<p paraeid="{29895f9a-e38b-4c50-a41f-55d714360e13}{244}" paraid="1813203013">Are you interested in pursuing a career in Software Development? Read our top tips on how you can get started today!&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{29895f9a-e38b-4c50-a41f-55d714360e13}{250}" paraid="728997367"><strong>What does a Software Developer do?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{1}" paraid="1097543939">Software Developers are an essential part of our ever-expanding digital world, but what do they actually do? Well, the simplest answer is, a lot! Software Developers’ work is vast and diverse. That film you watched on Netflix last night? The tweet you just sent from your phone? The new video game you cannot wait to play? All of that is thanks to Software Developers!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{21}" paraid="1956950506">Software Developers use their specialist programming skills to design, develop and test new software. This could be for a variety of areas - from online shopping retailers like ASOS, to social media platforms like <a href="https://twitter.com/westoncollege?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eser…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@westoncollege?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_devic…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">TikTok</a>. The job of a Software Developer is to ensure the user’s experience always reaches optimum levels by creating code, fixing bugs and continuously assessing the software to make improvements and adaptations.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{47}" paraid="221516850">Average Software Developer salary: £24K - £70K (According to <a href="https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/software-developer&…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Gov.uk</a>)&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{58}" paraid="1231131503">Software Developer jobs:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<ul role="list">
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-listid="6" role="listitem">
<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{66}" paraid="1197772058">Applications Developer&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-listid="6" role="listitem">
<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{73}" paraid="728276009">Web Designer&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-listid="6" role="listitem">
<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{80}" paraid="861960613">Game Developer&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-listid="6" role="listitem">
<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{80}" paraid="861960613">Software Engineer&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ul>

<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{94}" paraid="643415099">Does this sound like your kind of job? Read on to find out how to get there!&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{100}" paraid="87897007"><strong>The Best Place to Start&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{106}" paraid="1534588590">To begin your journey towards a career in Software Development, find a course that will start from the beginning and support you to learn and hone the skills you need. Our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">T Level in Digital: Production, Design and Development</a> or <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/computing-and-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Software Development Technician Apprenticeship</a> would be great places to start! A lot of jobs in the industry also require degree level education to access those higher progression routes. Luckily, there are a number of relevant courses available here in Weston-super-Mare through <a href="http://www.ucw.ac.uk/&quot; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">University Centre Weston</a> (UCW): <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/applied-computing-bsc-hons/&quot; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">BSc (Hons) Applied Computing</a> and <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/ux-degree-apprenticeship/&quot; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Digital User Experience (UX) Degree Apprenticeship.</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{162}" paraid="843162280">The BSc (Hons) Applied computing programme is a full-time 3 year degree that is delivered in partnership with the <a href="https://www.weiot.ac.uk/&quot; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">West of England Institute of Technology</a> – designed to collaboratively tackle skill shortages by providing relevant courses that directly link to industry demands.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{177}" paraid="2105758196"><strong>Decide on Your Goals&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{183}" paraid="802696426">Before you embark on your Software Development journey, have a think about where you see yourself in 3-5 years time. Do you want to work for an education provider or a game development company? Would you prefer to work in an office or remotely? Maybe you see yourself working freelance or for an agency?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{196}" paraid="1881933695">Deciding what you want out of your career will help you navigate your training. Perhaps you need to think about a specific area you should develop your skills in. For example, if you want to pursue a career in a marketing, do you need to grow your understanding of <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-general-data-pr…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">GDPR</a> and how information is properly stored?&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{225}" paraid="354514992">Once you have a clear idea of where you want to go, you can streamline and personalise your training or studies to better suit your goals.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{238}" paraid="2088080556"><strong>Learn the Language&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p paraeid="{04f98b2e-2377-4cec-9ce1-a64a334218b4}{244}" paraid="890641243">One of the most crucial ingredients in becoming a Software Developer is learning a programming language! For a successful career in this industry, you will need a good core understanding of one or more of the following: &nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<a href="https://dev.java/&quot; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Java</a> - is a programming language that works across a multitude of platforms including Android and the internet – primarily used for developing server-side applications.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<a href="https://www.python.org/&quot; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Python</a> – Generally considered the simplest and easiest to learn, Python is an excellent place to start if you’re new to the world of programming!&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
C/C++ - Used for a wide range of programming including software engineering, data structures, game programming, developing browsers, operating systems and applications.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<a href="https://www.scala-lang.org/&quot; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Scala</a> – Developed as a 'new and improved’ version of Java, Scala is an object-oriented language used for functional programming and strong static systems.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{34}" paraid="569291957"><strong>Find Your Niche&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{40}" paraid="618617865">While you study and improve your skills in the art of developing software, start to consider what you, as a Software Developer, want your niche to be. A niche is essentially a specialism – something that you’re great at, that will make employers and clients want YOU.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{60}" paraid="561003717">Maybe you want to progress into a career in web design, so gaining a fully comprehensive flare in <a href="https://wordpress.com/&quot; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Wordpress</a> or other content management systems (CMS) like <a href="https://www.squarespace.com/&quot; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Squarespace</a> or <a href="https://www.wix.com/&quot; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Wix</a> would be great for your portfolio!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{88}" paraid="782770494">Here are some more examples of areas you might find your niche:&nbsp;</p>

