15-1251.00Apprenticeship

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Career Cluster:Digital Technology
Job Family:Computer and Mathematical
Job Zone:Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
Industry:Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
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Technology Tools

Adobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoshopAJAXAmazon DynamoDBAmazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2Amazon RedshiftAmazon Web Services AWS softwareAnsible softwareApache CassandraApache HadoopApache HiveApache KafkaApache MavenApache SparkApache Subversion SVNApache TomcatAtlassian ConfluenceAtlassian JIRABashBentley MicroStationCC#C++ChefDjangoDockerEclipse IDEElasticsearchEpic SystemsESRI ArcGIS softwareExtensible markup language XMLGitGitHubGoGoogle AnalyticsGoogle AngularHibernate ORMHypertext markup language HTMLIBM DB2IBM SPSS StatisticsJavaScriptJavaScript Object Notation JSONjQueryJUnitLinuxMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Active Server Pages ASPMicrosoft ASP.NETMicrosoft Azure softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointAmazon Web Services AWS CloudFormationCascading style sheets CSSMicrosoft .NET FrameworkPerlMicrosoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRSMySQLScalaMicrosoft Visual StudioMicrosoft WindowsOracle PeopleSoftMicrosoft PowerShellMicrosoft Windows ServerMicrosoft ProjectNode.jsMicrosoft SharePointRMicrosoft SQL ServerNoSQLMicrosoft SQL Server Integration Services SSISMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft Visual Basic for Applications VBAPHPMicrosoft WordPostgreSQLMongoDBAdobe AcrobatReactOracle DatabaseRed Hat Enterprise LinuxOracle JavaSwiftTableauSeleniumPuppetPythonRed Hat OpenShiftSpring BootRubySAP softwareSASTransact-SQLShell scriptSpring FrameworkStructured query language SQLTeradata DatabaseThe MathWorks MATLABUNIXUNIX Shell

Key Tasks

  • Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
  • Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
  • Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
  • Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
  • Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
  • Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
  • Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series of instructions coded in a computer language.
  • Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
  • Train subordinates in programming and program coding.
  • Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.
  • Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.
  • Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.
  • Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.
  • Develop Web sites.
  • Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.
  • Train users on the use and function of computer programs.
  • Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods.

Skills

Programming
94%
Complex Problem Solving
69%
Active Listening
69%
Critical Thinking
69%
Quality Control Analysis
63%
Reading Comprehension
60%
Systems Analysis
60%
Judgment and Decision Making
56%
Writing
56%
Mathematics
53%
Speaking
53%
Time Management
53%
Active Learning
53%
Social Perceptiveness
53%
Systems Evaluation
53%
Operations Analysis
53%
Coordination
50%
Monitoring
50%
Science
44%
Technology Design
44%
Persuasion
41%
Management of Personnel Resources
41%
Instructing
38%
Learning Strategies
35%
Service Orientation
31%
Troubleshooting
31%
Operations Monitoring
31%
Negotiation
28%
Management of Material Resources
25%
Management of Financial Resources
25%
Installation
6%
Operation and Control
3%
Repairing
0%
Equipment Selection
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Computers and Electronics
97%
Mathematics
63%
Engineering and Technology
62%
English Language
60%
Customer and Personal Service
58%
Administration and Management
57%
Design
47%
Education and Training
45%
Administrative
44%
Geography
44%
Production and Processing
39%
Economics and Accounting
37%
Communications and Media
36%
Telecommunications
35%
Physics
28%
Sales and Marketing
27%
Psychology
26%
Sociology and Anthropology
25%
Personnel and Human Resources
25%
Transportation
17%
Foreign Language
16%
Fine Arts
14%
Mechanical
13%
Medicine and Dentistry
12%
Public Safety and Security
11%
Law and Government
10%
Chemistry
4%
Therapy and Counseling
2%
History and Archeology
2%
Philosophy and Theology
1%
Food Production
0%
Biology
0%
Building and Construction
0%

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Abilities

Written Comprehension
75%
Near Vision
72%
Oral Comprehension
72%
Deductive Reasoning
69%
Problem Sensitivity
69%
Inductive Reasoning
69%
Information Ordering
69%
Oral Expression
63%
Speech Recognition
56%
Written Expression
56%
Speech Clarity
53%
Mathematical Reasoning
53%
Selective Attention
53%
Number Facility
53%
Fluency of Ideas
50%
Flexibility of Closure
50%
Originality
50%
Visualization
47%
Category Flexibility
47%
Perceptual Speed
47%
Far Vision
38%
Memorization
31%
Finger Dexterity
31%
Time Sharing
31%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
25%
Auditory Attention
25%
Speed of Closure
25%
Manual Dexterity
25%
Visual Color Discrimination
25%
Control Precision
22%
Hearing Sensitivity
19%
Trunk Strength
16%
Depth Perception
13%
Wrist-Finger Speed
10%
Dynamic Strength
6%
Sound Localization
0%
Reaction Time
0%
Extent Flexibility
0%
Night Vision
0%
Stamina
0%
Static Strength
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Explosive Strength
0%
Multilimb Coordination
0%
Spatial Orientation
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Rate Control
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Response Orientation
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Working with Computers
99%
Processing Information
90%
Analyzing Data or Information
88%
Getting Information
88%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
86%
Thinking Creatively
84%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
81%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
79%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
78%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
72%
Documenting/Recording Information
71%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
65%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
65%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
64%
Developing and Building Teams
64%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
63%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
61%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
61%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
61%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
52%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
45%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
45%
Training and Teaching Others
45%
Coaching and Developing Others
44%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
40%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
39%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
35%
Scheduling Work and Activities
34%
Selling or Influencing Others
29%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
29%
Assisting and Caring for Others
29%
Performing Administrative Activities
27%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
26%
Staffing Organizational Units
22%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
20%
Controlling Machines and Processes
17%
Performing General Physical Activities
16%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
15%
Handling and Moving Objects
13%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
13%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
8%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

100%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

96%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

90%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

82%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

81%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

80%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

79%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

76%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

66%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

64%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

61%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

60%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

60%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

57%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

54%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

54%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

54%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

48%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

42%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

42%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

39%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

39%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

37%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

37%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

33%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

32%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

32%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

30%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

17%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

16%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

15%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

9%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

7%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

7%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

5%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

5%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

5%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

3%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

3%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

3%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

2%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

2%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

1%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

1%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

1%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

1%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

0%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

0%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

0%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

0%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

0%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

0%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

0%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

0%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

0%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

0%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

0%

Education

Bachelor's degree

88%

Associate's degree

9%

Some college, no degree

3%

Interests

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

80

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

70

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

39

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

27

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

17

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

17

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
100%
Dependability
79%
Intellectual Curiosity
73%
Innovation
65%
Cautiousness
61%
Achievement Orientation
58%
Perseverance
56%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
50%
Adaptability
46%
Initiative
39%
Integrity
39%
Stress Tolerance
36%
Self-Confidence
31%
Cooperation
24%
Humility
17%
Sincerity
8%
Self-Control
6%
Empathy
4%
Optimism
2%
Social Orientation
1%

Work Values

Achievement
78%
Working Conditions
75%
Independence
67%
Support
67%
Recognition
56%
Relationships
22%

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