There are many ways you can learn software testing and engineering skills. You can earn a degree in computer science, attend a coding bootcamp, or take free online courses to develop your skills in software testing. You can also get valuable experience by working as an apprentice at a tech company.
This article is a guide to software testing apprenticeships. We tell you about the tasks and responsibilities associated with these jobs as well as the apprenticeship programs available in the U.S. as of September 2025.
What is a Software Testing Apprenticeship?
Apprentice software testers learn how to design and prepare test plans and perform software testing to ensure that software is fully operational. Students in a software testing apprenticeship gain a good understanding of software development practices and the software lifecycle. During an apprenticeship, you will develop and execute test plans, conduct software testing, in addition to documenting and reporting your findings.
What Does a Software Testing Apprentice Do?
As a software testing apprentice, you will be involved in quality assurance. It’s your job to test software created by developers to ensure that any bugs or issues are addressed before it’s released to users. As an apprentice, you will contribute to the team by engaging in testing, documentation, and collaboration within the software development process. You will use both automated and manual testing techniques.
Software testers are primarily responsible for ensuring that software functions according to plan. To ensure that software is fit for its purpose, testers design and prepare test plans and conduct software testing as appropriate. Test results are documented and reported.
Most development projects would not be possible without the help of software testers. End-users no longer have to deal with buggy software or applications that simply don’t work, which greatly reduces requests for tech support from frustrated customers.
Software Testing Apprenticeship Salary
According to Glassdoor, software testing trainees earn an average salary of $82,000 per year, as of September 2025.1 The apprentice is usually paid hourly for the duration of the apprenticeship.
Software Testing Apprenticeship Requirements
Typically, software tester apprentices must have a working knowledge of Unix, Linux, and Windows. They must also understand programming languages, including Java, JavaScript, C#, C++, SQL, Python, PHP, and Ruby on Rails. For soft skills, aspiring software tester apprentices should have excellent communication and customer service skills.
Types of Software Testing Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships in a field you’re interested in will help you learn and grow while you build networks within the industry. There are quite a few departments you can choose from, so pick the one you are most passionate about. Listed below are some common types of apprenticeships for software engineers and testers.
Cyber Security Analyst
A cyber security apprentice works for a cyber security company to learn more about the profession and gain the necessary skills to succeed at the job. Cyber security apprentices learn how to secure systems from threats, risks, and vulnerabilities.
Working knowledge of cyber security procedures can be an excellent addition to any software tester’s arsenal. Many testing procedures focus on improving software security, and having hands-on experience in the field can be beneficial.
App Developer
Software developers identify and report any issues impeding the development process and suggest possible solutions. They ensure that the software products accurately reflect customer expectations and meet functional and non-functional requirements.
App development is directly related to software testing, as a developer will have full access to the software system from the beginning. App developers understand the software better than most, and an app developer’s insights offer invaluable help when testing software.
Computer Systems Analyst
The purpose of a computer systems analyst is to analyze an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and then develop solutions that will help the organization function more efficiently and effectively. The work of a computer systems analyst goes hand-in-hand with software testing. They ensure that all of the software and hardware are fully operational.
Penetration Tester
During penetration testing, computer systems and networks deal with simulated attacks. Security vulnerabilities and weaknesses are identified via these tests before malicious hackers can exploit them. Just like cyber security specialists, penetration testers are excellent at checking software for weaknesses and imperfections.
Software Testing Apprenticeship Programs
An apprenticeship is an excellent option to learn basic and advanced concepts of software testing and software testing procedures. These programs offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential modules on various programming languages and modern development practices. Apprenticeships also provide real-world experience through hands-on projects and exposure to real-world scenarios. As a result, these programs are designed to ensure participants are fully prepared to enter the workforce.
The following software testing apprenticeship programs have been updated to reflect what’s currently available, as of September 2025.
HCLTech’s Software Apprenticeship Program
HCLTech’s Software Apprenticeship Program is designed for recent high school graduates, career changers, and early-career professionals ready to break into tech.2 As an apprentice, you’ll gain hands-on experience in roles such as software QA analyst or test analyst, all while learning in a real-world environment. The program combines classroom training with paid, on-the-job projects where you’ll test, analyze, and support software systems. Apprentices can also benefit from tuition assistance and mentorship opportunities, helping them build both the technical and professional skills needed for a long-term tech career.
Boeing Technical Apprenticeship Program (BTAP)
The Boeing Technical Apprenticeship Program (BTAP) offers a paid, Department of Labor–recognized pathway into high-demand technical careers, including opportunities in software development and testing.3,4 During the program, you’ll balance classroom instruction with real-world Boeing projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience from day one. Apprentices receive mentorship from senior engineers and are exposed to multiple aspects of software testing and system validation. Completing the program gives you both a nationally recognized credential and a direct career path at Boeing, one of the leading names in aerospace innovation.
