Software Engineer

Software Engineers are the architects of the digital age and play a crucial role in helping organisations develop and innovate for the future. 

Learn more about the skills and training you need to become a software engineer. 

Software Engineer

Role profile

What is a software engineer?

The role of a software engineer is both challenging and rewarding, requiring a blend of technical expertise, creativity, and collaboration. As architects of the digital age, software engineers play a vital role in shaping the future, driving innovation, and creating solutions.

What does a software engineer do?

Software engineers are essential for the success and growth of modern businesses.

Their contributions span across innovation, efficiency, scalability, data management, customer experience, problem-solving, cost savings, collaboration, and future-proofing.

As technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled software engineers will only increase, making them an invaluable asset for any forward-thinking enterprise.

What skills are need to be a software engineer?

The role of a software engineer is pivotal in the development and maintenance of software systems that drive modern technology.

Technical skills such as expertise with programming languages, understanding data structures and algorithms as well as underlying tech that supports the processes are key.

Soft skills such as problem solving, good communication and collaborative skills are essential for progression too.

What's the difference between a software engineer and a software developer?

While the roles of software engineers and software developers share similarities and often overlap, they embody distinct responsibilities, skill sets, and approaches within the technology sector.

Understanding these differences is crucial for professionals seeking clarity in their career paths and for employers aiming to build balanced and effective development teams. Software engineers tend to lean towards the broad approach while the role of a software developer is more hands-on.

Why it matters

Software engineer insights

6%
Year on year demand growth
65%
of companies use JavaScript
$740B
Expected market value of software in 2025
Training and courses

How to become a software engineer

Software engineer training

Explore how to become a software engineer with our range of apprenticeships, and instructor-led courses and online training. 

If you're a business looking to upskill your team, or hire a software apprentice, get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements. 

Learn a programming language

Learn more about software apprenticeships

Software learning paths

Want to boost your career in software engineering? Click on the roles below to see QA's learning pathways, specially designed to give you the skills to succeed.

= Required
= Certification
Front End Developer
Back End Developer Java
Back End Developer .NET
Cloud Developer AWS
Cloud Developer Azure
Application Security
Secure Coding
Back End Developer Average salary: £81,000
What our experts say

Insights from the experts

"Software Engineers have become the backbone of how information and knowledge are disseminated between consumers and industry. Constantly pushing the boundaries of what users expect from businesses, they innovate and disrupt with diligent attention to logic and process.

Software engineers are some of the most adaptable and logical employees in any business and they will continue to change the world one website or App at a time."

Andy Smith

Software Capability Lead

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