How to stand out for a software development apprenticeship without an A-Level in CS?

So I left sixth form in 2022 with ABB and a C in an EPQ, none of which were in CS or a STEM related subject. I'm really passionate for tech and loved coding when I did CS at GCSE, so picked it back up and have been learning C# for a while, doing multiple online courses etc to make sure I understand the language well. However, I've applied to multiple software engineering/development apprenticeships and not even gotten through to an interview stage.

What can I do to stand out and secure one of these apprenticeships?

TIA.

Reply 1

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by flyingfog

To be honest, I think you're really going to struggle. I would have thought that your competition would likely have Maths and/or Computer Science at A level. With no STEM subjects at A level, a potential employer has no evidence that you have the logical / analytical mind required for software development.

I couple of approaches you could try (but they may well be fruitless) is to try to secure an IT support focussed apprenticeship, with a view to moving sideways into development, or to try to demonstrate the skills you have to your potential employer in some way.

That might be contributing to open source projects, writing a programming blog, getting some programming qualifications, etc. (Microsoft used to have some C#-specific qualifications; now the nearest is probably their "Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate".)

However, you're quite likely to be out-gunned qualification-wise anyway. Sorry. :frown:

Reply 2

hermessnow

Original post by DataVenia

To be honest, I think you're really going to struggle. I would have thought that your competition would likely have Maths and/or Computer Science at A level. With no STEM subjects at A level, a potential employer has no evidence that you have the logical / analytical mind required for software development.
I couple of approaches you could try (but they may well be fruitless) is to try to secure an IT support focussed apprenticeship, with a view to moving sideways into development, or to try to demonstrate the skills you have to your potential employer in some way.
That might be contributing to open source projects, writing a programming blog, getting some programming qualifications, etc. (Microsoft used to have some C#-specific qualifications; now the nearest is probably their "Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate".)
However, you're quite likely to be out-gunned qualification-wise anyway. Sorry. :frown:

umm hii!
what if i do my a-levels in Bio, chem and maths? will i still have a chance at an apprenticeship in cs?

Reply 3

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by hermessnow

umm hii!
what if i do my a-levels in Bio, chem and maths? will i still have a chance at an apprenticeship in cs?

Yes. This thread was started by someone who had done no STEM subjects at all at A level, which I felt would be a problem for them. By contrast, all of your subjects are STEM subjects. :smile: