Test Manager Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Hursley
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
3.9 /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!
3.5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
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:
4/5
As a Test Manager i am responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all testing activities within my project. My goal is to ensure software quality by managing the testing process, test team, and testing resources. My key responsibilities are:
• Define the testing strategy and approach for projects
• Create and maintain test plans, schedules, and resource allocations
• Ensure test coverage meets quality and risk requirements
• Manage and lead the test team
• Select and oversee testing tools, environments, and data
• Track and report on test progress, risks, and issues
• Ensure defects are logged, triaged, prioritised, and resolved
• Coordinate with project managers, business analysts, developers, and release managers
• Ensure compliance with organisational or regulatory quality standards
• Drive continuous improvements in testing processes and practices
• Define the testing strategy and approach for projects
• Create and maintain test plans, schedules, and resource allocations
• Ensure test coverage meets quality and risk requirements
• Manage and lead the test team
• Select and oversee testing tools, environments, and data
• Track and report on test progress, risks, and issues
• Ensure defects are logged, triaged, prioritised, and resolved
• Coordinate with project managers, business analysts, developers, and release managers
• Ensure compliance with organisational or regulatory quality standards
• Drive continuous improvements in testing processes and practices
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
The learning modules from Uni were okay however not always relevant. The project work I do at IBM is very rewarding and I work within a good team which makes the corporate train slightly more bearable
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
All things test related I have learnt to a very high level.
Many soft skills like teamwork and communication I have massively developed.
I also have developed skills in AI and the specific industry I work in.
Many soft skills like teamwork and communication I have massively developed.
I also have developed skills in AI and the specific industry I work in.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The structure of the Uni is good. Clear timetable with dates to follow for submissions.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
No concerns with support. There if needed from management or technical perspective.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The learning is self paced however you can book 1-1 sessions with tutors should you need more.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Somewhat - The modules are not always relevant and often I don't feel I learn much if I am not using it in my role.
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
Lots of things to get involved with depending on location.
My project does a good job from a social side.
My project does a good job from a social side.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Great company for learning and developing. Many apprenticeship offerings. Perks are decent and very good pay for apprentices.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
Be yourself as IBM focuses on your personal style rather than technical ability.
Show confidence, openness to learn and interest in AI.
Show confidence, openness to learn and interest in AI.
