Software Developer Apprentice

<p>Please do not apply through our website for this position. All applications must go through the FIT recruitment process and meet the FIT Criteria. </p><p>Please apply through this link here - <a target="_blank" href="https://fit.ie/apply-for-ictap-tech-apprenticeship/">Apply for ICTAP Tech Apprenticeship - FIT - Tech Apprenticeships and Courses</a></p><h5><strong>About Zinkworks</strong></h5><p>Zinkworks partners with leading Telecommunications and Financial Services organizations to modernize legacy systems, migrate mission-critical platforms to the cloud, and engineer AI-driven automation. <span>We work with clients across telecommunications, cloud, AI and financial technology. We build practical software solutions while helping people develop strong engineering skills through hands-on learning, teamwork and real project experience. FIT is our training partner for this apprenticeship.</span></p><div><p><span>Our culture is built around three core pillars:</span></p></div><div><p><span><strong>Teamwork</strong>: we support each other, work openly, and succeed as a team. <br><strong>Learning</strong>: we build new skills, take feedback, and improve through practice. <br><strong>Professionalism:</strong> we take responsibility, communicate clearly, and hold ourselves to high standards.</span></p></div><div><p></p><p><span>We are now hiring <strong>Software Developer Apprentices</strong> to join our in-office apprenticeship programme in Athlone.</span></p></div><h5><span>About the Role</span></h5><div><p><span>As a Software Developer Apprentice, you will join a structured training and on-the-job learning programme designed to help you grow into a capable software engineer. You will learn core programming concepts, software development practices, cloud technologies, teamwork skills and professional delivery habits.</span></p></div><div><p><span>The programme combines formal apprenticeship training with FIT and practical, on-the-job experience at Zinkworks.</span></p></div><div><h5><span>What You Will Learn</span></h5></div><div><p><span>You will develop skills across the following areas:</span></p></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Programming Foundations: Python, Java, object-oriented programming, data structures and core software fundamentals</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Data and Databases: SQL, databases, JDBC and working with data-driven applications</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Backend Development: Spring Boot and basic backend application development</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Frontend Basics: HTML, CSS and JavaScript</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Testing and Quality: JUnit, Karate, validation, error handling and writing reliable code</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Cloud Foundations: Google Cloud Platform, Cloud Run, Spanner and GCP exercises</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Deployment and CI/CD: Docker, Docker Compose, deployment basics and GitHub Actions</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>AI and Modern Tools: Google Gemini, Google Agentic Development Kit (ADK), natural language-to-SQL concepts and responsible use of AI tools</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Teamwork and Professional Practice: Scrum, code walkthroughs, feedback, conflict resolution and professional communication</span></p></li></ul></div><div><div><h5><span>Key Responsibilities</span></h5></div><div><p><span>As a Software Developer Apprentice, you will be expected to:</span></p></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Complete all assigned FIT training and homework in a timely manner</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Complete assigned programming exercises and project tasks</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Work as a team to complete projects and solve problems</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Take part in team ceremonies such as daily scrum, planning, reviews and retrospectives</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Ask for help when needed and act on feedback from mentors and tech leads</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Maintain a learning journal or reflection habit where required</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Work professionally with teammates, trainers, mentors and wider Zinkworks staff</span></p></li></ul><h5><span>Our Expectations</span></h5></div><div><p><span>This apprenticeship is a learning opportunity,