Software Tester Review

Item: Software Tester at Department for Work and Pensions
Rating: 3.5
Author: Anonymous

at Department for Work and Pensions

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Software Engineering

Blackpool, Lancashire

Review Submitted: March 2025

Overall Rating

3.5 /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!

3/5 - Overview of Role

3/5 - Skills Development

3.4/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

3/5

I complete testing and quality assurance of new and updated applications that are due to be used by staff across DWP. I will often complete work individually, but often collaborate with other staff in my team and other teams involved in the software development lifecycle, to ensure that tasks are completed correctly.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

3/5

I have enjoyed learning new skills and starting a new career in this area, but experienced some issues with fitting assessment criteria to my job role and felt that I didn't have much opportunity to use some of the skills I gained during bootcamp within my job role.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

3/5

I completed a software testing bootcamp with Makers at the start of my apprenticeship and learned a lot about programming and testing software, as well as gaining a better understanding of the software testing mindset and how to record good quality documentation. My job role also taught me about how these skills fit within DWP processes.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

2/5

The assessment criteria was clearly laid out, but fit other software testing roles better than the one I was placed in, which caused some confusion around the evidence I should be gathering. The bootcamp phase was well structured, but completing my portfolio of evidence was confusing at times as to what was expected of me.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

My employer was very supportive, both in terms of helping me gain clarification around the issues that I had and also in arranging a break in learning for a period of paternity leave. I was always allowed time and flexibility for completing work on my apprenticeship and moved teams where required.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

3/5

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

4/5

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

3/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Department for Work and Pensions to a friend?

Yes

Why?

DWP is a large organisation with many teams and job roles, as well as there generally being good opportunity for progression. I felt supported by DWP throughout my apprenticeship and gained experience to help my complete my apprenticeship. There is also a good number of experienced staff who are able to share their knowledge and support development.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Department for Work and Pensions?

Apprenticeships are a great way to begin a career in DWP, giving opportunity to gain experience of a role as well as providing development opportunities to aid future progression.

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