Software Tester Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Hursley
Review Submitted: February 2025
Overall Rating
4.2 /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!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
4.2/5
-
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
As a software tester, my role is to write test scripts, create test data, execute tests and raise defects when appropriate. This is to ensure that the system we deliver to our client is as free from bugs as possible and to reduce the number of issues in the production environment.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
50/50. IBM is a great employer and perfect for completing an apprenticeship. The perks and job prospects are very positive. The course itself is not so great. The topics are very broad, not always relevant to my role and often poorly structured. The assignments are what count and therefore often the focus is on this.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes. My role has allowed me to learn the skills needed to be a tester. It has increased my confidence, public speaking, problem solving, teamwork and leadership skills. I have developed technical skills based on what is needed from me on my role. I also have learned a variety of modern technologies such as Cloud and AI.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The structure of the course is very good. Each course is split across 6 modules, one per week. The assignment timelines are presented at the start of the course, therefore allowing for planning. The content in the modules are broken down well, however often include optional learnings which are not very useful.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive exactly the right amount of support. If I require more it is available. This could be via my manager, via the apprenticeship microsites, other apprentices / ex - apprentices or the resources available that have been created by ex - apprentices. They are flexible when allocating time to complete uni work.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The lecturers are available upon request. They have been somewhat useful when I have interacted with them in the past. Last year I required a break from learning (about 8 months total) due to other commitments which was supported by the uni. They helped allign me with another cohort when I returned.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Some of the modules are useful to learn and understand although very difficult to say how it helps me perform better at my role. Some modules I am already knowledgable on based on my role so therefore has very little impact. Other modules have no relevance to my role at all.
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
This is project and location specific however for me I get involved with organising 5 a side football. I also am one of the social reps on my project. This means organising social evenings, whether that is food and drinks in Winchester or a summer BBQ at the onsite clubhouse.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I am very happy with my time at IBM. It has provided me with some great working experiences. I have been able to promote early and am compensated well. The perks are good, and the travel I get from my project works well for my personal circumstances and is rewarding.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
Be yourself, think about your past experiences and ensure that you are willing to learn and work hard. You don't need to be incredibly technical when you start, as you will learn on the job. But just make sure you are prepared to put in the effort and contribute.