Year Up Application Development Apprenticeship
Year Up’s Application Development Apprenticeship blends technical training with structured on-the-job learning to prepare you for careers in software development and quality assurance.5 Apprentices start with an immersive learning experience covering coding, software testing, and automation, then move into paid roles with employer partners. Throughout the program, you’ll be paired with mentors who help you refine both technical and professional skills. Year Up focuses on equitable access, so participants also benefit from support like career coaching and networking. This program is intended to create a clear pipeline to software testing and development roles.
How to Get a Software Testing Apprenticeship
The job of a software tester is to ensure that the software is functioning as intended. Your role as a tester involves:
- Developing test plans
- Conducting testing to ensure that software meets its purpose
- Documenting and reporting your results
A great way to advance your software tester skills is by pursuing an apprenticeship program. You will gain an understanding of software testing types, procedures, techniques, and terms. You will also master industry-standard tools essential for quality assurance under the supervision of a seasoned professional, or as some programs prefer to call it, a mentor. Apprentices participate in a variety of testing activities, including designing and executing test cases, which are crucial for both manual and automated testing.
Furthermore, an apprenticeship experience will give you a good understanding of the software development lifecycle and software development practices so that you can become a software tester or test analyst. Apprentices also gain exposure to project management practices that are integral to modern software development workflows.
Not all, but some apprenticeships require candidates to have existing experience in software engineering. There are many ways you can advance your skills and test your knowledge without attending a four-year university. Below are some of the ways you can learn software testing before attending an apprenticeship.
Bootcamps
A software testing bootcamp usually does not require you to give up your job because you have the ability to study part-time. You can maintain a steady paycheck while growing professionally with flexible schedules and online learning.
A software testing bootcamp consists of intensive lessons that focus on the crucial skills needed for this career, following proven and rigorous curricula. In addition, software bootcamps may grant you access to extensive hiring networks that will help you land a job in the industry quickly. Some also offer career services that can prepare you for your job search and professional life after graduation.
Internships
Internships differ slightly from apprenticeships. Internships give you a taste of the industry you are considering joining. They are meant for students or recent graduates, and many of them are not paid. Apprenticeships, on the other hand, are full-time programs that provide on-the-job training. Apprentices are always paid.
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There are several benefits to doing a software engineering internship. Internships allow college students to gain work experience while earning college credits. Employers highly value the practical experience that a software testing internship can provide. Companies often use internships as a way to recruit talent, acting as a “long interview” for full-time positions.
A software testing internship can give an entry-level software tester essential skills and work experience. The internship program also offers interns a slew of opportunities to network with industry veterans and gain valuable knowledge.
Trade Schools
Many trade schools now offer software engineering programs, though these learning centers have been traditionally associated with trades like construction and auto repair careers. They are often more comprehensive than your average coding bootcamp, ranging from one year to two years in length.
Programs at trade schools that teach software engineering focus on the design and implementation of software systems and programs. The coursework is usually more focused on programming languages and product design than on computer science programs.
Upon completing a trade school program, a software engineer or tester receives a certificate or degree as proof of completion. An associate degree from a trade school can propel an entry-level tester’s credentials by a large amount!
Vocational Training
Vocational training refers to instructional programs or courses that focus on the technical skills required for a particular job function or trade. Udemy, Coursera, and edX offer software testing training programs ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
Students can access these courses online from anywhere in the world. Vocational training classes and courses are an excellent way to get your foot in the door of the software testing industry. Additionally, these courses offer certificates upon completion of the program. These certificates are a great way to show off your software testing expertise.
Is a Software Testing Apprenticeship Worth It?
Apprentices in the software testing field have a lot of advantages. If you are fresh out of school or a coding bootcamp and aren’t ready to enter the workforce right away, an apprenticeship could be an excellent option.A software testing apprenticeship can be the ideal venue to receive the training you need to become a quality assurance (QA) engineer or software tester. You will learn everything you need to launch a career in this competitive industry while getting paid. Completing an apprenticeship prepares you to confidently take on a new role within a software testing or quality engineering team. In addition, you will make valuable connections and start growing your industry network.
Software Testing Apprenticeship FAQ
Learning software testing on your own is possible through online tutorials and other materials available for free on the web. However, this is a complex field, and any student would benefit from the structure provided by a certificate program, bootcamp, apprenticeship, or college degree.
You need some professional qualifications to work as a QA tester. Most QA analysts have a bachelor’s degree in either computer science or computer programming. Other relevant qualifications include knowledge of basic concepts in software testing and an understanding of the tools used to test software.
Software testing involves analyzing a software program to determine its efficiency and errors, and evaluating its features. Software development refers to how the software program is developed. It is simply the process of writing computer code and maintaining it.
Software quality assurance (SQA) does not require advanced programming skills. While you will need to learn some coding, it won’t be as intensive as learning to code for a web or software development job.
Sources:
1 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/software-testing-trainee-salary-SRCH_KO0,24.htm
2 https://www.hcltech.com/en-us/careers/apprentices#Program-Highlights
3 https://jobs.boeing.com/btap
4 https://www.apprenticeship.gov/employers/registered-apprenticeship-program
5 https://www.yearup.org/job-training-programs/new-york/application-development
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