Junior Test Analyst Review

Junior Test Analyst I work on a project which is to do with Smart Metering in the UK. My job is to write test scripts around incoming CR's/OR's. These test scripts will then need test data, which I am then to create a well. Once all our scripts and data has been created we will then carry out System Testing. After System Testing we have Factory Acceptance Testing where the client comes in and we perform our tests in front of them. I also may be assigned to a defect where I will then needed to re-test this and work with a developer to get the problem fixed.

Although I haven't gained any new qualifications, I have learnt many skills. A lot of the skills I have learnt are project dependent, therefore, I feel I won't be able to take them onto my next role. This isn't to say that I haven't learnt any new skills which I can take onto a new role. My computing skills in general have improved, I'm faster and know shortcuts to make my daily work easier. I've learnt simple things such as UNIX, SQL and SOAPUI. I've been able to develop my team and people skills which I think in the workplace are the most important skills to have.

So far the work I have done, I have enjoyed. However, I am beginning to flat line in my interest in what I am doing at the moment. I still do not know what I want to do and I want to be able to explore within the company to find what I want to do in the long run. The team I have worked with is great, it's hard to see people leave as we have all got on so well. Working with great people motivates me when coming into working. It has definitely exceeded my expectations, as an apprentice I never thought I was going to be trusted with this much so I am happy with the work I have been given.

The recognition I get from my team leader (who has recently just left) was high. I feel having this recognition is important as it makes you feel good and want to keep working to that standard. I wouldn't necessarily say that I get any from my manager, other than maybe when he says to everyone on a whole thank you for the work we have done. The only recognition I have got next to this is my yearly rating, where I got an Exceeding Expectations. To me this is telling me what I am doing is right and I need to keep this up. I am fully involved in the project.

My programme is quite well structured. However, the next few months are going to be a push for me. My actual end date for the apprenticeship is in November this year. However, I'd like to apply for the sponsored degree programme and the deadline for this is way before my end date of my apprenticeship. My personal experience with my apprenticeship assessor hasn't been the best as they had to leave, therefore I hadn't been given any work for a couple of months. This is now being dealt with and QA are doing whatever they can to support me. All of the training I received was very good and I cannot fault that.

The training I have received from my provider has been flawless. The support for a couple of months had a dip, however they have managed to recover that.

I have all the support available. I can only ever do any apprenticeship work during working hours if there is nothing else to be done. I have spoken with colleagues and they have been able to help me with different parts of my apprenticeship work.

This is an area which I feel is quite hard to talk about. However, I feel the salary which I receive is fair, considering that the company are paying for all the training which I receive for my apprenticeship.

There are many different opportunities outside of work to get involved with. I have gone to my local school and helped promote CGI and apprenticeships.

Yes

It would of course depend what they are interested in, but I feel the benefits and the opportunities you get from the company are second to none.

Use what you have to make yourself stand out from others and be yourself. Any experience in area is better than no experience. Tell them what you are interested in, this can help placing you in the right role.