Apprentice Software Tester Review

My role was as a software tester on a software development team. This involved working in an Agile development team and taking part in sprint activities. There was plenty of opportunity to branch into test automation, security testing, and non functional testing. Day to day activities were preparing test data, analysing requirements, and executing and reporting tests.

I have learned a lot of new skills, and have gotten to use a lot of new technologies. I have been able to learn about the full software test lifecycle, have enhanced my problem solving ability, and improved a number of soft skills such as organisation and time management. It has definitely been a lot of learning!

The actual work aspect was really great. Being able to get stuck right in with the on the job work, while having time allocated to learning, was truly great for me. I did sometimes feel like the apprenticeship had some tick box exercises that frustrated me a little, but overall I was satisfied with the program and the skills it has given me.

Overall, it was well structured. Time frames were clear, and objectives were too. Some parts definitely felt unnecessary, and geared to individuals with less programming experience than a lot of us had, but as it is an entry route into the field I can understand why this is the case.

My employer has provided me with a lot of support, especially from a mental health front. I never felt alone, and always had a structure in place that I could turn to, with a support network internally. Some things were slightly awkward from a technology standpoint, but this was largely due to internal security restrictions on software installations.

Firebrand were very good. I was struggling with writing the large documents that were required, so Firebrand supported me with suggesting alternative submission methods. This resulted in me creating, presenting and recording PowerPoint presentations about the work I'd undertaken, as I find it a lot easier to present than write.

Over the course of the apprenticeship I've definitely skilled up in a lot of ways. Having to cover as a requirement of the course a lot of different aspects of software testing meant I wasn't limited to just functional testing or automation testing, and I got to experience the whole test lifecycle.

My workplace offers 3 days of volunteering leave a year, paid. These are opportunities for us and my employer to give back to our local community, and you can do these with your team. They are great team building exercises. There are also plenty of events and social groups on the internal Yammer site.

Yes

It's a fantastic place to work. They've been really supportive throughout, and I've thoroughly enjoyed working with the exceptional people on my team.

In the interview, just try and relax, and be yourself. Aviva like to look for people who are passionate about their work or about technology in general, so putting that across through your enthusiasm can go a long way!