Software Developer / Tester Apprentice
The role is designed for someone developing their capability through a level 4 apprenticeship, building strong testing, analytical, and technical skills while working closely with development teams on live and new software.
Role
Purpose:
- The purpose of this role is to support the quality, reliability, and ongoing improvement of the company’s software products through structured testing and quality assurance activities
Key Responsibilities:
- Work as part of a multi-disciplinary development team
- Support quality assurance activities across projects and new development work
- Follow agreed testing standards, processes, and documentation
- Communicate findings clearly and objectively to development teams
- Manage tasks in line with agreed priorities and deadlines
Testing Responsibilities:
- Execute functional, regression, and exploratory testing against requirements
- Create, maintain, and update test plans and test cases
- Log defects clearly, including steps to reproduce and expected outcomes
- Review documentation and provide feedback on upcoming releases
- Support troubleshooting and investigation of software issues
- Technical development
- Gain experience working in GIT and .NET environments
- Support the development of automated testing capability over time
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of QA processes and practices
Training
This role is offered as a Level 4 apprenticeship. The employee is required to:
- Complete all off-the-job training and study requirements
- Engage fully with training provider sessions, reviews, and assessments
- Apply apprenticeship learning in the workplace
- Off-the-job training time is included within contracted working hours and is paid at the normal rate of pay
- Training sessions are delivered virtually (remote)
- The role offers long term security and the opportunity to progress into a permanent position
- Apprenticeship Standard
- Software developer (level 4)
- Training Provider
- VELOCITY 1st LIMITED
- Working Week
- Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5.00pm, with 1-hour unpaid lunch. Training time is included and paid within the working week.
- Expected Duration
- 1 Year 9 Months
- Positions Available
- 1
- Closing Date
- Thursday, 9th July 2026
- Start Date
- Monday, 13th July 2026
Desired Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Interest in software testing
- Willingness to learn
Qualifications
- English GCSE, grade A*-C/ 9-4 (Essential)
- Maths GCSE, grade A*-C/ 9-4 (Essential)
- - any IT‐related qualification completed at Level 3, grade - (Essential)
About the Employer
STOPFORD INFORMATION SYSTEMS LTD
Stopford has been providing easy-to-use online booking and management systems to local government organisations for more than 20 years.The company places strong emphasis on working closely with its clients. From the initial stages through to delivery, Stopford collaborates with authorities to understand their specific needs and create scalable, cost-effective solutions. These systems are designed to improve and modernise service delivery. Based at Steam Mill in Chester, Stopford has built a team of highly skilled developers and software engineers. This team works to turn each client’s vision into reality, delivering customised systems that meet individual goals.Over the years, Stopford has supported millions of bookings across local services, including appointments and room bookings. Today, it continues to be one of the leading providers of software solutions for local government.