Apprentice - Digital; Software Development

Firm

PA Consulting

Belfast

Full-time

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

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future. As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity. Our interdisciplinary teams combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists with deep expertise in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport.

Our teams operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands.

PA is delighted to be recruiting digital apprentices into our Belfast location again in 2026, building on the continued success of the programme. You will develop your skills and gain hands‑on software development experience on complex digital initiatives, using contemporary coding platforms and modern tooling alongside our top digital talent. You will work on real‑life client projects delivering innovative software or data‑driven solutions to our clients’ most critical business needs.

• 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 conducting training sessions for clients
• Continuously improving your skills and knowledge in software development

• Application form
• Online Assessments – invited to complete within a week of submitting your application
• Shortlisting – once the role has closed, teams will review all applications and shortlist for assessment events
• Final Stage Assessment Centre – to take place in March/April (likely in person)

• The opportunity to work alongside and learn from talented colleagues on real client challenges from the start
• Support and coaching to grow your software development skills and experience on real client work, tackling real world technical and business challenges
• Opportunities to work across all areas of the development lifecycle, from strategy to implementation, and to take on assignments in different sectors
• Work closely with test and Dev Ops specialists and service managers on automated software releases from development to production
• Opportunity to develop software and provide high‑level technical designs in collaboration with business analysts, software architects, user researchers and experience designers
• A broad and rich base of experience from which to build an outstanding digital career
• Full‑time role with time allowed – 20% – to participate in your apprenticeship programme
• Hybrid working – you’ll be in the office or on client site a minimum of 2 days per week, within commutable distance to the office
• Salary potential: £26,230
• Role will start in September 2026

• Working towards or having achieved CCC in A‑levels or equivalent, ideally one in STEM; aligned with Ulster University entry requirements
• Passion for technology reflected in personal projects
• Familiarity with a programming language or framework (Java, C#/.NET, or JavaScript) and basic understanding of relational and/or non‑relational databases (MS Access, MS SQL, MySQL, Mongo
  
  DB); 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 written and verbal communication skills
• Analytical and…