Level 4 Software Developer & Engineer Apprenticeship - HMRC - EO

Location

Edinburgh Regional Centre - Queen Elizabeth House
Manchester Regional Centre - Three New Bailey
Glasgow Regional Centre - Atlantic Square

About the job

Job summary

Discover a career in your hands at HMRC. Whether you're seeking purpose, growth, or a workplace that gives you a true sense of belonging, hear from some of our employees as they share their story about what it’s really like to work at HMRC.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch the full series and come and discover your potential.

Are you passionate about technology and eager to make a real difference? Join us as a Software Developer/Engineer Apprentice and kickstart your career by developing innovative digital solutions whilst contributing to vital service that support the nation.

This is more than just an apprenticeship — it’s your gateway into a meaningful career where cutting-edge tech meets public service. You’ll be part of dynamic teams working on exciting projects like single sign-on technology, Borders and Trade innovations, and future-focused initiatives.

This role provides comprehensive training and development opportunities. you’ll gain valuable qualifications while experiencing the variety of roles and responsibilities available within our organisation.

Join us in our mission to serve the nation whilst building your career in technology with great working conditions and a true sense of belonging.

Job description

The Level 4 Software Developer/Engineer Apprenticeship at HMRC offers an exceptional opportunity to begin your technology career within the public sector. This role combines hands-on software development experience with structured learning, enabling you to contribute to critical government digital services whilst developing your professional skills. you’ll work alongside experienced developers on innovative projects that directly impact millions of citizens and businesses across the UK.

As an apprentice, you’ll be involved in designing, developing, and maintaining software applications that support HMRC's core functions. This includes working on modern digital platforms, contributing to system improvements, and participating in the full software development lifecycle. The role provides exposure to various technologies and methodologies used in large-scale government systems.

The position offers a supportive learning environment where you’ll receive mentorship from senior colleagues whilst pursuing formal qualifications. you’ll have opportunities to work across different projects and teams, gaining broad experience in software development practices, quality assurance, and user-focused design principles.

This apprenticeship is designed to provide a solid foundation for a long-term career in technology within the Civil Service, with clear progression pathways and ongoing development opportunities. you’ll be part of a diverse, inclusive team committed to delivering excellent public services through innovative technology solutions.

Breakdown of Apprenticeship:

You'll have round-the-clock support from managers, coaches, fellow apprentices, and the Data Analyst community. With experienced mentors guiding your journey, you'll master the latest best practices while forming meaningful connections.

With 20% time reserved for training, you'll earn while progressing towards completion of an 18–24-month apprenticeship.

Important to Know:

A condition of your employment is the successful completion of your apprenticeship within the expected duration of 18 months. Failure to meet this requirement may result in HMRC removing you from the Apprenticeship Programme and/or terminating your employment.

Your training requirements and probation period will run concurrently. If you do not successfully complete your probation and/or the apprenticeship—where it is a specific requirement of your role—your employment with HMRC may be subject to termination.

Your manager will provide you with further details about the training programme, including the structure of assessments and, where applicable, the number of permitted attempts to pass, if they have not already done so.  

If you're under 19, you’ll need GCSEs at grade C/4 or above in Maths and English, or Functional Skills Level 2. If you don’t have these yet, you must be willing to complete them during your apprenticeship.

To assess your eligibility for the apprenticeship, QA, our approved learning provider will conduct some initial checks before HMRC can confirm your successful offer onto this apprenticeship. This will require HMRC sharing your contact details with the learning provider who will contact you directly. Information is gathered in accordance with the Education and Skills Funding Authority (ESFA) guidance.

Please note that candidates who are successful at interview will be placed on a temporary hold status. This is to allow our QA to complete their owen internal checks. Once these checks have been successfully completed and passed, the candidates will then proceed to complete their pre-employment checks with HMRC.

Person specification

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software applications under supervision through paired programming.

• Participate in code reviews and testing processes.

• Contribute to project planning and delivery activities.

• Support system documentation and user guidance materials.

• Help identify and resolve live service issues following agreed procedures.

• Learn how to apply modern development standards in everything you do.

Essential Criteria

• Completed a Level 3 Software Development Apprenticeship with QA or have an equivalent qualification with another training provider

• OR an A-level in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) subject and a successful completion of our aptitude test

• OR a BTEC Diploma in IT and a successful completion of our aptitude test

• OR 2 years’ experience in a relevant role and successful completion of our aptitude test

Who can apply for an apprenticeship?

To start an apprenticeship, you’ll need to be:

• 16 or over
  
  
• Have the right to live and work in the UK, with valid ID (passport or birth certificate) and a National Insurance number.
  
  
• Have lived in the UK or EEA for at least 3 years prior to starting.
  
  
• Be out of full-time education (or finishing this academic year).
  
  
• Not be enrolled in another apprenticeship or receiving DfE funding for another course.
  
  
• Be able to work at least 30 hours per week (or follow an extended apprenticeship if part-time).

You can apply for an apprenticeship (opens in a new window) while you’re still at school but you’ll need to be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start the apprenticeship.

Please note - if successful you must be 16 or over to undergo the relevant security checks.

Qualifications

• Completed a Level 3 Software Development Apprenticeship with QA or have an equivalent qualification with another training provider

• OR an A-level in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) subject and a successful completion of our aptitude test

• OR a BTEC Diploma in IT and a successful completion of our aptitude test

• OR 2 years’ experience in a relevant role and successful completion of our aptitude test