Credit: Chris Young/PA Wire/PA Images

The Department for Work and Pensions is launching an apprenticeship scheme for digital professionals.

The organisation’s DWP Digital arm is opening the programme by offering up to 20 software-engineering positions at its offices in Manchester and Newcastle. More roles will be offered in the future at the department’s base in Blackpool. The DWP also said that, for the time being, recruits will be given the opportunity to work remotely.

Apprentices can study with one of the department’s training providers towards a professional qualification, while working on government projects. They will benefit from working with a “dedicated skills coach”, the DWP said, as well as regular meetings with departmental colleagues. 

Related content

• Inside DWP’s digital coronavirus response – APIs, reuse and micro-services
• Qualified success – how apprentices are making a big impact at HMRC
• DWP and HMRC staff rack up 16 years of service on average, data reveals

Upon successful completion of the learning process, apprentices will be appointed to a permanent role in the department, with a salary of £27,565. 

“The apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity to gain technical skills in software development, building responsive web apps, using big data and analytics, micro-services and APIs,” the DWP said. “Apprentices will ultimately gain the key skills they need for a career in software engineering. Once the apprenticeship is complete there’ll be ongoing opportunities to continue with professional development and to explore promotion options in DWP Digital and other government departments.”

The department said that the work it carries out requires “a diverse mix of cultures, perspectives, experience, skills and ideas”.

“So, applications from underrepresented groups such as BAME and LGBT+ are actively encouraged, as are applications from women – helping redress the gender balance in the tech industry,” it added.