Apprenticeship Week

# Apprenticeship Week [TOC] # Skills ## Level 4 Standards ### :8ball: Data Analyst (L4) - identify, collect and migrate data to/from a range of internal and external systems - manipulate and link different data sets as required - interpret and apply the organisations data and information security standards, policies and procedures to data management activities - collect and compile data from different sources - perform database queries across multiple tables to extract data for analysis - perform routine statistical analyses and ad-hoc queries - use a range of analytical techniques such as data mining, time series forecasting and modelling techniques to identify and predict trends and patterns in data - assist production of performance dashboards and reports - assist with data quality checking and cleansing - apply the tools and techniques for data analysis, data visualisation and presentation - assist with the production of a range of ad-hoc and standard data analysis reports - summarise and present the results of data analysis to a range of stakeholders making recommendations - works with the organisation's data architecture ### :hammer: Software Developer (L4) - writes good quality code (logic) with sound syntax in at least one language (Logic) - can develop effective user interfaces for at least one channel (UI) - can effectively link code to the database/data sets (Data) - can test code and analyse results to correct errors found using either V-model manual testing and/or using unit testing (Test) - can apply structured techniques to problem solving, can debug code and can understand the structure of programmes in order to identify and resolve issues (Problem Solving) - can create simple data models and software designs to effectively communicate understanding of the program, following best practices and standards (Design) - can understand and create basic analysis artefacts, such as user cases and/or user stories (Analysis) - can understand and utilise skills to build, manage and deploy code into enterprise environments (Deployment) - can operate at all stages of the software development lifecycle, with increasing breadth and depth over time with initial focus on build and test. (SDLC) - Can apply good practice approaches according to the relevant paradigm (for example object oriented, event driven or procedural) - Can interpret and follow: - software designs and functional/technical specifications - company defined ‘coding standards’ or industry good practice for coding - testing frameworks and methodologies - company, team or client approaches to continuous integration, version and source control - Can respond to the business environment and business issues related to software development - Can operate effectively in their own business’s, their customers’ and the industry’s environments - Can apply the maths required to be a software developer (e.g. algorithms, logic and data structures) ### :briefcase: Information System Business Analyst L4 *NB. Nobody in this cohort is enrolled on this standard, however it is the closest level 4 equivalent of the L6 Tech Consulting Specialism, and anyone doing that specialism should familiarise themselves with this.* - Apply structured techniques to investigate wants, needs, problems and opportunities - Document the current situation and apply relevant techniques to structure information - Assist in the recommendation of business and IS changes - Model business situations with clearly-defined boundaries using contemporary modelling techniques and digital modelling tools - Analyse business process models to identify opportunities for improvement - Redesign business process models using different scenarios and different solution models - Elicit requirements from stakeholders to identify business and user needs - Analyse, validate, prioritise and document functional and non-functional requirements for business situations - Identify data requirements relating to business improvement - Assist in the management and controlled change of requirements - Create data models to illustrate how data is represented within a business system - Revise the data model in accordance with different proposed solutions - Compare current and future state business situations with a view to developing a roadmap for business improvement - Define acceptance tests for business change and IS solutions - Identify stakeholders impacted by a proposed change, understand their perspectives and assess how their interests are best managed - Assess and document the drivers, costs, benefits and impacts of a proposed business change ## Level 6 Standards ### :zero: Solutions Professional Core L6 - is able to critically analyse a business domain in order to identify the role of information systems, highlight issues and identify opportunities for improvement through evaluating information systems in relation to their intended purpose and effectiveness. (Information Systems) - analyses business and technical requirements to select and specify appropriate technology solutions. (Systems Development) - Designs, implements, tests, and debugs software to meet requirements using contemporary methods including agile development. (Systems Development) - Manages the development and assurance of software artefacts applying secure development practises to ensure system resilience. (Systems Development) - Configures and deploys solutions to end users. (Systems Development) - identifies organisational information requirements and can model data solutions using conceptual data modelling techniques. (Data) - is able to implement a database solution using an industry standard database management system. (Data) - can perform database administration tasks and is cognisant of the key concepts of data quality and data security. (Data) - is able to manage data effectively and undertake data analysis. (Data) - can undertake a security risk assessment for a simple IT system and propose resolution advice. (Cyber Security) - can identify, analyse and evaluate security threats and hazards to planned and installed information systems or services (e.g. Cloud services). (Cyber Security) - can apply