Software Developer Apprentice

Please do not apply through our website for this position. All applications must go through the FIT recruitment process and meet the FIT Criteria.

Please apply through this link here - Apply for ICTAP Tech Apprenticeship - FIT - Tech Apprenticeships and Courses

About Zinkworks

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. 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.

Our culture is built around three core pillars:

Teamwork: we support each other, work openly, and succeed as a team.
Learning: we build new skills, take feedback, and improve through practice.
Professionalism: we take responsibility, communicate clearly, and hold ourselves to high standards.

We are now hiring Software Developer Apprentices to join our in-office apprenticeship programme in Athlone.

About the Role

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.

The programme combines formal apprenticeship training with FIT and practical, on-the-job experience at Zinkworks.

What You Will Learn

You will develop skills across the following areas:

• Programming Foundations: Python, Java, object-oriented programming, data structures and core software fundamentals

• Data and Databases: SQL, databases, JDBC and working with data-driven applications

• Backend Development: Spring Boot and basic backend application development

• Frontend Basics: HTML, CSS and JavaScript

• Testing and Quality: JUnit, Karate, validation, error handling and writing reliable code

• Cloud Foundations: Google Cloud Platform, Cloud Run, Spanner and GCP exercises

• Deployment and CI/CD: Docker, Docker Compose, deployment basics and GitHub Actions

• AI and Modern Tools: Google Gemini, Google Agentic Development Kit (ADK), natural language-to-SQL concepts and responsible use of AI tools

• Teamwork and Professional Practice: Scrum, code walkthroughs, feedback, conflict resolution and professional communication

Key Responsibilities

As a Software Developer Apprentice, you will be expected to:

• Complete all assigned FIT training and homework in a timely manner

• Complete assigned programming exercises and project tasks

• Work as a team to complete projects and solve problems

• Take part in team ceremonies such as daily scrum, planning, reviews and retrospectives

• Ask for help when needed and act on feedback from mentors and tech leads

• Maintain a learning journal or reflection habit where required

• Work professionally with teammates, trainers, mentors and wider Zinkworks staff

Our Expectations

This apprenticeship is a learning opportunity, but it is also a professional role. We expect apprentices to show commitment, curiosity and responsibility from day one.

You will be supported by trainers, technical leads, mentors and teammates, but you will also be expected to take ownership of your own learning.

We particularly value apprentices who:

• Work well with others

• Show up prepared and ready to learn

• Keep improving after feedback

• Take pride in doing things properly

• Communicate early when they are stuck

• Contribute positively to the team environment

Location

This is an in-office role based in Athlone. Apprentices are expected to be present in the office every working day. This includes training days, project days, team activities and any programme-related sessions.

Inclusion & Diversity at Zinkworks

At Zinkworks, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We believe that our strength lies in the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of our team members. By embracing an inclusive environment, we empower innovation and collaboration across all levels of our organisation. Based in Ireland, we are proud to support and engage with our local communities through meaningful initiatives that promote equity and opportunity. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, as we actively contribute to creating a more inclusive and connected society for all.