Software Testeer Review

My role involves testing software, with both manual and automated testing scripts. It also involves collaborating with the team and collating test evidence into reports and sharing them on a document sharing software (box). I've done both functional testing and user interface testing for clients, and I've worked on many different projects.

Learned how to write automated test scripts, from regular company training and also learnt how to code and create software through my apprenticeship training body. I've also further developed my communication and collaboration skills as well as presentation skills. I've been fully trained up in the required skills for my role and have learnt about diversity and inclusion through company initiatives.

I find the programme very enjoyable as it perfectly balances work and study. It's always fun to apply things that I've learnt at Uni in my day to day job. I've been given a lot of support from my company so even when things are difficult I can still figure out ways to tackle difficulties.

My programme is very well organised from both the training provider and my workplace and I've never had issues with getting time off for university study since clients are usually quite understanding of my time commitments. The employer is always aware of when my university days are and pays for my travel fo university residential trips.

I receive a lot of support from my employer, they attend all required meetings with the university and I can always take extra time off for study if I feel like I won' be able to finish my university work on time. I always know I can ask my employer for help and that I will get it.

I know there is a lot of support available from he training provider, I can always email lecturers directly if I have issues with modules and we also have a mentor who we can always contact if we have any university related issues that we would like sorted out for us.

The qualification is quite well rounded and is good for seeing different sectors of IT and the roles available in each. It helps develop a very broad skillset even if it doesn't teach the specifics of my work. It also teaches interpersonal skills which are very useful in all workplaces.

There are always 'giveback' opportunities available in IBM, such as presenting, giving talks at schools or helping organise events. There also used to be a sporting event called the 'Corporate games' where people from different companies would compete in sports but this unfortunately got cancelled due to the pandemic outbreak. There are also always online events and there used to be lots of 'Thursday drinks' or 'Minigolf ouings' for apprentices too

Yes

It's a lovely company to work for, that is diverse and inclusive and really supports their apprentices. Every project I've been on has had a friendly atmosphere and fun to work for. Apprentices are treated as professionals from day 1 and there are a lot of opportunities o learn and progress.

Do your research online beforehand and try o be original since IBM values originality. Also if you've had an interesting idea or technology you can talk about it during the interview as it shows creativity. In the assessment centre try to speak up and interact with your group as teamwork is greatly valued - the result doesn't matter as much as the process does to the assessors.