Software Test Engineer Apprentice Review

Day to day I attend a stand-up in the morning to talk about what we have been working on the day before, what we will be working on today and if there are anything blockers to our work that we need help with. I will then look at the test tracker that we have and see what outstanding tests there are and start working on them after talking to my colleagues to make sure we aren't working on the same tests at the same time. We also have meetings in the afternoon on some days to update the team on how we are getting on, or if there is anything we need help with.

I have been in my apprenticeship for 6 months and I already have certified qualifications in Software Testing, Agile, and I have also learned how to use software testing frameworks like Cucumber and Selenium, I am also learning Python in my own time through the resources that IBM have given us. We have also attended courses on speaking to clients/shareholders and how to deliver presentations.

I am thoroughly enjoying my programme, there is a very good balance between apprenticeship work and project work. we are treated like regular members of the team and given responsibilities and noot just left to do the grunt work. My team has made my time here at IBM wonderful and I am excited for what the future will bring.

My programme is very well structured, there is plenty of time to prepare for any courses that we have as we have the timetable for the full 2 years of the apprenticeship when we first start so we are aware of what dates need to be free. Our project team and foundation managers are in communication with each other so they know when we need to take time for apprenticeship courses or work.

We receive tremendous support from IBM if and when we need help with anything, regardless of if it is project related, apprenticeship related, or even in our personal lives outside of work. IBM take things like physical and mental health very seriously and want to provide us with any resources they can.

Our training provider also provides with immense support, we have learner progress reviews and monthly meetings with our apprenticeship coach where we can talk about anything that is concernin us and they will provide as much help as they can.

Through our training provider we take part in courses in Software Testing and Agile methodologies and ways of working that can directly be applied to our work, we also work on soft skills such as planning, time management and organisation.

There is always some type of extra-curricular events that you can attend, there are weekly yoga sessions, there are company team sports, networking events, holiday socials (also done remotely if social is not permitted) where you can socialise with your wider team and get to know people and at the same time expand your network.

Yes

IBM provides us with the resources and environment where we can truly take control and have agency over our careers and go wherever we want to. We are constantly learning and applying things to our work and upskill ourselves. They really do look after us and want the best for us, we have unlimited access to websites like Udemy, Coursera, Cognitive Classes where we can learning anything from A-Z, does not even have to be related to Software Testing, my manager for example is taking guitar lessons on udemy.

My advice is to go for it, I found this apprenticeship whilst doing a Computer Science course in the second major UK lockdown, and found myself on the IBM vacancies page, it was honestly the best application process, from the application form and the interviews. My tips for the interview and application process is just to be yourself, IBM place more importance on that rather than what we have done in school, they want people that have growth mindset and who are authentic.