IT Test Analyst Apprenticeship - 2 Year Fixed Term
NORTHERN TRAINS LTD
York (YO1 6JT)
Closes in 15 days (Thursday 7 August 2025)
Posted on 22 July 2025
Contents
Summary
As an Apprentice Test Analyst, you’ll help test the software our teams use every day – from planning train services to tracking performance. You’ll work with experienced testers & developers, learn how to write and run tests, and spot issues before they cause problems. It’s a hands-on role with plenty to learn and real responsibility from day one.
- Wage
-
£25,889 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Salary is paid 4 weekly.
- Training course
- Software developer (level 4)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 8 September 2025
- Duration
-
2 years
- Positions available
-
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
- Supporting the planning, execution and tracking of software testing activities
- Helping to write test plans, test cases and scripts based on project requirements
- Running tests, logging results and identifying issues that need fixing
- Supporting the setup and maintenance of test environments.
- Getting hands-on with automation tools and frameworks
- Learning the principles of security testing
- Keeping testing documentation up to date
- Communicating clearly with teammates, stakeholders and clients.
- Helping ensure that all our systems meet quality and performance standards
Where you'll work
George Stephenson House
Toft Green
York
YO1 6JT
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
DIGITAL NATIVE (UK) LIMITED
Training course
Software developer (level 4)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- create logical and maintainable code
- develop effective user interfaces
- link code to data sets
- test code and analyse results to correct errors found using unit testing
- conduct a range of test types, such as Integration, System, User Acceptance, Non-Functional, Performance and Security testing.
- identify and create test scenarios
- apply structured techniques to problem solving, debug code and understand the structure of programmes in order to identify and resolve issues
- create simple software designs to effectively communicate understanding of the program
- create analysis artefacts, such as use cases and/or user stories
- build, manage and deploy code into the relevant environment
- apply an appropriate software development approach according to the relevant paradigm (for example object oriented, event driven or procedural)
- follow software designs and functional or technical specifications
- follow testing frameworks and methodologies
- follow company, team or client approaches to continuous integration, version and source control
- communicate software solutions and ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders
- apply algorithms, logic and data structures
- interpret and implement a given design whist remaining compliant with security and maintainability requirements
- create logical and maintainable code
- develop effective user interfaces
- link code to data sets
- test code and analyse results to correct errors found using unit testing
- conduct a range of test types, such as Integration, System, User Acceptance, Non-Functional, Performance and Security testing.
- identify and create test scenarios
- apply structured techniques to problem solving, debug code and understand the structure of programmes in order to identify and resolve issues
- create simple software designs to effectively communicate understanding of the program
- create analysis artefacts, such as use cases and/or user stories
- build, manage and deploy code into the relevant environment
- apply an appropriate software development approach according to the relevant paradigm (for example object oriented, event driven or procedural)
- follow software designs and functional or technical specifications
- follow testing frameworks and methodologies
- follow company, team or client approaches to continuous integration, version and source control
- communicate software solutions and ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders
- apply algorithms, logic and data structures
- interpret and implement a given design whist remaining compliant with security and maintainability requirements
Training schedule
More training information
- On this Level 4 Software Developer Apprenticeship, you’ll work towards the ISTQB Foundation qualification and get the support you need to grow your skills and confidence
- From training sessions and regular feedback to working closely with mentors and getting involved in live projects, you’ll learn by doing – and have a team around you every step of the way
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
Other requirements
All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.
About this employer
We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North - connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment. Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, after which rail quickly spread across the globe - and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.
http://northernrailway.co.uk/careers (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
Free Travel on Northern Trains. Exclusive Discounts - From shopping, gym memberships to wellbeing. Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more. Training & Career Development
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
After this apprenticeship
Starting as an Apprentice Test Analyst at Northern can lead to a wide range of career paths within tech and the wider rail industry. You'll gain hands-on experience testing real systems that help keep our trains running – and build valuable skills that open doors beyond the apprenticeship.
Many apprentices stay with us and move into permanent roles. You might continue in testing or discover new areas of interest as you grow.
Possible next steps include:
- Junior Test Analyst – supporting more complex testing projects
- Automation Tester – using tools like Selenium to create automated tests
- QA Analyst – working on wider quality assurance and system reliability
- Business Analyst – helping translate business needs into tech solutions
- Software Developer – moving into coding and system development
- IT Project Coordinator – supporting digital project delivery
- Control Systems Analyst – helping maintain and improve operational tools
- Data Analyst – using insights to support performance and planning
- Digital Innovation roles – shaping new tools and ways of working
Whatever your path, you’ll be part of a business that values curiosity, growth and progression. This apprenticeship is more than a starting point – it’s the beginning of a career with real direction.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
DIGITAL NATIVE (UK) LIMITED
Recruitment@northernrailway.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000333121.
Apply now
Closes in 15 days (Thursday 7 August 2025)
Sign in with your GOV.UK One Login to apply.
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.