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Test lead apprenticeships

Computing, technology and digital

Test lead apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly


    • University

    You could do a degree or postgraduate course in: 

    • computer science
    • business 
    • information technology
    • software development 
    • software engineering 
    • maths 
    Courses that include work placements, internships or a year in industry may give you an advantage when you look for work after completing your studies. You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree. For postgraduate study, you'll need a degree in a relevant subject. 

    Apprenticeship
    You could start by doing a software tester higher apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship in digital technology solutions. With experience and further training, you could go on to become a test lead.

    You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.

    Work
    You could join a company as a software tester, for example through a graduate training scheme. Once you have built up enough experience, you could apply for jobs as a test lead. 

    Direct Application
    You could apply directly for jobs if you have 3 to 5 years’ experience in software testing and quality assurance. Experience in software development, systems engineering and project management could be helpful. You’ll also find it useful to have professional certification from an industry organisation like The Chartered Institute for IT. You'll find it useful to understand Agile IT project development methods.

    Test lead apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software 
    • analytical thinking skills 
    • to be flexible and open to change 
    • persistence and determination 
    • the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues 
    • maths knowledge 
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

    Test lead apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    Your day-to-day duties, with the product development team, may include: 

    • understanding what the products being developed are meant to do 
    • creating test plans for each stage of a product’s development 
    • cycle estimating time and resources needed to complete the testing process 
    • co-ordinating the tasks of the testing team 
    • carrying out manual and automated tests within deadlines 
    • identifying and recording faults or ‘bugs’ so they can be fixed 
    • reviewing completed tests and analysing the results 
    • checking that new systems and upgrades are working correctly after they have gone ‘live’ 
    • writing test reports for the project management team
    Working environment
    You could work in an office or at a client's business.

    Career path and progression - Test lead apprenticeships

    You can work in all parts of industry and commerce or specialise in a particular area, for example financial services, telecommunications or cyber security. With experience, you can move into IT project management or become a test manager, co-ordinating several testing programmes. You can also work as a freelance contractor in the IT and business services industry.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

    Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You

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