Software Developer Apprentice Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Applying for a Software Developer Apprentice job in the UK? Here is what you are likely to be asked. These questions come from our Software Developer Apprentice question bank of 16 questions, written for UK employers at apprentice/entry level.

Eight Software Developer Apprentice interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. Why do you want to do a software developer apprenticeship rather than going to university?

Why they ask: Employers want to know you understand the earn-and-learn route and are committed to it.

2. What programming languages have you used, and can you tell us about something you have built?

Why they ask: It reveals your starting point and whether you've genuinely practised coding.

3. Can you explain what a variable, a loop and a function are, as you'd explain it to a non-technical person?

Why they ask: It tests your grasp of basics and your ability to communicate simply.

4. What is the difference between a list (array) and a dictionary, and when would you use each?

Why they ask: It checks whether you understand basic data structures.

5. What is Git, and why do developers use version control?

Why they ask: Version control is used daily in every development team, so they want to know you've started to understand it.

6. What is a database, and what does SQL do? Could you describe a simple query?

Why they ask: Basic data knowledge is expected of someone starting in software development.

7. You've been given a task and you are not sure how to do it. What do you do?

Why they ask: Apprentices must learn fast but also know when to ask.

8. Tell me about a time you taught yourself something technical or difficult. How did you go about it?

Why they ask: Self-motivated learning is key evidence for an apprentice.

A sample answer to question 1

Why do you want to do a software developer apprenticeship rather than going to university?

I learn best by doing, and an apprenticeship lets me build real skills on real projects while earning a wage and gaining a nationally recognised qualification, in this case the Level 4 Software Developer standard. Going to university would give me theory, but I want to work alongside experienced developers, see how code is reviewed, tested and released, and be part of a team from day one. I've already tried coding on my own, building a small web app with HTML, CSS and JavaScript, and I found I enjoy solving problems more than I expected. I also like the idea of avoiding large student debt and learning in a professional environment. I understand it will mean balancing work with off-the-job study, usually around twenty per cent of my time, and I'm ready for that commitment to reach the end-point assessment.

Common mistake to avoid: Saying it is just a cheaper alternative; not knowing how apprenticeships work

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 16 questions are on the Software Developer Apprentice interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.