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GOV.UKSoftware Tester Apprentice - Test Engineer
Department for Work and Pensions
Apply before 11:55 pm on Friday 8th July 2022
Details
Reference number
219692
Salary
£27,565 - £31,061
National £27,565 Inner London £31,061
GBP
Grade
Executive Officer
Contract type
Permanent
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship
Business area
DWP - Digital
Type of role
Digital
Information Technology
Information Technology
Working pattern
Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
Number of posts
14
Contents
Location
These roles will be based in Blackpool, Leeds, London, Manchester or Newcastle. Please find further information on the Corporate hub locations here.
About the job
Summary
Do you have an appetite for learning?
Do you like finding out stuff that you know nothing about?
Do you like to ask questions where others don’t?
Do you like problem solving?
If the answer to these four questions is ‘Yes’ click that apply button now and become our next Software Tester apprentice!
This an amazing opportunity for you start an exciting career and become a key part of one of the biggest and high-profile digital transformation programmes in the world. Here you will have the opportunity to continually learn and work with a great team helping to deliver fantastic software products that millions of people rely upon daily.
If you are unsure what a Software Tester does, well this is quite a difficult question, but simply, a Software Tester’s role is to discover whether an application runs as it was designed to be ran and, if it’s not working correctly, report what problems have been discovered. In other words, does it do ‘what it says on the tin’ and if not, tell somebody what’s wrong!
So now you have an idea of what a Software Tester does, what can a career in Software Testing look like? A Software Tester will use their own detective skills, digital tools or computer programming to solve problems and discover if an application works correctly. Every day, using different methods, a Software Tester will use their skill to find problems within functionality of a new application, record the evidence as to why this is not working and communicate to other members of the software development team – fixing the problem!
Do you like finding out stuff that you know nothing about?
Do you like to ask questions where others don’t?
Do you like problem solving?
If the answer to these four questions is ‘Yes’ click that apply button now and become our next Software Tester apprentice!
This an amazing opportunity for you start an exciting career and become a key part of one of the biggest and high-profile digital transformation programmes in the world. Here you will have the opportunity to continually learn and work with a great team helping to deliver fantastic software products that millions of people rely upon daily.
If you are unsure what a Software Tester does, well this is quite a difficult question, but simply, a Software Tester’s role is to discover whether an application runs as it was designed to be ran and, if it’s not working correctly, report what problems have been discovered. In other words, does it do ‘what it says on the tin’ and if not, tell somebody what’s wrong!
So now you have an idea of what a Software Tester does, what can a career in Software Testing look like? A Software Tester will use their own detective skills, digital tools or computer programming to solve problems and discover if an application works correctly. Every day, using different methods, a Software Tester will use their skill to find problems within functionality of a new application, record the evidence as to why this is not working and communicate to other members of the software development team – fixing the problem!
Job description
This is an exciting opportunity to earn as you learn and get hands on practice of Software Testing while you study towards a Level 4 qualification. You’ll receive formal learning to develop crucial skills, knowledge and behaviours for your career and be part of a great team delivering software testing products and services. If you wish to find out more about the Software Tester Apprenticeship, click here.
You will benefit from an initial immersive bootcamp delivered by our chosen training provider Makers Academy, where you will get the opportunity to develop core skills fundamental to the role and be fully supported by experienced technical coaches throughout.
As well as being given 20% off the job training to allow you to complete your apprenticeship within your working hours, you’ll be supported by your line manager, skills coach and the engineering community, as well as fellow apprentices on the programme, so you will have plenty of sources of encouragement to help you succeed. There’s a lot to learn and do, so you need to be ready to be proactive, work hard and participate in the many opportunities you’ll be given to showcase your skills.
During your apprenticeship you will be asked to produce a portfolio of work demonstrating your learning, this will include:
• Understanding of the Software Development Lifecycle.
• Testing within the Agile methodology framework.
• Test Engineering principles.
• Test Analysis.
• Understand software programming.
• Understand technical testing tools.
• Use and apply test scripts using a variety of tools and languages.
• Tracking test results and working with the software development team to resolve issues.
• Reporting on progress against all software testing activities.
• Non-Functional Testing (including Performance, Accessibility and Security).
To be eligible for the apprenticeship you are required to hold the following minimum eligibility criteria:
• Hold a valid passport/birth certificate or residence permit.
• Have the right to live and work in the UK.
• Must have lived in the UK and/or EEA for 3 years prior to apprenticeship start date.
• Not be in full-time education or be undertaking another apprenticeship by the apprenticeship start date.
• You must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level in a similar subject. – we reserve the right to withdraw applications who are deemed ineligible due to existing qualifications.
