Summary
As a JA software tester, you'll be involved in the quality assurance stage of software development and deployment. You'll conduct automated and manual tests to ensure the software created by our developers is fit for purpose and any bugs or issues are removed from our products before it gets deployed to everyday users.
Wage
£16,000 a year
Training course
Software tester (level 4)
Hours
Monday - Friday 9am-5:30pm
37 hours 30 minutes a week
Possible start date
Monday 14 April
Duration
1 year 6 months
Positions available
1
Work
As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
What you’ll do at work
As a JA software tester, you will conduct tests, analyse the results and report observations to the design and development team. You will plan, prepare and execute these tests, and will be responsible for documenting and reporting and tracking any defects effectively to resolution throughout the testing lifecycle.
The role is integral to the creation of our software systems and technical products we use at JA.
As a software tester, you'll need to:
* Work with software developers and project support teams.
* Plan projects
* Carry out stress testing, performance testing, functional testing and scalability testing
* Write and execute test scripts
* Run manual and automated tests
* Test in different environments
* Write bug reports.
* Review & maintain documentation.
* Work towards departmental and project deadlines.
* Provide quality assurance
* Provide objective feedback to software development project teams
* Troubleshoot and problem-solve
* Design tests to mitigate risk
* Present findings to software development and user teams
* Work on multiple projects at one time
* Document analysis
* Communicate findings to technical and non-technical colleagues
Where you’ll work
TYRONE HOUSE 369 HAYDOCK LANE
HAYDOCK INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
ST HELENS
MERSEYSIDE
WA11 9UY
Training
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
College or training organisation
FIREBRAND TRAINING LIMITED
Your training course
Software tester (level 4)
Equal to higher national certificate (HNC)
Course contents
* apply static test techniques
* apply Black Box test techniques such as Equivalence Partitioning, Boundary Value Analysis, Decision Table Testing and State Transition Testing
* analyse test objectives and requirements/test basis to define test scope and coverage criteria
* use tools to automate, manage or support any test activity
* Apply a regression strategy including selection of tests, maintenance of regression suites and identifying tests suitable for automation
* use defect tracking tools
* adapt and apply testing activities according to industry standard development methodologies (sequential and iterative)
* apply the range of different software test types within the broad categories of Functional, Non-Functional (Security, Performance & Usability), and White Box/Structural Testing
* apply and support testing at different Test Levels appropriate to the Software Development Lifecycle (such as Unit Testing, Component Integration Testing, System Testing, System Integration Testing and User Acceptance Testing), taking into account the fundamentals of testing
* conform to specific industry standards where appropriate (such as GDPR, health informatics, safety critical, etc.) related to software testing
* maintain up to date knowledge of technological developments in the field of Software Testing
* record and interpret test progress and results, communicating test status to the relevant stakeholders
* Design and follow tests to achieve coverage criteria
* apply static test techniques
* apply Black Box test techniques such as Equivalence Partitioning, Boundary Value Analysis, Decision Table Testing and State Transition Testing
* analyse test objectives and requirements/test basis to define test scope and coverage criteria
* use tools to automate, manage or support any test activity
* Apply a regression strategy including selection of tests, maintenance of regression suites and identifying tests suitable for automation
* use defect tracking tools
* adapt and apply testing activities according to industry standard development methodologies (sequential and iterative)
* apply the range of different software test types within the broad categories of Functional, Non-Functional (Security, Performance & Usability), and White Box/Structural Testing
* apply and support testing at different Test Levels appropriate to the Software Development Lifecycle (such as Unit Testing, Component Integration Testing, System Testing, System Integration Testing and User Acceptance Testing), taking into account the fundamentals of testing
* conform to specific industry standards where appropriate (such as GDPR, health informatics, safety critical, etc.) related to software testing
* maintain up to date knowledge of technological developments in the field of Software Testing
* record and interpret test progress and results, communicating test status to the relevant stakeholders
* Design and follow tests to achieve coverage criteria
Your training plan
This training plan has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.
More training information
Firebrands sector leading Software Tester apprenticeship programme develops apprentices to ensure that software developed is fit for purpose and for use in business. On this programme, apprentices 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.
Firebrands course is delivered either Online (online live instructor led), or face to face in the classroom environment (your choice). Our Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Learning Mentors (LMs) and world-leading trainers prepare apprentices to work across multiple sectors.
Completion of this apprenticeship will provide learners with the following world class vendor certifications in addition to the Software Tester apprenticeship:
* BCS Level 4 Diploma in Software Development Methodologies
* ISTQB Foundation Level
* ISTQB Foundation Level Agile Tester Extension
* CertNexus Cyber Secure Coder
Key areas covered are:
* Software Development Lifecycles
* Effective Team Working
* Problem Solving
* Software testing frameworks and methodologies
* Test plans, strategy, specifications, procedures, and controls
* Testing tools
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* 5 GCSE's including English Language and Maths (grade (A*-C/9-4 or equivalent))
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* IT skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Problem solving skills
* Analytical skills
* Team working
* Passion for technology
* Programming ideally C#
* Knowledge of API calls
* Critical thinking skills
* Ability to work under pressure
* Quick learner
* Able to work tight deadlines