2026 Apprentice - Digital (Software Development) - Belfast

PA are delighted to be recruiting digital apprentices into our Belfast location again in 2026, building on the continued success of the programme. We can offer you unique opportunities to develop your skills and gain hands-on software development experience on some of the most the complex digital initiatives, where you’ll be using contemporary coding platforms and modern tooling – working alongside our top digital talent. First, a little bit about us and what we believe in.  

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future.   

As strategies, technologies and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity. In the ever-evolving landscape of digital technologies, including the transformative realm of artificial intelligence (AI),  

we believe that embracing digital has changed businesses forever. Organisations that have embraced digital, including the integration of AI, are leading their industry and influencing others – and those that haven’t are falling behind.  

We work alongside clients across a broad range of sectors including Government, Health, Financial Services, Consumer, Defence and Transport, to help them take the opportunities of digital and data innovation for their customers, people, and organisations. Joining us as an Apprentice, you will work on a variety of real-life client projects delivering innovative software or data-driven solutions to our clients' most critical business needs.   

During your time on the Apprenticeship at PA, you’ll learn much of what it takes to be a top-notch software developer and consultant. You’ll be coached and guided by experts and have countless opportunities to broaden your experience on challenging projects and programmes. Whatever you work on, you’ll be part of the team and free to grow your networks, both here at PA and far beyond.  

We have partnered with the University of Ulster, where you will study part-time for a Computing Science BSc ( https://www.ulster.ac.uk/courses/202526/computing-systems-36167) alongside your apprenticeship in PA. 

You will be required to secure a place on this course to begin your apprenticeship with PA. Your application to UU is separate to your application to PA, and you must apply directly with UU to secure a place on their degree course. We will not be able to apply for you.  

Key Responsibilities:  

• Working with a team of experienced software developers and consultants to understand client requirements and develop custom software solutions  

• Learning and implementing new technologies and software development best practices  

• Participating in code reviews and ensuring high levels of code quality  

• Participating in meetings with clients to understand their requirements and provide solutions  

• Writing documentation and conduct training sessions to clients  

• Continuously improving your skills and knowledge in software development  

Assessment process  

• Application form 

• Online Assessments  - we will invite you to complete this within a week of submitting your application

• Shortlisting - once the role has closed, our teams will review all applications and shortlist for our assessment events. This can take some time but we will keep you updated on progress regularly

• Final Stage Assessment Centre - these will take place in March/April and is likely to be an in person assessment event

CLOSING DATE - This role will close for applications on Tuesday 17th March at 4pm  

Our Offer:   

• The opportunity to work alongside and learn from talented colleagues on real client challenges from the start  

• The support and coaching to grow your software development skills and experience on real client work, tackling real world technical and business challenges  

• The opportunity to work across all areas of the development lifecycle, from strategy to implementation, and to take on assignments in different sectors  

• To work closely with test and DevOps specialists as well as service managers on automated software releases from development to production  

• The opportunity to develop software and provide high-level technical designs in collaboration with business analysts, software architects, user researcher and experience designers  

• A broad rich base of experience from which to build an outstanding digital career  

• Full time role with time allowed – 20% - to participate in your apprentice programme  

• Hybrid working – you’ll be in the office or on client site a minimum of 2 days per week. You will need to ensure you live within a commutable distance to the office 

• Salary potential: £26,230

• This role will start in September 2026  

A career at PA is what you make of it — so power your curiosity and prepare to make an impact.