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
£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 11 November 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)
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