MA Modern Apprentice in software testing. Review

Our role at Hewlett Packard Enterprise is to test high specification software to ensure that it meets all the requirements set by the customer. We have to work as part of a team to ensure that we can reach the product release goals on time. Our job is not to fix the errors we find, but to report them to the development team. After they have fixed them, we must test them again. After this, we will pass or fail them.

I have learnt better communication and teamwork skills. In addition to this, I have also learned how to do more rapid planning in an agile environment.

I enjoy coming to my apprenticeship more than I ever did going to college. It is a nicer experience to be able to work in a real life environment rather than a classroom.

I feel a valued employee because they offer support where it is needed and there are lots of regulations in place to ensure that employees are kept safe in the workplace. This includes providing comfortable office chairs to prevent back injury.

The induction which we recieved took too long to complete. Most of the detail could have been covered in 2 days rather than 3. Training is enjoyable and often exciting. We are assigned a mentor. Training schedules are also made clear to us.

We recieve advice from our training provider. We can ask them questions about our work or training which we are going to recieve in the future. The training provider is always happy to tell us what we need to do to achieve our goals.

We recieve plenty of support from our mentors and coach. They offer us support and guidance on issues in the workplace. This includes helping with the work which we are given by the apprenticeship scheme as well as day to day tasks.

The income outweighs the expenses. Our employer also remits costs for transport to and from training, if they have arranged the training themselves. If we are off site for one day, they will pay fuel costs for driving to the new business location, for example, visiting a customer.

There are company events and activities available on the company website. They are also advertised on noticeboards within the workplace. There are several sports teams and also an employee barbeque which takes place in the summer.

Yes

Working here has been an interesting and enjoyable experience. Many of my friends would enjoy the challenge.

When going through the application process, make sure you get all paperwork (such as security clearance forms) filled out to the best of your ability on time. Failure to do this does not only take a long time, but pushes back the start date for the other apprentices.