Software Testing Associate Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a programme of structured education and training which formally combines and alternates learning in the workplace with learning in a university, third-level education institution, or training Centre. It is a dual system, blending on-the-job, employer-based learning with off-the-job academic study. Apprentices are paid employees for the duration of the programme and gain nationally recognised qualifications.

Software Test Engineers begin their careers in software testing across a range of industries including finance, healthcare, manufacturing and digital services.

They work as part of a development team to identify issues, test features and improve software quality. The problems they deal with include investigating defects, validating fixes, documenting results and supporting reliable software releases.

This two-year apprenticeship programme is delivered through a blended model combining off-the-job learning and structured on-the-job workplace learning. Phase 1 (off-the-job) is delivered in a full-time block over 15 weeks. The remaining phases take place on-the-job with the employer and include scheduled off-the-job learning delivered online, as well as additional off-the-job weeks throughout the programme. This approach minimises time away from employment while allowing apprentices to develop practical skills within a real software development environment.

Off-the-job learning focuses on guided practical activities and demonstrations that support the development of testing skills and professional practice. Learning is reinforced through documentation tasks and project-based work carried out on-the-job. Apprentices are trained and assessed through a combination of on-the-job workplace learning and off-the-job academic assessment.

Two years

Applicants for the programme must be employed on an Apprenticeship contract of employment.

Applications to register an apprentice can only be submitted by a Registered Employer.

Details of current apprenticeship opportunities are advertised locally and nationally by many employers, and are often listed on the national apprenticeship jobs portal at: https://apprenticeship.ie/career-seekers/jobs

Your local Education and Training Board may hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice, visit: https://apprenticeship.ie/more/your-local-provider   

Contact TUS Software Testing Associate Apprenticeship Office.

An apprenticeship is a dual-system education model combining work-based learning with academic study, enabling participants to gain practical industry experience while earning a nationally recognised qualification.

This programme is primarily designed for:

• Individuals seeking to begin a career in software testing across industries including finance, healthcare, manufacturing and digital services.
• Individuals seeking to work as part of a development team to identify issues, test features and improve software quality.
• Individuals investigating defects, validating fixes, documenting results and supporting reliable software releases.

It is suitable for progression into a career in software testing and contributing to the delivery of reliable, high-quality software systems.

For further information or queries relating to the entry requirements, please contact:
TUS Software Testing Associate Apprenticeship Office
Email: softwaretesting.midwest@tus.ie

As part of the national apprenticeship system, there are formal requirements for approval of an employer’s suitability to train apprentices and for registration of apprentices. SOLAS is responsible for delivering on these requirements.

As part of the national apprenticeship system, there are formal requirements for approval of an employer’s suitability to train apprentices and for registration of apprentices. SOLAS is responsible for delivering on these requirements. 

Register your interest.

Alternatively, please contact: TUS Software Testing Associate Apprenticeship Office
Email: softwaretesting.midwest@tus.ie

Following submission of an Expression of Interest, a SOLAS Authorised Officer from the relevant Education and Training Board (ETB) will conduct a suitability assessment. This process is straightforward, typically involves a site visit, and is normally completed within 1–2 weeks.

To advertise apprenticeship vacancies for free, please visit: https://apprenticeship.ie/employers/current-employers

For the Software Testing Associate Apprenticeship, the Employer must provide details of a Mentor who will advise the Apprentice on their professional and educational development.

The Mentor should hold a minimum relevant qualification, such as a Level 7 Degree or equivalent in Computing or a relevant discipline.

TUS is responsible for approving workplace mentors and delivering the required mentor training.

For further information please contact: TUS Software Testing Associate Apprenticeship Office
Email: softwaretesting.midwest@tus.ie

Apprentices are supported by their Industry Mentor and Academic Supervisor throughout the programme. They receive academic support during both on-the-job and off-the-job phases of the apprenticeship.

For all consortia-led apprenticeships, the employer is responsible for the wages/salary of the apprentice during the programme, including during the off-the-job stages in the University, third-level education institution or training centre. There is no specified training rate or salary level, that must be agreed between the Employer and their Apprentice.

The programme has fees that are payable by the apprentice and may be sponsored/subsidised by their Employer.

For information on fees, please contact:

TUS Software Testing Associate Apprenticeship Office
Email: softwaretesting.midwest@tus.ie