Apprentice Software Tester

Dole PLC

Birmingham, Liverpool

Closes on Tuesday 30 September 2025

Posted on 28 August 2025

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Summary

The Apprentice Software Tester will support the development and software testing team in ensuring that software products meet functional, performance, security, and usability requirements.

Wage

£22,000 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Software tester (level 4)
Hours
Monday - Friday, working hours TBC

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 20 October 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

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

Please note that this is an apprenticeship position and therefore anyone with more than six months professional experience working as a software tester or who holds an ISTQB foundation certificate will not be eligible.

You will also need to commit to completing a Level 4 Software Testing Apprenticeship.

This role offers hands-on experience across the software development lifecycle, with a focus on quality assurance and testing practices. The apprentice will work collaboratively with developers, analysts, and stakeholders while undertaking structured learning through the Apprenticeship Scheme.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Software Testing & Quality Assurance:

  • Conduct manual and automated tests to identify bugs and verify functionality
  • Analyse software and systems to mitigate risks and ensure reliability
  • Document test results and contribute to recommendations for improvements

Development Lifecycle Participation:

  • Engage in testing activities throughout the software development lifecycle
  • Collaborate with developers and business teams to understand requirements
  • Provide input on test planning, risk assessment, and product quality

Learning & Professional Development:

  • Complete apprenticeship training modules and assessments
  • Shadow experienced testers and participate in team knowledge sharing
  • Develop understanding of software testing tools, techniques, and standards

Stakeholder Interaction:

  • Communicate effectively with internal teams and external clients
  • Participate in meetings, reviews, and feedback sessions
  • Support the delivery of testing services across varied projects and sectors

EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

  • Enthusiasm for technology and software development
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Good communication and teamwork abilities
  • Eligibility for the UK Government apprenticeship programme

Desirable:

  • Basic understanding of software testing principles
  • Familiarity with any programming or scripting language
  • Exposure to web, mobile, or enterprise software environments

KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES:

  • Attention to detail and a methodical approach
  • Willingness to learn and adapt in a technical environment
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Resilience and a proactive attitude to problem-solving

PERFORMANCE METRICS:

  • Completion of apprenticeship milestones and qualifications
  • Accuracy and completeness of test documentation
  • Contribution to team goals and project outcomes
  • Feedback from mentors, peers, and stakeholders

Where you'll work

You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship is available in these locations:

  • The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham, B9 4DT
  • 1st Floor Baird House Edge Lane, Liverpool Innovation Park, Liverpool, L7 9NJ

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 tester (level 4)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • apply static test techniques
  • apply Black Box test techniques such as Equivalence Partitioning, Boundary Value Analysis, Decision Table Testing and State Transition Testing
  • analyse test objectives and requirements/test basis to define test scope and coverage criteria
  • use tools to automate, manage or support any test activity
  • Apply a regression strategy including selection of tests, maintenance of regression suites and identifying tests suitable for automation
  • use defect tracking tools
  • adapt and apply testing activities according to industry standard development methodologies (sequential and iterative)
  • apply the range of different software test types within the broad categories of Functional, Non-Functional (Security, Performance & Usability), and White Box/Structural Testing
  • apply and support testing at different Test Levels appropriate to the Software Development Lifecycle (such as Unit Testing, Component Integration Testing, System Testing, System Integration Testing and User Acceptance Testing), taking into account the fundamentals of testing
  • conform to specific industry standards where appropriate (such as GDPR, health informatics, safety critical, etc.) related to software testing
  • maintain up to date knowledge of technological developments in the field of Software Testing
  • record and interpret test progress and results, communicating test status to the relevant stakeholders
  • Design and follow tests to achieve coverage criteria
  • apply static test techniques
  • apply Black Box test techniques such as Equivalence Partitioning, Boundary Value Analysis, Decision Table Testing and State Transition Testing
  • analyse test objectives and requirements/test basis to define test scope and coverage criteria
  • use tools to automate, manage or support any test activity
  • Apply a regression strategy including selection of tests, maintenance of regression suites and identifying tests suitable for automation
  • use defect tracking tools
  • adapt and apply testing activities according to industry standard development methodologies (sequential and iterative)
  • apply the range of different software test types within the broad categories of Functional, Non-Functional (Security, Performance & Usability), and White Box/Structural Testing
  • apply and support testing at different Test Levels appropriate to the Software Development Lifecycle (such as Unit Testing, Component Integration Testing, System Testing, System Integration Testing and User Acceptance Testing), taking into account the fundamentals of testing
  • conform to specific industry standards where appropriate (such as GDPR, health informatics, safety critical, etc.) related to software testing
  • maintain up to date knowledge of technological developments in the field of Software Testing
  • record and interpret test progress and results, communicating test status to the relevant stakeholders
  • Design and follow tests to achieve coverage criteria

Training schedule

This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

More training information

As part of the Level 4 Software Tester apprenticeship standard, you’ll be registered as a member with the British Computer Society and be on a fast track to an industry recognised qualification and your dedicated industry coach will support you through a blended approach that will include remote, in person, 1-2-1 and group learning.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

7 GCSE's including Maths and English (grade A*-C/9-4 (or equivalent))

Desirable qualifications

A Level in:

Computer Science, Maths, Science or similar (grade A - C)

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
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience

About this employer

Dole UK operates 23 facilities across the UK, covering Wholesale, Foodservice and Retail customers. We are supported by a wide network of the most accomplished local and global growers. Our industry leading vertically integrated supply chain extends across the globe. Growing, sourcing, importing, packaging, marketing and distributing over 300 lines of fresh produce, Dole UK's range of local and global produce extends from the more familiar to the unusual and includes extensive organic and value added fresh cut ranges.

https://dole.co.uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Continued employment and career development. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DIGITAL NATIVE (UK) LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000339244.

Apply now

Closes on Tuesday 30 September 2025

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