Software Test Engineer Review
at IBM
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
London
Review Submitted: January 2022
Overall Rating
4.7 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I'm Currently working on the BAE account for IBM. My daily project work involves me executing and recording the results of test scripts for document management. I have contributed to other templates by volunteering for additional test activities and supporting team members in client calls my most recent example of this would be in UAT. This gave me the responsibility of uploading UAT scripts into a business template and assigning them to the relevant user for testing.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have been shadowing my project mentor [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the Higherin Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] so that I can learn directly from his example and utilise his experience so that I’m prepared to take on the responsibility of Document Management which has been really enjoyable. In addition to this I work on a project that I am passionate about which makes the apprentice programme even more fun.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt a number of new skills both on the job and off the job for example, I have taken a number of off the job automation courses theses included: Java, Python, Eggplant, Selenium and API’s. On the job training in: TeamCenter, RQM, Polarion, and Confluence. All these newly learnt skills and knowledge have enabled me to be successful on my project
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
So far on my apprenticeship I think it has been organised extremely well right from the start with Induction to the integration period and training for the project. There is a good project/apprenticeship balance which had enabled me attended all of the GKA online seminars and mandatory IBM courses, as well as exceed the 20% required learning time for my time at IBM with a total of 23%.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
received a lot of support from other IBM employees, a good example of this is on the project where I have been shadowing my project mentor [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the Higherin Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] so that I can learn directly from his example and utilise his experience so that I’m prepared to take on the responsibility of Document Management.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I ask questions in monthly meetings with GKA. I also arrange additional one-to-ones with my training mentor so that I learn directly from his guidance to achieve all relevant and mandatory qualifications for my apprenticeship. I also receive additional information for certain task which is helpful for example a pdf example of what project evidence should look like etc.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I would say that most of the of the teachings in the courses are helpful and relevant however some courses like the introduction to programming hasn't helped me yet on the project as I haven't utilised this training due to my project role being more manual testing rather than automation.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
I have joined NAW 2022 with my workstream being Attraction & Engagement. I’m running an event to help give an insight to future applicants what to expect from the assessment centre and the overall application process. I have also recently joined a social event with some over apprentices which is in the early stages of planning but will be fun.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would definitely recommend IBM to a friend (And have done) because I have had a number of career building opportunities for example a project that fits with my interests meaning that work doesn't feel like work. As well as the immense support from both IBM and my fellow employees I have received making the process so far very enjoyable.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
I would encourage them to join my NAW 2022 event to help give them an insight into what to expect from the assessment centre and the overall application process. As well tell them, to be themselves and outline their interests and passions because it can make the project a lot more exciting if it fits in with your interests.
