Grow and develop your team with an ambitious Software Tester Apprentice
Apprenticeships are all about unlocking potential – whether that’s for someone already in your team or to fill a new vacancy.
But it’s not all about the apprentice. It’s also a way to create a culture of learning and mentorship within your organisation.
A Software Tester apprenticeship is also a great way to give someone their next step, while moulding your workforce to your specific business needs.
Your apprentice will gain the confidence to assess the quality of the business’ software development and deployment, ensuring all the business’ software is operating as intended.
Your apprentice will carry out testing plans and provide your business’ stakeholders with information about the quality of the software product or service. Your apprentice will put their learning into practice so your business will gain a strong understanding of the current software life-cycle and best software development practices.
Who’s it for?
This programme is ideal for a mid-level role within the Software Development team to specialise in Software Testing for the business. They’ll usually be some way into their career, with a little experience or having already completed some learning.
What qualifications will they get?
- ISTQB Certified Tester – Foundation Level
- Software Tester Level 4 Apprenticeship
Where can you hire an apprentice?
London, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol
What we’ll cover
Here are the topics we’ll cover during the apprenticeship:
- Fundamentals of Testing
- Testing Throughout the Software Development Lifecycle
- Static Testing
- Test Techniques and Management
- Tool Support for Testing
What’s needed to get started
- English and Maths GCSEs at Grade C (4) or above (or equivalent) and preferably a total of five GCSEs
- Two or more A Levels, including Maths, or a relevant level 3 apprenticeship
- Typically, learners have worked in tech for less than 2 years
- Learners meet full eligibility checks
How does the apprenticeship work?
An apprenticeship is a combination of a full-time job with training for a current or new employee in your business.
Their working time will be split 80/20: 80% of their working time will be spent with you, carrying out their day-to-day responsibilities, while 20% of their time will be ‘off-the-job’ and spent working towards their apprenticeship qualification.
What counts as off-the-job training and how is the 20% measured?
Off-the-job training can include:
- Work spent on their apprenticeship qualification
- Face to face/virtual classroom training
- Any employer training
- Mentoring
- Work spent on their reflective journal
- Shadowing other teams
- Attending industry events
Your apprentice, their Learning & Development Coach, and their line manager will have an off-the-job tracker they can use to record and track this.
How is the training delivered?
The apprentice studies towards their qualification online, and is supported by face-to-face visits from their Learning and Development Coach.
We deliver training in blocks to try and limit disruption, so you won’t have someone leaving the office one day a week.
How are apprenticeships funded?
Apprenticeships are now funded by the Apprenticeship Levy. Businesses with an annual payroll of over £3 million pay 0.5% of their annual payroll into a digital account. The funds can then only be used on approved apprenticeship training.
What’s the benefit of hiring apprentices?
Apprentices bring great value to a business. Rather than searching for existing talent that fits your business, they give you the chance to actively shape the next generation so they can bring the skills your business needs.
The numbers back us up: 76% of employers have said that productivity has improved, and 75% reported that apprenticeships improved the quality of their product or service.*