Software Developer Apprentice

About Zinkworks

Zinkworks collaborates with top Telecommunications and Financial Services companies to upgrade legacy infrastructure, migrate essential platforms to cloud environments, and develop AI-powered automation solutions. Serving multiple sectors including telecommunications, cloud computing, AI, and financial technology, Zinkworks focuses on creating practical software solutions while fostering the growth of strong engineering skills through experiential learning, collaboration, and real-world projects. Their apprenticeship program is delivered in partnership with FIT training.

Our Workplace Values

• Teamwork: We encourage mutual support, openness, and collective success.
• Learning: Continuous skill development, constructive feedback, and practice drive improvement.
• Professionalism: We emphasize responsibility, transparent communication, and maintaining high standards.

Role Overview

This position offers an in-office apprenticeship based in Athlone where apprentices will gain structured, practical software engineering education. The role combines formal training with hands-on project work to build competencies in programming, software development methodologies, cloud services, and professional team practices.

Learning Curriculum

• Programming fundamentals with Python, Java, object-oriented design, and data structures.
• Data handling including SQL queries, database management, and JDBC integration.
• Backend application development using Spring Boot.
• Introductory frontend skills involving HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Quality assurance with tools such as JUnit and Karate, including validation and error management.
• Basics of cloud computing concepts on Google Cloud Platform, including Cloud Run, Spanner, and related exercises.
• Deployment mechanisms including Docker, Docker Compose, and GitHub Actions CI/CD pipelines.
• Exposure to AI technologies like Google Gemini and Google Agentic Development Kit (ADK), natural language processing for SQL generation, and the ethical use of AI tools.
• Team collaboration and professional conduct through Scrum methodologies, code reviews, feedback sessions, conflict management, and effective communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Timely completion of FIT training modules and associated homework.
• Execution of assigned coding tasks and project components.
• Active participation in team projects and problem-solving activities.
• Engagement in team rituals such as daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives.
• Seeking guidance and responding constructively to mentor and lead feedback.
• Documenting learning progress through journals or reflections as required.
• Maintaining professionalism in interactions with trainers, mentors, colleagues, and leadership.

Candidate Expectations

This apprenticeship doubles as a professional role demanding curiosity, dedication, and accountability from the outset. Apprentices receive ample support from mentors but must proactively manage their own learning journey.

Preferred Attributes

• Strong collaboration skills within team environments.
• Preparedness and eagerness to learn.
• Continuous improvement following feedback.
• Commitment to quality and thoroughness.
• Proactivity in communicating obstacles.
• Positive contributions to team dynamics.

Location and Attendance

This role requires in-office attendance at Zinkworks' Athlone location on all working days, including training, project sessions, team events, and other program commitments.

Inclusion & Diversity Commitment

Zinkworks is dedicated to cultivating a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming culture. Emphasizing respect for varied backgrounds and experiences empowers innovation and collaboration throughout the organization. The company actively supports local communities and advocates for equity and connectivity, fostering a workplace and society where everyone belongs.