• You must hold GCSEs in Maths and English at Grade C or above or complete functional skills tests at the beginning of the apprenticeship programme.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
• A keen interest in learning and self-development.
• Motivated to become a Software Tester.
• Enthusiasm when it comes to dealing with changes or new challenges.
• A collaborative approach when it comes to working with others.
• Can proactively maintain a balance between work and learning.
• An inquiring mindset – interested in finding out more about a situation or problem.
We expect the apprenticeship to start in October 2022, please ensure that you will be available for this date.
You will benefit from an initial immersive bootcamp delivered by our chosen training provider Makers Academy, where you will get the opportunity to develop core skills fundamental to the role and be fully supported by experienced technical coaches throughout.
As well as being given 20% off the job training to allow you to complete your apprenticeship within your working hours, you’ll be supported by your line manager, skills coach and the engineering community, as well as fellow apprentices on the programme, so you will have plenty of sources of encouragement to help you succeed. There’s a lot to learn and do, so you need to be ready to be proactive, work hard and participate in the many opportunities you’ll be given to showcase your skills.
During your apprenticeship you will be asked to produce a portfolio of work demonstrating your learning, this will include:
• Understanding of the Software Development Lifecycle.
• Testing within the Agile methodology framework.
• Test Engineering principles.
• Test Analysis.
• Understand software programming.
• Understand technical testing tools.
• Use and apply test scripts using a variety of tools and languages.
• Tracking test results and working with the software development team to resolve issues.
• Reporting on progress against all software testing activities.
• Non-Functional Testing (including Performance, Accessibility and Security).
To be eligible for the apprenticeship you are required to hold the following minimum eligibility criteria:
• Hold a valid passport/birth certificate or residence permit.
• Have the right to live and work in the UK.
• Must have lived in the UK and/or EEA for 3 years prior to apprenticeship start date.
• Not be in full-time education or be undertaking another apprenticeship by the apprenticeship start date.
• You must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level in a similar subject. – we reserve the right to withdraw applications who are deemed ineligible due to existing qualifications.
• You must hold GCSEs in Maths and English at Grade C or above or complete functional skills tests at the beginning of the apprenticeship programme.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
• A keen interest in learning and self-development.
• Motivated to become a Software Tester.
• Enthusiasm when it comes to dealing with changes or new challenges.
• A collaborative approach when it comes to working with others.
• Can proactively maintain a balance between work and learning.
• An inquiring mindset – interested in finding out more about a situation or problem.
We expect the apprenticeship to start in October 2022, please ensure that you will be available for this date.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities are outlined in the job description above.
If you would like to learn more about the role, please contact Peter.sweeney1@dwp.gov.uk.
For any queries relating to the assessment process and the apprenticeship qualifications, please contact dwpapprenticeships@makers.tech.
This job role may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in their DWP office and part of the week from home. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and your office will be your contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business need but personal circumstances and other relevant circumstances will also be taken into account. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.
If you would like to learn more about the role, please contact Peter.sweeney1@dwp.gov.uk.
For any queries relating to the assessment process and the apprenticeship qualifications, please contact dwpapprenticeships@makers.tech.
This job role may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in their DWP office and part of the week from home. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and your office will be your contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business need but personal circumstances and other relevant circumstances will also be taken into account. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Changing and Improving
Benefits
• An employer pension contribution of up to 27% For further information please click here.
• Annual leave rising up to 30 days, (based on your working pattern).
• Family friendly flexible working arrangements, such as hybrid working, job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
• Learning and development tailored to your role this could include industry recognised qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
• An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join staff networks including: Women’s Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more.
Salary Information
Salary for this role in London is £31,061.
Salary for this role in National locations is £27,565.
Our offer to successful candidates will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated at interview.
Existing Civil Servants who secure a new role on lateral transfer should maintain their current salary.
Existing Civil Servants who gain promotion may move to the bottom of the next grade pay scale or 10% increase in salary whichever would be the greater.
• Annual leave rising up to 30 days, (based on your working pattern).
• Family friendly flexible working arrangements, such as hybrid working, job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
• Learning and development tailored to your role this could include industry recognised qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
• An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join staff networks including: Women’s Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more.
Salary Information
Salary for this role in London is £31,061.
Salary for this role in National locations is £27,565.
Our offer to successful candidates will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated at interview.
Existing Civil Servants who secure a new role on lateral transfer should maintain their current salary.
Existing Civil Servants who gain promotion may move to the bottom of the next grade pay scale or 10% increase in salary whichever would be the greater.
Things you need to know
Security
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.See our vetting charter.
People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours.
Register with our chosen training provider Makers here.
