Computer Science Apprenticeships
What are the best apprenticeships for computer scientists?
Do you speak code? Do you know your Full-Stack from your Frontend?
Read on for all the information on computer science apprenticeships and the many related careers you could enter.
Why CompSci is useful for Apprenticeships
Digital information is a valuable commodity and the systems that store, send, and record data require clever people to create and manage them. This is called computer science.
Computer science is a branch of computing and digital engineering. The others include ICT and digital, computer engineering, information systems, and software engineering. Although they may seem to refer to the same thing, computer science focuses on how computers process information, examining all the components that determine how data is processed.
It is estimated that the UK government will require 3 million people to be skilled in technology by 2025. Industries needing trained computer scientists include healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and hospitality.
UK companies and global organisations offer a wide range of computer science apprenticeships, designed to fill the skills gap and create career opportunities for computer-literate candidates.
Transferable skills
An affinity for computers can give you an edge over a less tech-savvy competitor no matter which industry you ultimately find yourself in. Many careers also deal directly with computer science.
From Artificial Intelligence to computer engineering, computer science is about understanding the systems and data many machines run on. Analysing data is a skill that can be transferred to many businesses and disciplines.
Businesses need someone who can fix and improve their digital systems to ensure smooth day-to-day performance. Companies and organisations also seek those with the vision to create new systems, better data structures, and more sophisticated AI.
You can find apprenticeships across the UK that will enhance your digital skills and enable you to get your foot in the door of a career in computer science.
Intermediate roles
If you will soon leave school and do not want to take the traditional route into higher education (college then university), you should consider an intermediate apprenticeship.
The entry-level apprenticeship programmes in the UK, intermediate apprenticeships are confusingly also known as ‘Level 2 apprenticeships’. Perfect for school leavers, they enable young people or those wanting to change careers, to take their first step in a career that may not otherwise be open to them. In this case, computer science.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for any UK apprenticeship, you must:
- Be 16 or older
- Not be in full-time education
- Have the right to live and work in the UK
The UK Government part-funds 1,000s of apprenticeships in various fields of study every year. National and international companies with a UK presence pay the remainder. In return, they can upskill an existing employee, or hire an apprentice to learn on the job.
UK apprenticeships must comply with national standards, but each provider may also have specific requirements.
To apply for an intermediate computer science apprenticeship, you will typically need good GCSE passes in ICT, maths, and English.
However, such grades are not always a dealbreaker. Some companies will include provisions for you to complete any outstanding qualifications during the first year of your apprenticeship.
Qualifications gained
Not only do apprenticeships enable you to ‘earn as you learn’, but you will also earn a nationally recognised qualification. With a level 2 apprenticeship, you will achieve the equivalent of 5 good GCSE passes.
Interesting Level 2 computer science apprenticeships include:
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Advanced/Higher/Degree targeted at A-Level
When you have completed an intermediate apprenticeship, one option is to continue your studies in your chosen field by applying for an advanced (Level 3), higher (Levels 4 and 5), or degree-level (Levels 6 and 7) apprenticeship.
The higher the level of apprenticeship, the higher the qualification awarded at the end of the programme, reflected in pay and position within the company.
Entry Requirements
You will likely need GCSEs in ICT, maths, and English for advanced computer science eligibility. Depending on the role, you may also need a good grade at GCSE in a specialism, such as data science or computer engineering.
Higher and degree computer science apprenticeships will typically require A levels in maths and a specialism such as those noted above.
Personality traits that may indicate suitability for a career in computer science, include attention to detail; an analytic mind, being goal orientated and an affinity for computer languages.
Qualifications gained
The qualifications for each apprenticeship level after intermediate are as follows:
- Advanced apprenticeship = 2 A-Level passes.
- Higher apprenticeship = a foundation degree
- Degree apprenticeship = a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, depending on your level of study.
Advanced, higher and degree computer science apprenticeships include:
- Level 7 AI and Data Science Apprenticeship – CambridgeSpark
- Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship – University of Exeter
- Software Developer Apprenticeship – Founders and Coders
Industry Focus
One aspect of computer science is computer engineering, dealing with the interfaces and programming languages that many computer systems run on. Backend engineering deals primarily with computer languages, such as Java, Python and PHP. Frontend engineering is concerned with user interfaces and the markup languages they use, such as Javascript and CSS. Fullstack Engineering simply combines the two with other web and computer science.
Companies such as Amazon and Estio offer software engineering apprenticeships at various levels.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming ubiquitous in many aspects of our everyday lives. From customer service to art and literature, AI is gaining prominence and becoming more sophisticated. As such, people who can continue to develop, test, and improve computer systems to perform human tasks and activities are in demand.
Teesside University is one of the leading providers of AI and computer science apprenticeships.
Data scientists and systems analysts both focus on analysing data, just different kinds and to different ends. Data scientists collate and evaluate data to get a clear picture and propose data-driven solutions. Systems analysts study a system to identify any issues or areas for growth or improvement where solutions can be implemented.
Companies such as BAE Systems offer several relevant apprenticeships.
Other Opportunities
- Network and computer systems administrator
- Animator
- Video game designer
- Information security analyst
- Health information technician
- Application Developer
- UX designer
- Computer network architect
Conclusion
This is just a quick outline of some of the computer science apprenticeships available to you, and the careers they could lead to.
To find computer science apprenticeships in your area, use our subject and location search filters.
If you have any questions, about UK apprenticeships, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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