2027 Apprentice - Digital (Software Development) - Belfast

Location: Belfast, gb Department: Early careers Employment Type: {'id': 'permanent', 'label': 'Full-time'}

Company Description

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future.

As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity.

Our teams of interdisciplinary experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results.

We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists. And we have deep expertise in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport.

Our teams operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands.

PA. Bringing Ingenuity to Life.

Job Description

PA are delighted to be recruiting digital apprentices into our Belfast location again in 2027, building on the continued success of the programme. We can offer you unique opportunities to develop your skills and gain hands-on software development experience on some of the most the complex digital initiatives, where you’ll be using contemporary coding platforms and modern tooling – working alongside our top digital talent. First, a little bit about us and what we believe in.

As strategies, technologies and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity. In the ever-evolving landscape of digital technologies, including the transformative realm of artificial intelligence (AI),

we believe that embracing digital has changed businesses forever. Organisations that have embraced digital, including the integration of AI, are leading their industry and influencing others – and those that haven’t are falling behind.

We work alongside clients across a broad range of sectors including Government, Health, Financial Services, Consumer, Defence and Transport, to help them take the opportunities of digital and data innovation for their customers, people, and organisations. Joining us as an Apprentice, you will work on a variety of real-life client projects delivering innovative software or data-driven solutions to our clients' most critical business needs.

During your time on the Apprenticeship at PA, you’ll learn much of what it takes to be a top-notch software developer and consultant. You’ll be coached and guided by experts and have countless opportunities to broaden your experience on challenging projects and programmes. Whatever you work on, you’ll be part of the team and free to grow your networks, both here at PA and far beyond.

We have partnered with the University of Ulster, where you will study part-time for a Computing Science BSc ( https://www.ulster.ac.uk/courses/202526/computing-systems-36167) alongside your apprenticeship in PA.

You will be required to secure a place on this course to begin your apprenticeship with PA. Your application to UU is separate to your application to PA, and you must apply directly with UU to secure a place on their degree course. We will not be able to apply for you.

Key Responsibilities

Working with a team of experienced software developers and consultants to understand client requirements and develop custom software solutions

Learning and implementing new technologies and software development best practices

Participating in code reviews and ensuring high levels of code quality

Participating in meetings with clients to understand their requirements and provide solutions

Writing documentation and conduct training sessions to clients

Continuously improving your skills and knowledge in software development

Assessment process

First Stage Assessments

Application form

Online Assessments

Shortlisting

Final Stage Assessments

Assessment Centre

Final Stage Interviews

Adjustments or accommodations - Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us on [email protected]

Qualifications

We’d like you to bring

Qualifications: Working towards or having achieved CCC in A-levels or equivalent, ideally one in STEM background  - This is aligned with the entry requirements of Ulster University. Please see full eligibility  https://www.ulster.ac.uk/courses/202526/computing-systems-36167

Technical understanding: A passion for technology that features in your personal projects

Technical Skills: Familiarity with a programming language or framework, such as Java, C#/.NET, or JavaScript. Basic understanding of relational and/or non-relational databases. (MS Access, MS SQL, MySQL, MongoDB) and awareness of cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.

Growth-oriented and curious: open to change, driven to succeed, hungry for new challenges, and eager to broaden your understanding of the world.

Collaborative and relationship-focused: thrive in dynamic teams, build strong relationships with clients and peers, and support others to succeed.

Credible and communicative: comfortable in high-performance environments, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Analytical and adaptable: demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, innovative thinking, and the flexibility to adapt your style and approach. A passion for data.

Professional and reliable: show strong workplace etiquette by being punctual, dependable, and respectful of business expectations and office conduct.

Our Offer

The opportunity to work alongside and learn from talented colleagues on real client challenges from the start

The support and coaching to grow your software development skills and experience on real client work, tackling real world technical and business challenges

The opportunity to work across all areas of the development lifecycle, from strate