organisational theory, change management, marketing, strategic practice, human resource management and IT service management to technology solutions development. (Business Organisation) - develops well- reasoned investment proposals and provides business insights. (Business Organisation) - follows a systematic methodology for initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing technology solutions projects. (IT Project Management) - applies industry standard processes, methods, techniques and tools to execute projects. (IT Project Management) - is able to manage a project (typically less than six months, no inter-dependency with other projects and no strategic impact) including identifying and resolving deviations and the management of problems and escalation processes. (IT Project Management) - can plan, design and manage computer networks with an overall focus on the services and capabilities that network infrastructure solutions enable in an organisational context. (Computer and Network Infrastructure) - identifies network security risks and their resolution. (Computer and Network Infrastructure) ### :hammer: Software Engineer Specialism (L6) - Create effective and secure software solutions using contemporary software development languages to deliver the full range of functional and non-functional requirements using relevant development methodologies. - Undertake analysis and design to create artefacts, such as use cases to produce robust software designs. - Produce high quality code with sound syntax in at least one language following best practices and standards. - Perform code reviews, debugging and refactoring to improve code quality and efficiency. - Test code to ensure that the functional and non-functional requirements have been met. - Deliver software solutions using industry standard build processes, and tools for configuration management, version control and software build, release and deployment into enterprise environments. ### :8ball: Data Analyst Specialism (L6) - Import, cleanse, transform, and validate data with the purpose of understanding or making conclusions from the data for business decision making purposes. - Present data visualisation using charts, graphs, tables, and more sophisticated visualisation tools. - Perform routine statistical analyses and ad-hoc queries. - Use a range of analytical techniques such as data mining, time series forecasting and modelling techniques to identify and predict trends and patterns in data. - Report on conclusions gained from analysing data using a range of statistical software tools. - Summarise and present results to a range of stakeholders making recommendations. ### :briefcase: Technology Consultant Specialism (L6) - Perform technical process improvement tasks in a range of environments to solve business problems. - Present optimised solutions to improve business process and workflows through improved technology. - Recommend options based upon risks, costs vs benefits, and impact on other business processes. - Participate in walk-throughs for IT, to identify and document key risks within a client’s organisation. - Support training of end-users in preparation for system activation. - Evaluate the success of a new system, process, initiative, etc. # Knowledge ## Level 4 ### :hammer: Software Developer (L4) Understands and operates at all stages of the software development lifecycle Understands the similarities and differences (taking into account positives and negatives of both approaches) between agile and waterfall software development methodologies Understands how teams work effectively to produce software and contributes appropriately Understands and applies software design approaches and patterns and can interpret and implement a given design, compliant with security and maintainability requirements Understands and responds to the business environment and business issues related to software development Understands and applies the maths required to be a software developer (eg algorithms, logic and data structures) ### :8ball: Data Analyst (L4) the range of data protection and legal issues the data life cycle the different types of data, including open and public data, administrative data, and research data the differences between structured and unstructured data the fundamentals of data structures, database system design, implementation and maintenance the importance of the domain context for data analytics the quality issues that can arise with data and how to avoid and/or resolve these the importance of clearly defining customer requirements for data analysis the processes and tools used for data integration the steps involved in carrying out routine data analysis tasks how to use and apply industry standard tools and methods for data analysis ### :briefcase: IS Business Analyst (L4) *NB. Nobody in this cohort is enrolled on this standard, however it is the closest level 4 equivalent of the L6 Tech Consulting Specialism, and anyone doing that specialism should familiarise themselves with this.* - How to conduct internal and external environmental analysis of an industry domain - How business change and system development lifecycles work, including the use of appropriate methodologies and impact of organisational culture - The role of the IS Business Analyst and its relationship with other roles on a business change initiative including those with system development responsibility - The value of Business Analysis in improving the IS system performance of an organisation - What is meant by IS Business Analysis and the stages of activity that constitute it - The procedures, tools and techniques that can be used to conduct all stages of IS Business analysis - The approach to investment appraisal, benefits realisation and management - The purpose and value of quality assurance techniques - The role and application of contemporary modelling software and techniques in modelling the current and proposed business processes - How to scope, plan and manage Business Analysis tasks - How to document options, proposals and plans arising from a specified IT Business Analysis assignment and the sign-off process - The importance