Software Tester Apprentice

RETIREMENT TECHNOLOGY LTD

LEEDS (LS18 4JR)

Closes in 24 days (Tuesday 29 September 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 3 September 2026


Summary

Join Retirement Systems Ltd, a Leeds-based software company developing technology for the retirement and financial services sector. Gain hands-on experience testing applications, identifying defects and supporting quality software delivery, while working towards a Level 4 Software Tester Apprenticeship in a real-world agile environment.

Wage

£20,000 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

£20,000 – £22,000

Training course
Software tester (level 4)
Hours
37.5 hours per week including dedicated off-the-job training. Monday to Friday. Exact working hours to be confirmed.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Wednesday 30 September 2026

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

The successful candidate will:

  • Execute manual test cases on web and mobile applications
  • Identify, investigate and report software defects, usability issues and display problems
  • Log, track and retest software bugs using company systems and tools
  • Review user stories, requirements and specifications to create detailed test scripts
  • Work closely with software developers to understand issues and verify fixes
  • Assist with software quality assurance activities throughout the development lifecycle
  • Learn software testing methodologies, techniques and best practices
  • Support user acceptance testing activities where required
  • Assist with maintaining testing documentation and test evidence
  • Develop skills in automated testing tools and frameworks such as
  • Cypress, Playwright and Selenium
  • Contribute to ensuring software products are reliable, secure and user-friendly

Where you'll work

JASON HOUSE
KERRY HILL
HORSFORTH
LEEDS
LS18 4JR

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

THE S&A TRANSFORM GROUP 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

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. Off-the-job training will follow the time allocations outlined in the occupational standard.

More training information

Training to be provided - The successful candidate will work towards the Level 4 Software Tester Apprenticeship Standard.

Training will be delivered through a combination of workplace learning and structured off-the-job training. The apprentice will gain practical experience working on live software projects while developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for a successful career in software testing.

There may also be opportunities to gain recognised industry certifications, including ISTQB.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • 5 GCSEs (grade 4/C or above)
  • English (grade 4/C or above)
  • Maths (grade 4/C or above)

Desirable qualifications

A Level in:

Maths (grade Pass)

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
  • Initiative

About this employer

Retirement Technology Limited is a UK software company based in Horsforth, Leeds, focused on business and domestic software development. 

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be opportunities to progress into a permanent position and develop a career in:

  • Software Testing
  • QA Engineering
  • Automation Testing
  • Test Analysis
  • Software Development

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THE S&A TRANSFORM GROUP LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000050336.

Apply now

Closes in 24 days (Tuesday 29 September 2026 at 11:59pm)