Makers Academy selection process
On submitting your interest to become an apprentice via Makers, you will be invited by email to complete a series of tasks.
You will work through an intensive, but largely self-selecting application process run by Makers Academy. This process is designed to enable you to try coding and to help you understand if you are suitable for the apprenticeship. It is largely self-selecting as you commit to undertaking the learning and practical exercises required, within the timeline stipulated.
For the first stage, you will be invited to undertake a coding course which will take around an hour a day or you can complete in one or more sessions within a limited timeframe. You will be sent instructions on how to do this and do not need to have any previous experience of coding. You then complete a questionnaire about your reasons for wanting to undertake the apprenticeship and start a career as a software tester.
The second part of the selection with the training provider will be a coding challenge, which will take around an hour to complete. On completion and if successful you will then be contacted by a member of the Makers to team for an interview.
The final stage will be an interview with DWP Digital to assess behaviours and skills. Here you will be assessed on the Behaviours Working Together and Changing and Improving and you will be required to complete a 10-minute presentation. Further details will be provided when selected for interview.
A timeline of the application process is below. Apply by:
• Registering your details with Makers Academy by 8th July 2022..
• Complete application about your interest in the apprenticeship and role.
Upon submission you will work through the selection stages, which includes the following:
• Complete a coding course and challenge within 10 days time, on successful completion progressing to an interview.
• Interviews with Makers Academy will be held up to 22nd July 2022.
• Final interviews with DWP Digital are expected to be held 25th July to 12th Aug. Dates to be confirmed. More details shared below.
Following a successful interview, we are hoping to make offers in late August and will then begin necessary onboarding and checks with a target start date from October.
Dates to be confirmed
Other information:
A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.
Reserve list candidates will be posted in merit order by location.
You must meet the security requirements before you can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.
For meaningful checks to be carried out individuals you will need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time, to enable appropriate checks to be carried out and produce a result which provides the required level of assurance. Whilst a lack of UK residency in itself is not necessarily a bar to a security clearance, and expectation of UK residency may range from 3 to 5 years. Failure to meet the residency requirements needed for the role may result in the withdrawal of provisional jobs offers.
Any move to DWP from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at here
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via digital.recruitmentupdates@dwp.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Makers Academy selection process
On submitting your interest to become an apprentice via Makers, you will be invited by email to complete a series of tasks.
You will work through an intensive, but largely self-selecting application process run by Makers Academy. This process is designed to enable you to try coding and to help you understand if you are suitable for the apprenticeship. It is largely self-selecting as you commit to undertaking the learning and practical exercises required, within the timeline stipulated.
For the first stage, you will be invited to undertake a coding course which will take around an hour a day or you can complete in one or more sessions within a limited timeframe. You will be sent instructions on how to do this and do not need to have any previous experience of coding. You then complete a questionnaire about your reasons for wanting to undertake the apprenticeship and start a career as a software tester.
The second part of the selection with the training provider will be a coding challenge, which will take around an hour to complete. On completion and if successful you will then be contacted by a member of the Makers to team for an interview.
The final stage will be an interview with DWP Digital to assess behaviours and skills. Here you will be assessed on the Behaviours Working Together and Changing and Improving and you will be required to complete a 10-minute presentation. Further details will be provided when selected for interview.
A timeline of the application process is below. Apply by:
• Registering your details with Makers Academy by 8th July 2022..
• Complete application about your interest in the apprenticeship and role.
Upon submission you will work through the selection stages, which includes the following:
• Complete a coding course and challenge within 10 days time, on successful completion progressing to an interview.
• Interviews with Makers Academy will be held up to 22nd July 2022.
• Final interviews with DWP Digital are expected to be held 25th July to 12th Aug. Dates to be confirmed. More details shared below.
Following a successful interview, we are hoping to make offers in late August and will then begin necessary onboarding and checks with a target start date from October.
Dates to be confirmed
Other information:
A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.
Reserve list candidates will be posted in merit order by location.
You must meet the security requirements before you can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.
For meaningful checks to be carried out individuals you will need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time, to enable appropriate checks to be carried out and produce a result which provides the required level of assurance. Whilst a lack of UK residency in itself is not necessarily a bar to a security clearance, and expectation of UK residency may range from 3 to 5 years. Failure to meet the residency requirements needed for the role may result in the withdrawal of provisional jobs offers.
Any move to DWP from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at here
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via digital.recruitmentupdates@dwp.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available.
You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Janet Lomas
- Email : digital.recruitmentupdates@dwp.gov.uk
Recruitment team :
- Email : digirtal.recruitmentupdates@dwp.gov.uk
Further information
