Software Tester Engineer Review
at IBM
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Manchester, UK
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
3.6 /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
Testing software in the form of non-functional performance tests to make sure software can operate under stress and load, and also funcitonal tests to ensure that software meets their requirements for end users.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy it a lot because it gives me real world experience for working for clients that are very dependent on our work. I feel responsible for my part in doing software testing and IBM and my clients take me as a serious employee and not just an "apprentice".
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I have developed many transferrable skills such as leadership and communication, and learnt new technical skills like using the Jmeter programme to run test cases, as well as learning more about software testing in general.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
It is well structured in the sense that I am provided with the documentation and resources required to complete my apprenticeship portfolio in terms of knowledge and to extent skills. However, sometimes I feel like I have to be focused on my job role too much which might leave less to focus on my apprenticeship tasks.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
Support from my employer is there when it is asked for. As expected, support isn't hugely offered unless it is asked for. With that being said, I can rely on my employer to discuss issues I am facing in regards to completing the apprenticeship and meeting my criteria for passing it. It is then largely up to me how I would decide on going forward.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My trainer offers a very big learning platform to learn more about and study for my qualifications, even if it is qualifications that might not be related to my apprenticeship such as coding credentials. I feel like I can ask for additional support if I need to, and that they will provide me access to resources where I can learn what I need to learn.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Since I am largely focused on one role of non-functional testing, I do feel that my role instead helps me understand the apprenticeship training more rather than vice versa. Perhaps this is because there is less time in the working week which I spend on active apprenticeship work.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes, there are many events that my work holds that I can get involved in that support my personal or professional development, including networking. There are charity events, or even discussiond about tech related fields. There are also sport events on a weekly basis such as football or badminton.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
IBM is excellent for professional development. It is an organisation that treats its apprentices as real workers and appoints them important responsibilites. You can get involved with the wider community and meet people from all jobs and backgrounds, whilst completing your tasks and fulfilling your role with immense support behind you.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
I would advise others to think outside the box when applying to IBM, and filling their application forms. Try to think of something or a past experience that sets you apart from others, and it doesn't have to be tech related or directly related to the role you're applying for, but you can find a way to make it relevant and how it has supported your professional development.
