School Leavers Apprenticeship Scheme
Duration: 2 years
Salary: £25,709 circa + benefits
Location: Holiday Extras, Newingreen, Kent CT21 4JF
Application closing date: 14th January 2024
Apprenticeship start date: 27th August 2024
Are you coming to the end of your time at school/college and thinking about what to do next?
Are you unsure what you want to do as a career?
Are you wondering if University is the right path for you?
We have the answer! Our coding apprenticeship gives you a fully funded Level 4 qualification, and sets you up on a rewarding career path.
Excited to begin your journey with us?
Apply NowWhat does a career as a Software Developer look like?
A career in software development offers a dynamic and evolving journey with opportunities for growth, specialisation, leadership, and the chance to make a significant impact on customers in every industry. It can be diverse and rewarding, offering a range of opportunities for individuals with various interests and skills.
You will spend your time designing, building and implementing software that meets the needs of your users. Overtime, you'll develop foundational skills to become a 'full stack' developer, or generalist. Or even develop a passion for a specific specialism, of which there are a multitude of opportunities within software development such as mobile development, front end development, back end development, data and cloud technologies to name a few.
Any career in Software Development at Holiday Extras involves working collaboratively with a variety of different teams and people across the business. Our Tech and Product team is the largest in our business, recognising the huge part they play in achieving our mission to Remake Holiday Making. By joining our team, you're going to use your new found talents to optimise the way people travel.
What does the apprenticeship journey look like?
You will start at Holiday Extras on the 27th August 2024. Here you will receive your onboarding and introduction to Holiday Extras, meet the team, and get familiar with your new Apple Mac!
You will then start Makers 'bootcamp' on the 2nd September. This is fully remote, and you will be based on the Holiday Extras campus throughout the 'bootcamp', alongside your fellow apprentice. This will allow you to get fully integrated into the team from day 1, and have the support of the team around you.
After 4 months, you'll have successfully completed 'bootcamp', moving on to placement with us. Here you will be working in your day-to-day role whilst continuing to grow your knowledge as a developer.
During placement, you will produce a portfolio of evidence to show what you have learnt, supported by a Holiday Extras coach and by a Makers coach to ensure you know how to build a great portfolio and thrive on the apprenticeship.
What you'll be taught during 'bootcamp' with Makers
You will be taught a range of new skills on a project and goal oriented based 'bootcamp'. Makers are experts in training people in how to learn, so that you can pick up new technologies at the drop of a hat. This isn't theory or classroom learning - it's practical collaborative problem solving - day-in, day-out.
What you'll be doing
As an apprentice at Holiday Extras, you will work from our Holiday Extras campus within the Tech and Product team. You will become an integral part of the team, and will have the opportunity to get stuck in with different projects which will help you learn and grow your coding skills. Your work will have a direct impact on our customers experience and could be seen by millions!
Your role will be varied to cover the entirety of the software development lifecycle and include frontend development - the visual aspects of an app or website, and backend development - how it all works behind the scenes.
During the apprenticeship, you'll learn to do both, no two days are the same!
Reasons to apply
Competitive salary + benefits
£25,709k circa + 25 days holiday and a whole host of benefits including, but not limited to; Birthday day off, Pension, Life Assurance, Gym membership discount and Tech scheme
Level 4 Software Developer
On completition of the course, you will gain an accredited Level 4 qualification in Software Development
Fully funded course
As well as a wage and benefits, Holiday Extras will fully fund the 2 year course
Mentoring & Coaching
Throughout your course, you will have a mentor to assist with your knowledge development, and a People Manager to help guide your personal development
Hands on experience
You will be working on real work projects within our supportive and knowledgeable teams
Inclusive culture
United by our values, we're building a fun, caring and inclusive culture where big ideas can be unleashed.
Ready to start? Learn more about what we're looking for and the application process here.
Apply NowFAQ's
What is the minimum level of education that I need to apply?
We strongly welcome candidates from all education backgrounds and levels. You can apply for an apprenticeship with any qualifications but if you do not have a GCSE level 4 (or equivalent) in Maths and English you will need to take these exams or Functional Skills equivalent in Maths and English.
What is the length of the apprenticeship?
Your contract with Holiday Extras will be for 2 years, ensuring you can complete all aspects of the apprenticeship programme within a reasonable timeframe. If there are any delays to your apprenticeship journey, we will work with you on an individual basis.
Where is the apprenticeship based?
The apprenticeship will be office based at the Holiday Extras campus in Newingreen, just outside Hythe off Junction 11 of the M20. We have a custom-built campus with ample and diverse working spaces, the luxury of outside space, and even a padel tennis court!
If you choose not to drive, we are also just a 15 minute walk down a quiet country road from Westenhanger train station (although, please note that there are no street lights so in the winter we strongly advise a torch and some sort of reflective clothing). And also have bus stops just outside the campus.
Meaning that however you choose to travel to work, you will have easy access.
What is a 'bootcamp'?
A coding 'bootcamp' is an intensive, short term accelerated training program designed to teach you how to code from scratch. It's 16 weeks long, exploring coding fundamentals, learn industry-standard tools and software, and complete multifaceted coding tasks and projects.
Unlike other apprenticeships, which might involve 1 day a week learning, a 'bootcamp' equips you with the foundational skills to build on and set you up for success on placement.
Do I pay for my training?
No - all training for your apprenticeship is paid for by Holiday Extras and you will earn a salary while training.
