Summary Join a fast-growing AI research and development company at the ground level as an apprentice. Help shape the AI-driven economy by developing the models that matter, becoming an AI technician in the process. Wage £18,000 a year Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab) Salary to increase annually Training course Software development technician (level 3) Hours Monday to Friday between 8:30am to 4:30pm, with some flexibility. 37 hours a week Start date Wednesday 10 September 2025 Duration 1 year 6 months Positions available 1 Work Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience. What you'll do at work Assisting in the implementation and maintenance of AI systems Troubleshooting technical issues Collaborating with the AI team to support various projects Develop general competence as a developer of web UIs, APIs, databases, AI components, Linux server operations Work on a path towards AI development Where you'll work Ascend Coworking Chatham ME4 4HY Training Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills. College or training organisation TECHNICAL PROFESSIONALS LIMITED Your training course Software development technician (level 3) Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab) What you'll learn Course contents Write simple code for discrete software components following an appropriate logical approach to agreed standards (whether web, mobile or desktop applications) under supervision Apply appropriate secure development principles to specific software components at all stages of development Support development of effective user interfaces Make simple connections between code and defined data sources as specified Test simple code and analyse results to correct errors found using unit testing under supervision Conduct a range of test types under supervision, such as Functional and Non -Functional. Apply structured techniques to problem solving, including carry out simple debug of code Follows organisational and industry good coding practices (including for naming, commenting etc.) Solve logical problems, seeking assistance when required (including appropriate mathematical application) Support the creation of simple software documentation and visuals to effectivelycommunicate understanding of the program Define functional and non -functional requirements such as use cases, storyboards, user stories, performance and accessibility. Work within operational requirements such as health and safety, budgets, brands and normal business protocols Develop user interfaces as appropriate to the organisations development standards and the type of software development being developed Build scripts in line with work instructions for deployment into the relevantenvironment Follow simple software designs and functional/technical specifications in line with work Follow simple testing frameworks and methodologies in line with work instructions Follow company, team or client approaches to continuous integration, version and sourcecontrol as instructed Support the communication of software solutions and ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders Apply algorithms, logic and data structures in a supported context in line with workinstructions Follow work instructions to contribute to building a given design whist remainingcompliant with security and maintainability requirements Apply techniques to break down complex problems. Demonstrate how Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) can be used to frame and measuredesired outcomes Implement secure code in appropriate languages of different types which is maintainable, readable, functional. Design simple software solutions to meet a requirement using tools and techniques, such as waterfall and agile Work in a shared code base with appropriate etiquette and tools, such as modularity and data definition Use simple debugging techniques, such as interactive debugging, print debugging, remotedebugging Implement test plans under supervision to show that a test plan is implementable in practice and implementation conforms to the plan. Develop and use simple acceptance criteria. Apply and maintain procedures and security controls to ensure confidentiality, integrityand availability Use collaboration tools and technologies for source and version control to enable workingtogether on common projects, regardless of physical location, Follow instructions to ensure client data is held securely under supervision e.g., not using personally identifiable information in test systems, making sure personal actions comply with ICO regulations Use collaboration tools and technologies for writing technical documentation for, and adapting to, specific audience(s). e.g., technical, non-technical, internal, external Write simple code for discrete software components following an appropriate logical approach to agreed standards (whether web, mobile or desktop applications) under supervision Apply appropriate secure development principles to specific software components at all stages of development Support development of effective user interfaces Make simple connections between code and defined data sources as specified Test simple code and analyse results to correct errors found using unit testing under supervision Conduct a range of test types under supervision, such as Functional and Non -Functional. Apply structured techniques to problem solving, including carry out simple debug of code Follows organisational and industry good coding practices (including for naming, commenting etc.) Solve logical problems, seeking assistance when required (including appropriate mathematical application) Support the creation of simple software documentation and visuals to effectivelycommunicate understanding of the program Define functional and non -functional requirements such as use cases, storyboards, user stories, performance and accessibility. Work within operational requirements such as health and safety, budgets, brands and normal business protocols Develop user interfaces as appropriate to the organisations development standards and the type of software development being developed Build scripts in line with work instructions for deployment into the relevantenvironment Follow simple software designs and functional/technical specifications in line with work Follow simple testing frameworks and methodologies in line with work instructions Follow company, team or client approaches to continuous integration, version and sourcecontrol as instructed Support the communication of software solutions and ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders Apply algorithms, logic and data structures in a supported context in line with workinstructions Follow work instructions to contribute to building a given design whist remainingcompliant with security and maintainability requirements Apply techniques to break down complex problems. Demonstrate how Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) can be used to frame and measuredesired outcomes Implement secure code in appropriate languages of different types which is maintainable, readable, functional. Design simple software solutions to meet a requirement using tools and techniques, such as waterfall and agile Work in a shared code base with appropriate etiquette and tools, such as modularity and data definition Use simple debugging techniques, such as interactive debugging, print debugging, remotedebugging Implement test plans under supervision to show that a test plan is implementable in practice and implementation conforms to the plan. Develop and use simple acceptance criteria. Apply and maintain procedures and security controls to ensure confidentiality, integrityand availability Use collaboration tools and technologies for source and version control to enable workingtogether on common projects, regardless of physical location, Follow instructions to ensure client data is held securely under supervision e.g., not using personally identifiable information in test systems, making sure personal actions comply with ICO regulations Use collaboration tools and technologies for writing technical documentation for, and adapting to, specific audience(s). e.g., technical, non-technical, internal, external Your training plan Apprenticeship Overview Expected duration: 19 months Apprenticeship level: Advanced (Level 3) Programme: Software Development Technician During this apprenticeship, you will follow a fully supported training programme with LearnTech, delivered through combined weekly remote classroom-based training, workplace assessment/training and online learning, working towards completing the Software Development Technician standard. The training covers the following core occupational duties: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st0128-v1-1 Requirements Desirable qualifications GCSE in: IT/Computer Science (grade 4) Maths (grade 4) BTEC in: IT (grade Pass) Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know. Skills IT skills Attention to detail Problem solving skills Analytical skills Logical Interest in AI Other requirements Pilot Generative AI's philosophy centres on equal opportunities and achieving the potential of ourselves. We have experience and understanding of neuro-divergence and a desire to make our business a centre of excellence at unlocking the potential of all of our workforce. We are actively seeking applications from candidates from all backgrounds. About this company Pilot Generative AI is working on the research and development of next-generation AI models and associated applications. The company is focusing on niche opportunities to research AI models which deviate from the mainstream, and to deploy highly-customised models into specific corporate and educational settings. http://pilotgenerativeai.com (opens in new tab) Company benefits Includes pension and healthcare. Disability Confident A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions. You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview. After this apprenticeship The opportunity to learn up to level 7 (e.g. masters degree or equivalent in AI or Computer Science) will be available. Ask a question The contact for this apprenticeship is: PILOT GENERATIVE AI LIMITED Peter Chatwell peter@pilotgenerativeai.com The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000316355.