Software Tester Apprenticeship

Overview

Software testers are responsible for ensuring that the software developed is fit for purpose. On this programme, the apprentice will learn how to conduct various testing activities across the software development lifecycle to ensure the software meets the business’ functional, security, performance, usability and other relevant quality requirements.

The apprentice will gain a thorough understanding of the various testing levels, testing types, techniques, tools, and terminologies of the industry and gain the skills required to:

Review requirements
Prepare test plans
Collect/develop representative test data
Design and execute tests
Compare test outcomes against expected results
Document and report test results

Through the language courses, the apprentice will develop necessary programming skills to conduct white-box testing, test automation and other testing-related tasks, like test data generation and processing data. The apprentice will develop the ability to apply logical thinking when making decisions, identifying, analysing and solving problems. Throughout the apprenticeship, our Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Learning Mentors (LMs) and world-leading trainers will prepare learners to work across multiple sectors.

Firebrand deliver the programme through a blended framework of Residential and Online Classroom learning, based on our Lecture, Lab and Review methodology. Apprentice’s learning will be supplemented with support from our SMEs, get full access to an e-learning platform that covers all areas of software testing activities as well as over 5000 courses on other relevant topics to the industry.

Audience

This apprenticeship is ideal if you’re interested in:

Embarking on a career in software testing
Developing your technical skills, knowledge and understanding of key software testing concepts and techniques

Funding

£18,000.

Level

This is a Level 4 Apprenticeship.

Professional Recognition

You will be able to apply for entry onto the professional register of IT technicians (RITTech) to benchmark and confirm your professional competence. Apprenticeship progression routes are also available in a relevant pathway of the BSc Digital and Technology Solutions Degree.

Duration

16 months total: 13 months Practical, 3 months EPA .

Find out more

Curriculum

Section 1: Understand the software development lifecycle, the various methodologies and the roles and responsibilities within the software development stages.
Section 2:Develop foundational programming skills in one of either Applications, C#, Python or Java Fundamentals course to enable them to comprehend the code that they test and also allow them to automate testing tasks through scripting.
Section 3: Fundamental concepts of software testing
Section 4: Deeper understanding of software development practices with emphasis on software testing as an integral part of the agile software development approach
Section 5: Test analysis, test design, test implementation and testing execution in the software development lifecycle models and apply testing tools to support the various testing activities

Prerequisites

Before attending this accelerated apprenticeship, you should have:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs or A-Levels, a level 3 qualification (apprenticeship or BTEC in a relatable subject) or relevant experience and/or an aptitude test
Should not have an existing qualification at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship in a similar subject

STEM subjects would also be beneficial to your application.

End Point Assessment

All Apprenticeships end with the End Point Assessment (EPA). This is completed by a third party, the End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). The EPA encompasses the evaluation of all of the work completed throughout the duration of the Apprenticeship.

For the Level 4 Software Tester Apprenticeship, the EPA consists of a:

Scenario-based tests with questioning
A Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio

The apprentice will only enter the EPA ‘Gateway’ once the Employer is content that the apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard. In making this decision, the in-work mentor may take advice from Firebrand, but the decision must ultimately be made by them.

The EPAO determines when all other Gateway requirements have been met, and the EPA period will only commence once the EPAO has confirmed this.

The EPA assessment period in Gateway can be anything from 4 weeks to 6 months.

Check out the EPA Fact sheet for more information on the Software Tester EPA Plan.

Progression Plan

On completion of the Level 4 Software Tester Apprenticeship, progression routes available to Learners include:

Level 6 Digital and technology solutions professional (integrated degree)

Exams

On successful completion of the programme, you'll have the opportunity to gain the following qualifications:

BCS Level 4 Diploma in Software Development Methodologies
CertNexus Cyber Secure Coder
ISTQB Foundation Certificate
ISTQB Agile Tester Foundation Level Extension