E-learning developer apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this role
University
You can do a foundation degree or degree in computing, multimedia design, education or educational technology. If you already have a degree or relevant work experience, you can do a postgraduate qualification in e-learning technology.
You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree. For postgraduate experience you may need a degree in a relevant subject.
College
You could do a college course, which may lead onto more advanced qualifications or a higher apprenticeship, or help you to get a trainee position with a company. Courses include:
- A-Level in Computing
- Level 3 Certificate in Programming
- T level in Digital Production, Design and Development
- Level 3 Diploma in Web Design and Development
You may need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and computing for A-Levels or a T Level.
Apprenticeship
You may be able to complete a Level 3 (advanced) or higher apprenticeship in digital learning design or computing.
You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship. You might need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.
Work
You could start out as a junior developer or e-learning assistant, if you've got computing A-Levels or equivalent. You'll also need a working knowledge of web design software.
Blackboard and Moodle are widely used by education institutions and an understanding of how these work will be useful.Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Learning and Performance Institute for professional development opportunities.
E-learning developer apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- knowledge of English language
- the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- customer service skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
E-learning developer apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you could:
- build online training areas known as virtual learning environments (VLEs)
- adapt off-the-shelf VLE products
- talk with users to find out about their training needs
- work with tutors, trainers or development teams
- to create online learning materials
- create interactive multimedia like video clips
- modify content for use on other platforms, like mobile phones or tablets
- make sure security measures are in place to control access
- write training support materials
- stay up to date with the latest design methods and technologies
- maintain a VLE on an ongoing basis
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression - E-learning developer apprenticeships
With experience you could progress to a senior development role, IT project management, e-learning research, strategy planning, technical sales and business development.
You could also move into related areas like educational or training consultancy, educational software development, systems analysis or the computer games industry.