By 2026, AI tools will be generating over 25% of new code inside major tech companies like Google—meaning the future of software development will be built by humans and AI working side‑by‑side.
AI‑augmented development becomes the norm. Tools like GitHub Copilot, Cursor, and Claude Code are rapidly accelerating coding speed and reducing repetitive work. Searches for GitHub Copilot alone have risen 8,000% in five years.
Middlesbrough is home to Big Bite, the only WordPress VIP Gold Partner in the entire UK — and one of just nine worldwide — making the town a globally recognised centre for high‑end software development.
Middlesbrough is one of the fastest‑growing digital clusters outside London, with around 630 digital businesses driving innovation across gaming, AI, app development, and enterprise software.
Benefits of an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are the perfect way to get real-world experience and show employers that you can hit the ground running. With an apprenticeship, you combine on-the-job training with classroom learning to help you get ahead in your career.
As a result, you’ll gain practical experience with nationally recognised qualification and get paid to do it!
Earn while you learn
Apprenticeships allow you to learn valuable skills and gain critical work experience while earning a wage. Apprenticeships are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for apprentices.
Supercharge your Learning
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job and off-the-job training. As a full-time apprentice, an average of 6 hours a week are dedicated to off-the-job learning. The combination ensures you have the knowledge and practical skills to excel in your chosen career.
Gain Nationally Recognised Qualifications
At the end of your training, you’ll have gained nationally recognised qualifications. Our team will be by your side throughout the journey, helping you overcome any barriers to success.
Secure your Career Prospects
Many employers often retain the vast majority of apprentices who have completed their training. In addition, many of these employees gain new responsibilities, promotions and pay increases.
How does The Apprenticeship work?
Please read the following to fully understand how the Apprenticeship works and the requirements to be eligible.
How long is this apprenticeship?
The Software Development Apprenticeship is between 12-15 months.
Who is the Awarding Body?
The Awarding Body of this Apprenticeship is City & Guilds, a highly prestigious Awarding Body, responsible for awarding over 95% of Apprenticeships in the UK.
What will I learn during this apprenticeship?
You will learn:
- What is Software Development – how to design, plan, develop, test and deploy software.
- What are the regulations and laws surrounding software development – Understanding how to develop software safely and lawfully.
- How to use Artificial Intelligence systems in Software Development for business applications:
GitHub – hands-on experience developing source code
Core Programming – hands-on experience using real development programming languages (Python, Java, C#, and JavaScript)
Web Technologies – how to use website development technologies (HTML5, CS3, React)
Data & Backend Development – SQL, PHP, and API’s. - Final Project – Complete a final project showcasing your Software Development expertise.
- Demonstrate over 450 hours of real-life applications and experience.
What are the Entry Requirements?
To be accepted onto the Software Development Apprenticeship, you must:
- Age: be 16 years old or over.
- Residency: Live in England and have the right to work in the UK.
- Education Status: Not be in full-time education.
- Employment: Be employed in a contract that allows for training.
If you fulfil all these requirements, you are fully eligible to enrol onto the Apprenticeship.
What qualification do I receive?
You will receive a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Software Development qualification, a lifetime qualification.
What do I need to do to complete the Apprenticeship?
To fulfil all the criteria for the Apprenticeship, you will need to complete:
- Summative Portfolio – a document showing your Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSB’s) that meet the standards of the qualification.
- Final Project – a document showing demonstration of the standards in a final project of your choice.
- 450 hours of On-the-Job (OTJ) training – to be completed with your employer.
- End-Point Assessment (EPA) – where you present your final project to an examiner.
Will I receive support?
Yes, you will be supported by:
- Your Training Provider – you will check-in on you regularly.
- Your Tutor – who you must attend 1-to-1 meetings with regularly.
- Your Employer – who is required to allow you time to complete your apprenticeship.
What jobs can I expect to get after this Apprenticeship?
Software Development is a ubiquitous field that benefits from the emerging and growing industry of Artificial Intelligence, graduates can apply to enter job roles such as:
- Programmer – A programmer is a professional who designs, writes, tests, and maintains computer code, enabling software and applications to function
- Software Developer – A software developer is a creative professional who designs, codes, tests, and maintains software applications or systems that allow people to perform tasks on digital devices.
- Software Engineer – A software engineer applies engineering principles, structured methodologies, and programming expertise to design, develop, test, maintain, and evaluate software systems.
Begin Your Journey with Confidence
Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered. Book a free consultation and let our team guide you toward the right path for your future career.