of communicating effectively and in a timely manner with a range of stakeholders during an IS Business Analysis assignment ## Level 6 ### :zero: Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Core (L6) - How business exploits technology solutions for competitive advantage. - The value of technology investments and how to formulate a business case for a new technology solution, including estimation of both costs and benefits. - Contemporary techniques for design, developing, testing, correcting, deploying and documenting software systems from specifications, using agreed standards and tools. - How teams work effectively to produce technology solutions. - The role of data management systems in managing organisational data and information. - Common vulnerabilities in computer networks including unsecure coding and unprotected networks. - The various roles, functions and activities related to technology solutions within an organisation. - How strategic decisions are made concerning acquiring technology solutions resources and capabilities including the ability to evaluate the different sourcing options. - How to deliver a technology solutions project accurately consistent with business needs. - The issues of quality, cost and time for projects, including contractual obligations and resource constraints. ### :hammer: Software Engineer Specialism (L6) - How to operate at all stages of the software development lifecycle. - How teams work effectively to develop software solutions embracing agile and other development approaches. - How to apply software analysis and design approaches. - How to interpret and implement a design, compliant with functional, non-functional and security requirements. - How to perform functional and unit testing. - How to use and apply the range of software tools used in Software engineering. ### :8ball: Data Analyst Specialism (L6) - The quality issues that can arise with data and how to avoid and/or resolve these. - The processes involved in carrying out data analysis projects. - How to use and apply industry standard tools and methods for data analysis. - The range of data protection and legal issues. - The fundamentals of data structures, database system design, implementation and maintenance. - The organisation's data architecture. ### :briefcase: Technology Consultant Specialism (L6) - How consulting ties into project management, business analysis and business management. - The barriers to solving problems or maximizing opportunities. - How to present recommendations and influence action. - The different structured process approaches for digital technology consulting. - How to frame/define business problems objectively before solving them. - How to discover hidden requirements using probing techniques to establish trust, using open and closed questions effectively, and avoiding leading questions. # Behaviours ### :hammer: Software Developer (L4) - Logical and creative thinking skills - Analytical and problem solving skills - Ability to work independently and to take responsibility - Can use own initiative - A thorough and organised approach - Ability to work with a range of internal and external people - Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of situations - Maintain productive, professional and secure working environment ### :8ball: Data Analyst (L4) - Logical and creative thinking skills - Analytical and problem solving skills - Ability to work independently and to take responsibility - Can use own initiative - A thorough and organised approach - Ability to work with a range of internal and external people - Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of situations - Maintain productive, professional and secure working environment ### :briefcase: IS Business Analyst (L4) - Logical and creative thinking skills to help solve business change challenges - Analytical and problem solving skills within IS and business change environments - Ability to work independently and to take responsibility appropriate to the role - Can use own initiative in a range of IS business change situations - A thorough and organised approach: planning analysis activities in line with business priorities - Ability to work with a range of internal and external people impacted by IS business change - Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of situations such as IS business change workshops and interviews - Maintain productive, professional and secure working environment within relevant organisational and legislative requirements ### :zero: Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (L6) - Fluent in written communications and able to articulate complex issues. - Makes concise, engaging and well-structured verbal presentations, arguments and explanations. - Able to deal with different, competing interests within and outside the organisation with excellent negotiation skills. - Is able to identify the preferences, motivations, strengths and limitations of other people and apply these insights to work more effectively with and to motivate others. - Competent in active listening and in leading, influencing and persuading others. - Able to give and receive feedback constructively and incorporate it into his/her own development and life-long learning. - Applies analytical and critical thinking skills to Technology Solutions development and to systematically analyse and apply structured problem solving techniques to complex systems and situations. - Able to put forward, demonstrate value and gain commitment to a moderately complex technology-oriented solution, demonstrating understanding of business need, using open questions and summarising skills and basic negotiating skills. - Able to conduct effective research, using literature and other media, into IT and business related topics. - Have demonstrated that they have mastered basic business disciplines, ethics and courtesies, demonstrating timeliness and focus when faced with distractions and the ability to complete tasks to a deadline with high quality. - Flexible attitude. - Ability to perform under pressure. - A thorough approach to work. - Logical thinking and creative approach to problem solving.