Apprenticeship – Digital (Software Development) – PA Consulting

Job description

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 Ulster University, 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.

Qualifications

We’d like you to bring:

Qualifications: Working towards or having achieved CCC in A-levels or equivalent, ideally one in STEM background – This is aligned with the entry requirements of Ulster University. Please see full eligibility  https://www.ulster.ac.uk/courses/202526/computing-systems-36167

Technical understanding: A passion for technology that features in your personal projects

Technical Skills: Familiarity with a programming language or framework, such as Java, C#/.NET, or JavaScript. Basic understanding of relational and/or non-relational databases. (MS Access, MS SQL, MySQL, MongoDB) and awareness of cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.

Growth-oriented and curious — open to change, driven to succeed, hungry for new challenges, and eager to broaden your understanding of the world.

Collaborative and relationship-focused — thrive in dynamic teams, build strong relationships with clients and peers, and support others to succeed.

Credible and communicative — comfortable in high-performance environments, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Analytical and adaptable — demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, innovative thinking, and the flexibility to adapt your style and approach. A passion for data.

Professional and reliable — show strong workplace etiquette by being punctual, dependable, and respectful of business expectations and office conduct.

We know the skill-gap and ‘somewhat need to tick every box’ can get in the way of meeting brilliant candidates, so please don’t hesitate to apply – we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today by completing our online application – https://www.paconsulting.com/jobs/2026-apprentice-digital-software-development-belfast-744000109193605

THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS Tuesday 17th March at 4pm. We will not accept applications after this deadline.