software tester Review

by IBM

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.5/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

In my daily role, I am a software tester. I usually test the functionality of a software and write/ create test scripts which I then run to test. I also train new joiners and show them how to carry out any testing. I have the responsibility to track and record my tests

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

When I orginially joined the apprenticeship I has no previous experience and struggled with school. However, once I joined IBM I was taught how to carry out all the tasks for my job. I had the right support to learn and many knowledge transfer sessions to get myself up to speed

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I thoroughly enjoyed the programme as it suited my needs and helped me form a good relationship with my education. I had the opportunity to meet lots of new people and grow my network. This has been not only an enjoyable experience but also memorable because of the people I met on the way.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme was very well organised, as it had a time layout of when different tasks should be completed. It was put in a simple way to help people understand what was coming up, what education had to be done and any support for that education. The structure was ideal for a new comer like me

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I had the greatest experience with my employer when it came to support. There was always someone guiding me and helping me with any issues or problems I faced. I had regular meeting to ensure I was on track and had advice given to me for things I was unsure about

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Similarly to the workplace, both my company and the apprenticeship provider, made sure that there was good communication between the two so that if anyone reached out for support then there would be a contact on both sides. I also had regular meetings with my apprenticeship provider to keep track of my progress.

9/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The qualifications I was receiving with my training provider, gave me the knowledge that I needed to successfully and confidently carry out the tasks in my role. It also gave me some background knowledge and insight to the work I was doing and how it all fit together when I came to the workplace.

9/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There are a wealth of extra curricular activities to get involved with at IBM. I am involved in many initiative and communities as these are my passions outside of my role. These have been set up by IBM to ensure there are business resource groups for individuals to join to make them feel more at home when they are working

10/10

9a. Would you recommend IBM to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

IBM helped me become how I am today. I got the education, support and training I needed to be successful. Looking back from when I started at the age of 19, not knowing anything about my role to now, where I have been nominated for awards because of the quality of my work, its astonishing to see the progress.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?

For anyone applying to IBM I would remind you that an employer is not only employing you for your skill, they're employing you as a whole. Its important to be able to be your true self in the workplace as people function the best when they are themselves. So bring your whole-self to your interview because they employ every aspect of you at IBM.