<ul role="list">
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Calibri" data-leveltext="-" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-listid="5" role="listitem">
<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{94}" paraid="1894416510">App Design/Development&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Calibri" data-leveltext="-" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-listid="5" role="listitem">
<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{101}" paraid="724889038">Data Science&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Calibri" data-leveltext="-" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-listid="5" role="listitem">
<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{108}" paraid="851549104">Cybersecurity&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ul>

<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{115}" paraid="28082540"><strong>Produce Your Portfolio&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{125}" paraid="1151863649">Make sure you’re collating everything you create into a portfolio! Think of your portfolio as an extension of your CV, something that will let you say, “I am an incredible Software Developer, and this is why!”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{145}" paraid="2069266814">As you progress and develop, start to refine and curate your portfolio to reflect your absolute best work – ensuring that work is in-line with the Software Development jobs you want to apply for.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{174}" paraid="177885938">What should my portfolio include?&nbsp;</p>

<ul role="list">
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-listid="8" role="listitem">
<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{180}" paraid="515763748">Name and contact information&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-listid="8" role="listitem">
<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{187}" paraid="182654323">Link to your CV&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-listid="8" role="listitem">
<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{187}" paraid="182654323">Examples of your highest quality work&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ul>

<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{201}" paraid="193738234">&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{205}" paraid="1766085696">If you stick to these top tips, along with committing time and effort into your studies, you’ll be a Software Developer before you know it!&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{218}" paraid="821929881">To explore our options in Computing and Digital Technologies <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">click here</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{229}" paraid="2058768490">To find out more about UCW’s Higher Education opportunities in Software Development, <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/subject/computing-and-digital-technologies/&quot; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">click here</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{5d6b9ca8-c47f-402c-a14c-89d53f6ea3a5}{240}" paraid="1674936585">&nbsp;</p>

<p>The West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT) has announced plans to expand its course offering to learners and employers across the region, through the opening of the Bristol Training Institute in central Bristol from September.</p>

<p>The WEIoT, a Weston College-led collaboration of regional education providers and employers, has a commitment to driving an increase in higher level technical skills in the region through high-quality training provision, working closely with industry to meet the evolving skills needs of employers.</p>

<p>With Bristol being one of the largest hubs for digital and professional services industries outside of London, the new centre, named as the Bristol Training Institute, will offer courses tailored to the specific needs of employers in the city region. The Bristol Training Institute will be based in the heart of the city at 12, Colston Avenue, the former office of the Bristol Law Society.</p>

<p>Courses available from September will include a brand new Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ) in Computing (Software Engineering), Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship BSc (Hons), Computing Access to HE programme for those wishing to study at university, but currently do not have the qualifications to do so, and innovative Digital Skills Bootcamps for Coding (Python), Data (Azure) skills. In addition, recognising the need to upskill managers to drive digital change in organisations as they evolve, the centre will offer ILM Team Leading qualifications.</p>

<p>Accessibility is a focus of the WEIoT, which brings education providers together to deliver the skills required by employers. The development of the Bristol Training Institute, offering training based in central Bristol, will enable both learners and employers from across the city to access the unique industry-specific training, which will complement existing training provision in the city.</p>

<p>This new central Bristol location will witness a refurbishment to develop a state-of-the-art digital training hub across two floors, with three training rooms including a boardroom, and two conference training rooms all including smartboard facilities and laptop stations. The Institute will have a secure data connection, utilising high-quality digital technology resources to enable access to learning.</p>

<p>Sir Paul Phillips, Principal and CEO of the Weston College Group, who are also the lead College for the West of England Institute of Technology commented:</p>

<p>“The Bristol Training Institute marks another exciting development for the West of England Institute of Technology which is supporting a drive to increase the number of people engaged in higher level technical skills training, supporting learners in the region to secure and progress in high-quality jobs. Bristol has a strong demand for digital skills training, and we have worked with employers, key stakeholders and communities in the region to truly understand how the IoT can offer a training solution that complements existing provision in the city.</p>

<p>“The courses offered are based on what the economy and local communities need and our mission is that our students on completion of their programmes will have the best possible career prospects, whilst employers can benefit from a new talent pool, plus use the Institute as a way to develop and upskill their existing workforce.</p>

<p>“The Bristol Training Institute will be a destination to study in the heart of the city, and we wanted to ensure our logo emulated this, so we took a brand mark of the River Avon, alongside key Bristol landmarks and gave it a contemporary and professional look.”</p>

<p><img alt="Bristol Training Institute logo explained" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="52144df1-318a-4754-bf81-ee7fddfd4e85" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/BTI%20Logo%20Explainer.png" /></p>

<p>To find out more about what’s on offer please visit: <a href="http://www.bristol-training.co.uk">www.bristol-training.co.uk</a></p&gt;