OAT Tester Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Manchester
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
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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:
4/5
My role is in Acceptance Testing, where I ensure systems and changes meet business requirements before they are released to users. On a day-to-day basis, I review requirements, execute test cases, log and retest defects, and work closely with developers and stakeholders to make sure solutions function correctly and are ready for deployment.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my programme overall. My role can be challenging and different at times, which keeps the work engaging and pushes me to continuously learn and develop new skills. I appreciate being exposed to real projects and responsibilities, as it helps build my confidence and professional experience.
In terms of my apprenticeship, I particularly enjoy the 80/20 split. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to experience both university and the professional workplace, as it allows me to apply what I learn academically in a real world setting. It gives me the best of both worlds, developing my knowledge through my studies while also growing professionally and understanding how businesses operate.
In terms of my apprenticeship, I particularly enjoy the 80/20 split. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to experience both university and the professional workplace, as it allows me to apply what I learn academically in a real world setting. It gives me the best of both worlds, developing my knowledge through my studies while also growing professionally and understanding how businesses operate.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I have learnt a range of new skills and developed existing ones throughout my programme. In my role, I have strengthened my attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication skills, particularly when identifying and reporting defects and working with different teams. I have also developed my ability to understand business requirements and apply them in a practical testing environment.
Additionally, my confidence, time management, and professionalism have improved as I balance both work and university commitments. Overall, the programme has helped me grow both technically and personally.
Additionally, my confidence, time management, and professionalism have improved as I balance both work and university commitments. Overall, the programme has helped me grow both technically and personally.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My programme is generally well organised and structured. There is a clear balance between work and study through the 80/20 split, which helps me manage my responsibilities effectively. The expectations for both my role and university work are communicated clearly, and there is support available from managers, colleagues, and tutors when needed.
The structure allows me to gradually build my skills and knowledge while gaining practical experience in the workplace, which makes the programme feel purposeful and well coordinated overall.
The structure allows me to gradually build my skills and knowledge while gaining practical experience in the workplace, which makes the programme feel purposeful and well coordinated overall.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a great level of support from my employer. My manager and team are approachable and willing to provide guidance when needed, whether that’s helping me understand tasks, develop new skills, or balance my workload. I’m also given opportunities to ask questions and learn from more experienced colleagues, which has been really valuable for my development.
Overall, I feel supported both professionally and personally, and my employer encourages my growth throughout the apprenticeship.
Overall, I feel supported both professionally and personally, and my employer encourages my growth throughout the apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a good level of support from my training provider, MMU. I have a dedicated skills coach who provides guidance and regular feedback on my progress. We also have quarterly reviews to ensure I am meeting my Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) and staying on track to successfully complete my apprenticeship. This structured support helps me stay organised and confident in working towards my qualifications.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that my qualification supports my performance in my role well. The knowledge and concepts I learn through my studies help me better understand the work I’m doing in practice, particularly around processes, problem-solving, and professional standards. It also helps me think more critically and approach tasks in a more structured way.
Overall, the qualification complements my day-to-day role by strengthening my understanding and giving me the confidence to apply what I learn in a real workplace environment.
Overall, the qualification complements my day-to-day role by strengthening my understanding and giving me the confidence to apply what I learn in a real workplace environment.
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 opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities at work and through my programme. For example, I have had the chance to participate in university open days, where I can support prospective students and share my experiences as an apprentice. I also value opportunities to give back by helping others and younger students who are considering similar pathways.
These activities allow me to build my confidence, develop communication skills, and contribute positively to the wider community beyond my day-to-day role.
These activities allow me to build my confidence, develop communication skills, and contribute positively to the wider community beyond my day-to-day role.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would recommend IBM to a friend. It provides a supportive environment with strong opportunities for learning and development, particularly through the apprenticeship programme. I value the balance between gaining real work experience and continuing my education, as well as the chance to work with knowledgeable professionals and develop skills for the future. Overall, it’s a great place to grow both personally and professionally.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
My advice to others applying to IBM would be to be yourself and show a genuine willingness to learn. Highlight your curiosity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, even if you don’t have extensive technical experience. It’s also important to research the company and understand its values, as IBM looks for people who are motivated and open to growth.
Finally, be confident and make the most of the opportunity, the apprenticeship can be challenging at times, but it’s a great way to gain valuable experience, build professional skills, and set a strong foundation for your career.
Finally, be confident and make the most of the opportunity, the apprenticeship can be challenging at times, but it’s a great way to gain valuable experience, build professional skills, and set a strong foundation for your career.
