Software Tester Apprenticeship - Level 4
THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST OR NATURAL BEAUTY
SWINDON (SN2 2NA)
Closes in 13 days (Monday 23 March 2026)
Posted on 9 March 2026
Contents
Summary
Come and join us on a National Trust apprenticeship where we will support and develop you to play an integral part in our work to tackle climate change, protect historic sites and help people and nature thrive. You don’t need experience for this role, just loads of enthusiasm and a desire to learn.
- Wage
-
£27,263 a year
- Training course
- Software tester (level 4)
- Hours
-
Fixed term, full-time (37.5 hours per week, for 18 months), shifts to be confirmed.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
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Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
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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
In this role you will develop skills in designing and executing software tests, diagnosing defects, using testing tools, analysing results and working collaboratively.
This apprentice Test Analyst role at the National Trust’s Heelis Head Office helps ensure the technology used by visitors, staff and volunteers runs smoothly. You’ll support testing teams by planning and running tests across systems ranging from café tills to digital platforms like the National Trust website. You’ll learn to write test cases, run tests, record issues and work with developers to improve system quality.
During your apprenticeship, you’ll rotate between teams including IT Digital, Salesforce, Tills and Delta, gaining broad hands-on experience. You may also work on performance and accessibility testing, helping ensure our systems are reliable, effective and inclusive.
Where you'll work
NATIONAL TRUST
KEMBLE DRIVE
SWINDON
SN2 2NA
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
FIREBRAND TRAINING 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
Working alongside your mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, you will develop the skills & knowledge relevant to the apprenticeship standard Software Tester Level 4.
Your apprenticeship training will be delivered by a Learning Coach, with teaching and learning sessions held online, lots of on-the-job learning and support every day in the workplace.
You’ll attend regular review meetings and be accountable for your own progression. You’ll be required to complete mandatory e-learning, courses and training provided.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4/C)
- Maths (grade 4/C)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- IT skills
- Customer care skills
- Team working
Other requirements
We would love to hear from you if you meet the following eligibility criteria by the start date of the role:
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs at C/4 or above (including maths and English) or equivalent
- 2 A levels, BTEC or an equivalent level 3 qualification
- Aged 16 or over and have completed year 11
- Not in full time education
- Have the right to work in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for three consecutive years before starting the apprenticeship
- Not currently on any other training or education pro-gramme (e.g. another apprenticeship or a degree)
- Able to travel to work location
If you are aged 18 or under at the point of enrolment and have not achieved English and maths at grade C/4, you may be enrolled on functional skills level 2 as part of your apprenticeship.
If you have a qualification in the same or a related subject or have lots of relevant work experience this will mean you are not eligible for the apprenticeship.
About this employer
We protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. We look after hundreds of houses and close to a million objects, along with vast areas of coastline, countryside and green spaces, for everyone’s benefit. With our staff, members, volunteers and supporters, we’re the biggest conservation charity in Europe. Everyone can get involved, everyone can make a difference.
After this apprenticeship
Upon successful completion you will have a Level 4 Software Tester Higher Apprenticeship, taking your first steps towards a career in IT.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
FIREBRAND TRAINING LIMITED
apprenticeships@nationaltrust.org.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000019953.
Apply now
Closes in 13 days (Monday 23 March 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.