Apprentice software tester Review

My role as a software testing apprentice requires me to test different software which Volkswagen financial services offers to their customers. Our customers can be the dealers, brands and stakeholders. I receive the requirements and the built software from the developer and I ensure that the software meets all requirements before it is sent out to the customers for approval. This also includes me testing through all the software and try to brake it so it does not occur in live. Testing is done to ensure quality in the product being provided.

Since starting my apprenticeship, I have learnt how to test from scratch. I had no previous knowledge and I have learnt exactly what testing is and the different types of testing which is done. I have now started automation testing which I will be learning for six months. This includes learning how to script automated tests, run them and debug them. VWFS have also been given life skills training throughout my apprenticeship. This has included networking, personal development planning and how to make a good linked in profile. This helps me improve myself which I can use throughout my career.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship experience so far. I have received huge support from my manager and the testing team. I was buddied up with a test analyst on the team which I felt worked really well. This is because It allows me to get to know someone really well within the team and I can go to them before going to my manager for support. My college is in Manchester which I have found to work really well. This has allowed me to meet other testers and understand how other businesses work and share my experiences with my team. I receive a huge support from college and my colleagues which allows me to balance my work and college load well.

It has been structured well. I had overviews every week, for the few months of the apprenticeship. This worked really well because it gave me a better understanding of what each team within IT did and allowed me to increase my network. throughout my apprenticeship, I am doing a year in projects, 6 months in automation and 6 months in small change. This allows me to understand how testing works throughout the various levels within VWFS. When I first started my apprenticeship, there was no course set in place for the academic side of it. This ended up taking a few months to sort out which I assumed they would of had in place at the beginning and I think in future it would be better to start straight away as it gives you something to do when you are quiet in the first few months.

I have received a huge amount of support from my team throughout my apprenticeship. I am allocated one day a week to focus on course work or revision for my exams at college. This ensure I have enough time to complete my college work and stay ahead of my schedule. When I have needed support with my college work or any work in general, the whole team have been there to support me and allow me to ask any questions I have had. I have spoken to test leads about documentation, the manager of testing and assurance for knowledge of the business and my buddy and manager for references, questions and information about testing.

I have received a lot of support from my training provider throughout my apprenticeship. My skills coach comes into work once a month where we discuss my course work I have completed, what I have been doing at work, the new tasks they are setting me and any issue I have. I then go to college for my training weeks every couple of months for a week or two at a time. This is where I learn about testing and development to ensure I have enough knowledge to complete my coursework, pass my exams and complete my job to the best of my ability. If I have any issues or questions, I am able to contact my teachers at any point.

I believe my qualification and the training I receive to achieve it, allows me to perform my role to the best of my ability. It allows me to have a huge understanding of testing and a small section of development which allows me to complete all testing tasks given to me at work. It give me the knowledge of the different types of testing to ensure I using the right types for when I am writing and executing scripts at work. All the knowledge I have learnt in my training I am able to use within my role at VWFS and inform others about what I have covered to help them or discuss it further.

There are many extra- curricular events at VWFS to get involved in. There are always charity events to raise money. Some of the activities have included a bake off, steps competition and best dressed up. within testing we have our own social events which I manage. This is usually once a month or every other month. some of the activities we have done are meals out, bowling, locked in a room, adventure golf and Christmas lunch. We are also given the opportunity within testing to go to a forum. This is to meet other people in the testing world and talk about ideas and certain topics set out in the day. Having these opportunities allows me to get to know people better, inside and out of the business.

Yes

Volkswagen Financial Services is a great place to work. They have given me the support and opportunities to better myself and learn something completely new. I have been given the time to complete my college work so I am able to balance my workload well. They have allowed me to gain experience in such a huge well known company and given me the chance to better myself by investing life skill modules which I will be able to use throughout my career. You are seen a member of the team which plays a big part and I think that is really important for apprentices.

when applying for an apprenticeship, make sure you are yourself. They understand that you are not going to have much knowledge, if any. Otherwise you would not of applied for the apprenticeship as it your opportunity to learn. Take any opportunity given and when you are struggling with college work or actual work, speak up as they are there to support you within your apprenticeship.