still qualify for government-funded apprenticeships for their staff. In fact, the UK government will sponsor 95% of the apprenticeship programme, leaving the organisation to invest the remaining 5%, provided that learners meet other eligibility criteria.

What does "off-the-job training" mean?

Off-the-job training is defined as learning undertaken outside of the day-to-day work duties and during the apprentice’s normal working hours.

Our off-the-job training is delivered on a flexible basis and can be carried out at the apprentice’s place of work or home.
The 6 hours per week, minimum, off-the-job training provides learners with the time to focus and develop the required skills, knowledge and behaviours to complete the programme.

How much do managers need to be involved?

Managers will need to ensure apprentices achieve their planned off-the-job training hours and work on their project portfolio.

We also encourage managers to have regular one-to-one meetings with apprentices to catch up on how they are progressing and to join the apprentice and their coach for 30 minutes every 3-4 months for a general catch up about the programme.
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Enquire now

Fill out the following form and we’ll contact you within one business day to discuss and answer any questions you have about the programme. We look forward to speaking with you.

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