Course overview.
Across five days you'll work through the modern development stack used by UK tech employers in 2026 — version control, the foundations of web development, cloud platforms, AI-assisted coding, testing, agile delivery and the working culture of professional engineering teams. The programme combines structured taught content with hands-on lab work and a final portfolio project you'll leave with — designed to be the credible centrepiece of your first developer applications.
Who it's for.
Individuals in Wales who have been made redundant or are facing redundancy and want to retrain into a software development career — funded by the Welsh Government's ReACT+ scheme. Also open as a self-funded programme to career-changers, returners to work, and adjacent professionals (designers, analysts, technical writers, product managers) wanting genuine technical depth. No prior coding experience required, but comfort with computers and a strong interest in technical work is essential.
What you'll learn.
Day 1 — Foundations & the developer toolkit
How modern software actually gets built — terminology, the development lifecycle, the discipline of professional engineering. Version control with Git and GitHub, the command line, the integrated development environment, and the working setup every developer uses. By close of day one you'll have set up your own development environment and pushed your first code to GitHub.
Day 2 — Programming foundations
Programming fundamentals using JavaScript (the most widely-deployed language and a strong starting point). Variables, control flow, functions, data structures, error handling — the universal concepts that transfer to any language. Hands-on exercises throughout, with peer-paired problem-solving and structured code review.
Day 3 — Web development & cloud
How modern web applications are actually built — HTML and CSS foundations, the front-end framework landscape (React principles), back-end APIs, databases, and the cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) where most production software lives. A working web application built across the day.
Day 4 — AI-assisted development, testing & quality
Working effectively with AI coding assistants (GitHub Copilot, Claude, Cursor) — the techniques that turn AI from autocomplete into a force multiplier. Automated testing, code review, debugging, the engineering disciplines that distinguish production-grade code from tutorial code.
Day 5 — Agile delivery, your portfolio & next steps
How professional engineering teams actually work — agile methodology in practice, code review culture, the day-to-day operating rhythm of a development team. The afternoon is dedicated to your portfolio project — the work sample you'll show employers in your first developer applications — and to job-search strategy with our employability lead.
Book your place.
Fill in the form and we'll confirm your booking the same working day. Invoice on request — we accept PO numbers from public bodies and corporate accounts.
Reserve your seat.
Book the Software Developer Masterclass course. We'll confirm your seat by email the same working day. PO numbers and invoicing accepted.
Got it — your booking enquiry is in.
We'll confirm your seat by email within the same working day. You should also see a copy of your enquiry in your inbox. Need anything urgent? Email hello@ascenttrainingwales.co.uk or use the live chat.
This course is fully fundable through ReACT+.
If you've been made redundant or are facing redundancy in Wales, the Welsh Government's ReACT+ scheme can fund up to £1,500 toward this course — plus childcare, travel and accommodation expenses. We'll handle the application.
Benefits of Attending This Course
Develop advanced software development skills to design, build and maintain effective digital solutions. Learn industry-focused programming practices, improve technical problem-solving abilities and gain the confidence to contribute to successful software projects and technology initiatives.
Ascent Training Wales · Bridgend.
Our conference room is purpose-built for effective training — bright, modern, and fully equipped for workshops, seminars and accredited sessions.
Llynfi Enterprise CentreHeol Ty Gwyn Industrial Estate
Maesteg, Bridgend, CF34 0BQ
Master Professional Software Development Skills
Strengthen Software Development Expertise
Learn advanced development principles, coding practices and software engineering techniques to build reliable, scalable and maintainable applications.
Improve Problem-Solving and Programming Skills
Develop practical approaches to analysing requirements, designing solutions and creating efficient software using industry best practices.
Build Professional Development Confidence
Gain the knowledge and techniques needed to work effectively on software projects, collaborate with teams and deliver high-quality digital solutions.
Common questions.
Quick answers to what most people ask before booking. Still need help? Get in touch.
How long is the course and where is it delivered?
How much does it cost and what's included?
When is the next date available?
Is this course eligible for ReACT+ funding?
Can you deliver this course in-house for our team?
From the classroom.
Our Bridgend venue is purpose-built for working learning — bright, modern, configurable for cohorts of four to twelve, with quality AV throughout and free parking right outside.
Llynfi Enterprise Centre · Bridgend · More about our venue →
More in ReACT+ Funded.
Courses that pair well with Software Developer Masterclass, or that your team often takes as a sequence.
Ready when you are.
Book Software Developer Masterclass for £1500 a seat, or send us a brief and we'll come back with a tailored in-house quote for your team within two working days.