Sainsbury’s has rolled out a two-year apprenticeship programme in an attempt to find the next generation of software coders.

Applications for the scheme are now open, with the deadline to apply running until July 7, 2016.

The two-year apprenticeship programme will launch this summer after 10 successful applicants are chosen to participate. Future coders will learn skills such as Java, PHP, Python, JavaScript and Golang programming languages, in addition to developing business skills, team development and the lifecycle of technical projects. 

Apprentices, who will be located at the Sainsbury’s Digital Camp in London, will take part in a six-week coding and developing bootcamp. Following this, they will get stuck into Sainsbury’s digital projects, such as improving the user experience of its website. 

Sainsbury’s digital and technology director Jon Rudoe said: “Over the past year, we have grown our digital and technology team to more than 900 people. We want to discover the next generation of coders and give them great opportunities and training in our fast-paced business.

“By creating these apprenticeships, we’re enabling people to turn their passion for technology into a potential career with us.”

It comes as Sainsbury’s revealed earlier this year that it was creating 480 specialist jobs in London and Coventry to run and improve its digital operations.