What sort of support will I receive?
Throughout the whole of your apprenticeship, you will have support from both Holiday Extras and Makers.
At Holiday Extras, you will have an assigned buddy who will help you with your practical skills, and you will also have an Engineering Manager who you will have regular check-ins with. They will ensure you are getting the right level of support and help you set your goals.
You will have a dedicated placement coach from Makers, who you will meet with monthly for placement and wellbeing catch ups. You will also have hands-on support from your team members, and fellow apprentices internally and externally. Makers take a holistic approach to education to help you thrive during your whole apprenticeship. Their curriculum includes emotional intelligence, feedback, teamwork, managing personal growth, 121 coaching as well as meditation.
If I'm successful in gaining an apprenticeship, how will I be taught to code?
You will start your apprenticeship with Makers with an immersive 'bootcamp' where you will learn to code. The bootcamp will run for 16 weeks, full-time. Your learning will be a mixture of self directed learning, paired work and group and individual projects.
Once complete, you will continue your learning on-the-job within Holiday Extras' tech and product team.
What does it lead to?
On completion of your 2 year apprenticeship, you will not only gain an accredited Level 4 Software Developer qualification, but you will also have hands-on experience and knowledge of using it in the workplace. You will have a portfolio of work and projects under your belt, and will have a strong foundation to build on. This experience will help you seek out new challenges and work opportunities within Holiday Extras and the wider industry. If a role is available, you may be offered a permanent role at the end of the scheme or have the option to apply for any suitable open vacancies at Holiday Extras.
What holiday allowance will I get?
You will get 25 days holiday per annum, plus Bank Holidays. And you will also get an extra day off for your birthday!
Unfortunately, Makers can't allow for annual leave during your 'bootcamp' training dates.
During the rest of your apprenticeship (placement with Holiday Extras), holiday can be taken. Holiday entitlement runs from the beginning of April to end of March.
How much will I be paid? And will I earn a salary while on Bootcamp?
You will be paid from Day 1 of your apprenticeship, which includes your time at 'bootcamp'.
You will receive £25,709 per year. Plus you are entitled to our Holiday Extras benefits, which include, but not limited to; pension scheme, profit share scheme, life assurance, gym membership discounts and our technology payment scheme (where you can get the latest gadgets and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free).
What will my working pattern look like?
9:00-5:30 with an hour lunch, 7.5 hours per day, 37.5 hours per week
Find out more about how to apply for the Apprenticeship
Apply NowHoliday Extras
At Holiday Extras, innovation drives us. We believe that time is precious, that's why we create products, tech and services that make it easy, fun and fast for our customers to plan their trips. Our purpose is to give people less hassle so they can have more holiday, in the UK and abroad.
United by our values, our vibrant culture fosters big ideas. Knowing life doesn't always fit a 9-5, we offer career growth and balance. We're committed to solving industry challenges through collaboration and creativity.
We purposefully curate our culture so that everyone feels they belong and that their time with us is fulfilling. We're renowned for our vibrant community life, social connections and approach to personal growth and wellbeing. Whether it's bringing everyone together to learn and share knowledge, stay ahead of the latest technology trends or to celebrate successes; we always got that little bit 'extra' to connect and wow our team.
In partnership with 
We partner with London's leading tech training provider, Makers, as our apprenticeship partner. Their purpose is to transform lives and organisations by finding, training, and placing exceptional, diverse individuals into tech roles. Makers believe that talent is everywhere but opportunity is not, and build inclusive routes into tech careers through their bootcamp and apprenticeship training programs.
Makers prepare candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to thrive in a rapidly changing industry by blending excellent technical training with a focus on a growth mindset and emotional intelligence, as well as connecting them with employers willing to look beyond the obvious and find exceptional tech talent.
Testimonials
Jon
Software Engineer
"Switching to a tech apprenticeship after a decade in video production was the right choice, no question about it. The work-life balance is spot-on, making the transition to a new career entirely manageable. The team genuinely invests in our learning, carving out time for us to develop further. Support from colleagues is a constant, making for a working environment that's both collaborative and nurturing. All in all, it's been a top-notch experience that's set me on a solid new career path."
George
Software Developer Apprentice
"As the first external apprentice at HX, I received an incredibly warm welcome, everyone has gone above and beyond to support me and my onboarding has been the best out of any other role I have had. Every colleague I've met has been genuinely interested in me and willing to assist whenever I've reached out for help. In addition to our work and apprenticeship days, we have dedicated project lounge days to further enhance our skills through courses, videos, personal projects, etc.
This apprenticeship has not only provided me with my dream career but has also provided amazing training, defined progression, and the perfect work-life balance I feel anyone could ask for."
Contact the Recruitment Team
If you have any queries on the School Leavers Apprenticeship program, contact our recruitment team on [email protected] and we will be happy to help.
Inspire & Share Strategy
As part of our Inspire and Share Sustainability pillar, our goal is to give back and share our skills and expertise for greater impact in the local community. Part of that commitment is to launch a range of apprenticeships particularly for school leavers.
As a business, we have always been advocates for junior paths into Software Developer careers. We've partnered with local universities for an undergraduate Industrial Placement programme for over 10 years now, and launched apprenticeships in 2017.
Being one of the largest employers in Kent, this year we will be offering this alternative route into a Software Developer career aimed at school leavers. It will be for those whom university might not be accessible, or might not even be the route you want to take. This is an amazing opportunity for you to earn, whilst you learn!