Who is the programme for?

This apprenticeship is designed for individuals already employed in software development roles who want to enhance their skills in software testing. If you’re currently working in a software development team and wish to specialise in quality assurance and testing processes, this programme will provide you with the expertise needed to excel.

Programme Overview

Duration: 13 months, depending on individual progress.
Apprenticeship Standard: Software Tester – Link to Standard
Location: Fully virtual classrooms

Key Responsibilities

As a software tester apprentice, you will:

Test Software: Conducting manual and automated tests to identify bugs, security vulnerabilities, and performance issues.

Collaborate with Teams: Working closely with software developers, project managers, and stakeholders to understand requirements and improve software quality.
Ensure Quality Assurance: Ensuring that software products meet functional, usability, and security standards before deployment to end-users.
Risk Mitigation: Analysing software systems to anticipate and mitigate potential risks or problems.
Problem Solving: Addressing routine and non-routine issues that arise during testing, ensuring timely resolution and smooth deployment.
Client Interaction: Communicating with internal and external clients, advising on testing outcomes and software improvements.

Simplilearn

How does the funding work?

Apprenticeships are funded through a levy scheme operated by HMRC which deducts 0.5% of annual payroll above £3 million. Employers can access this fund when they employ an approved Apprenticeship provider such as Cherith Simmons to deliver the programme.

Cherith Simmons can directly access the funding to pay for the apprentices’ training. Other schemes provide 95% funding for smaller organisations, which Cherith Simmons can access on your behalf.

Funding is currently worth £18,000 per apprentice making the training effectively free except for the accreditation fee.

What certification will the apprentice get?

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will earn a Level 4 Apprenticeship Certificate in Software Testing. This certification demonstrates your expertise in testing software systems and assures employers and clients that you are proficient in identifying, diagnosing, and resolving software issues before they reach the end-user. You will also be equipped with the skills to take on advanced responsibilities in ensuring the quality, security, and performance of software systems across any sector.

How does the funding work