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Level 4 Python Software Engineer Apprenticeship
Boost your team's technical capabilities and stay ahead of the curve with Python development training.
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One digital apprentice can create real business impact
£1.4m revenue
identified through data-driven insights
£120,000 saved
by creating efficiencies
90% shorter project times
achieved through automations
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

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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Python from Day One
Instant Feedback for Accelerated Learning
Real-World Practice for Accelerated Impact
Milestones for application of skills
Personalized Learner Support
Flexible Fully Online Learning
Expert Curriculum
Community
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A real-world learning experience
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.
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.
FAQs
What delivery options do you offer?
Are you able to tailor the programme to the organisation and sector?
What is an apprenticeship?
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?
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?
What does "off-the-job training" mean?
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?
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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Who's benefitted from our data apprenticeships



