Apprentice Software Tester

Please note that this is an apprenticeship position and therefore anyone with more than six months professional experience working as a software tester or who holds an ISTQB foundation certificate will not be eligible.

You will also need to commit to completing a Level 4 Software Testing Apprenticeship.

The software tester will be working on various projects, supporting the team leads with testing of clinical applications that Perinatal Institute (PI) provide. Throughout this role, you will be working closely with the IT/Development, clinical, design and data teams performing a range of tests to suit the needs/requirements at the time. You will be responsible to the IT Manager and be working alongside an experienced software tester who will take on a mentorship role towards you, including managing your day-to-day activities.

The role involves supporting the delivery of PI digital products and services, including GROW and MiRecord. The role requires working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team to help ensure software systems are safe, reliable, and effective in supporting high-quality maternity care.

You will need to demonstrate strong initiative with sound time management and prioritisation skills for different tasks and projects. The post holder will need to deliver highly competent testing documentation. You will be responsible for testing and managing the documentation for a range of software used. The post holder will also be responsible for planning, executing, and documenting testing activities across projects, maintaining high standards of quality assurance, contributing to continuous improvement, and supporting the safe release of software in line with organisational, clinical safety, information governance, and data protection requirements.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• To undertake duties as directed/requested by management to support the delivery and implementation of distinct projects; with focus on the reducing still births nationally and internationally. This includes supporting project delivery in line with organisational objectives and improving maternity outcomes nationally and internationally.

• Plan and perform functional, regression, exploratory, validation, smoke, integration, end-to-end, UI and API testing across web and mobile applications (iOS and Android).

• Analyse requirements, specifications, user stories and wireframes to identify test scenarios, clarify requirements and develop clear, structured test cases and test scripts.

• Execute manual tests, accurately record results and identify any defect or unexpected system behaviour.

• Identify, record and manage defects in JIRA, ensuring clear documentation and full traceability through to resolution.

• Develop and implement automated testing where appropriate, including automating suitable manual test processes.

• Produce, maintain and archive clear and accurate testing documentation, including test cases, test scripts, test results and release records.

• Ensure product releases are thoroughly and robustly tested and meet defined quality standards before deployment.

• Maintain an auditable record of testing activities and provide quality assurance for product releases.

• Work closely with developers, project managers and other teams to support testing, issue resolution and continuous product improvement.

• Evaluate software, testing processes and systems to identify risks, defects, potential future issues and opportunities for improvement.

• Develop and continually improve test strategies and testing processes for individual projects and across the organisation.

• Ensure testing activities comply with relevant organisational requirements, including clinical safety, information governance and data protection.

• Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the role, following consultation with the line manager or relevant team leads.

Qualities and Skills

• A proven interest in software, technology or how applications work

• A real enthusiasm for testing, quality assurance and continuous improvement

• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, particularly with highlighting problems, issues, and concerns regarding testing.

• Fast learner and willingness to self-teach (on the companies’ time) methodologies and technologies around software testing.

• Basic understanding of software testing principles and to common testing types including functional, regression, smoke, exploratory and integration testing.

• Strong attention to detail and a methodical, logical and analytical approach to problem-solving.

• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including use of formulas for data handling.

Exposure to any testing, coding, scripting, websites, databases or technical projects would be useful, but it isn’t essential.

Essential Qualifications

• 7 GCSE’s (or equivalent) at grades 9-4 or A-C including English and Mathematics

• 3 A Levels at grades A - C (or equivalent) in STEM subjects

Applications are encouraged from graduates looking for an apprenticeship route to a career in tech.

Salary: £18k - £25k. Commensurate with skills and experience.

Location: You’ll be based in our office in Birmingham, (B15 3BE).

Working week: You will be working 36 hours per week over 4 days with 2 days working from home (Mon + Thu) and 2 days in the office (Tue + Wed).

The successful candidate will have a commute of 1hr 15 mins or less. The role is not open to candidates that would need to relocate to meet this requirement.

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