PDS Group launches new Microsoft Software Tester Higher Apprenticeship
PDS Group, a leading IT and Business Apprenticeship company, today announced a new Microsoft Software Tester Higher Apprenticeship. In partnership with Microsoft and Testhouse, an IT consultancy company, it’s collectively working with Software Industry Partners and companies across England to develop and nurture skills for growth.
~ A new apprenticeship programme bringing real value to organisations ~
“We are delighted to be able to offer this new Microsoft Software Tester Apprenticeship. We recognise there is a real shortage of specialist testing skills in the marketplace and that software testing plays a crucial role in the development lifecycle” said David Willett, Director and Co-Founder of PDS Group. “Organisation are keen to develop these specialist skills in order to develop a clear competitive advantage and to create their own talent. Buying in Tester skills is often an expensive business and our Apprenticeship programme will allow organisations of all shapes and sizes to take advantage of developing specialist skills in-house” continued Willett.
The Microsoft Software Tester Higher Apprenticeship Programme is designed to teach the fundamental principles of software testing whilst also preparing the individual to achieve a MTA in Software Development, an ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) and a Microsoft MCP in Software Testing with Visual Studio qualification.
“Software Testing certification is one of the most popular and fastest growing certification in the world” said Dominic Gill, Apprenticeship Lead at Microsoft. “Both businesses and individuals can benefit; whether through paid-work placements or access to high calibre talent. And all this backed by a recognised apprenticeship programme with full Microsoft certification in one of the most in-demand disciplines.”
Willett concluded “As a Microsoft Gold Partner for Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) and a specialist in Microsoft’s Visual Studio and Team Foundation (TFS). Testhouse will provide a range of training to support this apprenticeship programme such as TFS, Coded UI, Test Management and Agile Testing.”
For more information visit www.pds-group.co.uk
Contact:
Katie Franklin, UK Head of Marketing, Global Knowledge
[email protected]
0118 912 3456
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About PDS Group
The PDS Group was formed in 2005 in order to work with large blue chip corporate clients in the provision of Apprenticeship and Talent Programmes. In 2014, PDS became part of Global Knowledge UK, who are leaders in IT, best practice and business skills training. This move provides PDS with access to the Global Knowledge portfolio of high quality content, as well as access to a wealth of subject matter expertise and vendor based materials.
PDS have a highly skilled team of specialist consultants to support our clients across the UK, specialising in Human Resources, Learning and Development, IT, Telecomms, Digital Marketing and Social Media, Project Management and Technical Sales.
About Microsoft Apprenticeships
The Microsoft Partner Apprenticeship Programme was launched nationally in January 2010 and since then over 11,000 people are on or have completed their Apprenticeship. These are primarily Level 3 and 4 Apprenticeships, attracted through Microsoft branding and accreditation. The programmes are delivered by a select group of seven Microsoft Learning Partners, including PDS, and all Apprentices are employed by Microsoft Partners and customers, following both the existing Apprentice frameworks for ICT and increasingly the new Apprenticeship Standards. The majority of the Apprenticeships are with SMEs. With the support of Microsoft and its Learning Partners, over 7,000 companies have participated in the scheme and we anticipate that this year there will be just under 4,500 new starts across all our programmes, representing up to a third of all IT Apprenticeship starts in the UK.
About Testhouse
Testhouse is an IT consultancy specialising in software quality and IT risk mitigation. With over 15 years’ experience in providing managed testing services, consulting and related services; Testhouse has built up a reputation for quality and reliability. We help our clients optimise their testing processes and therefore increase both the quality of the software they produce and the efficiency of test delivery.
Testhouse’s on-site, off-site and offshore delivery model allows us to provide world-class testing solutions to our clients in a cost-effective manner in addition to achieving greater operating efficiencies and faster execution of projects. Information Technology risks threaten most organisations from small and medium enterprises to large multinational corporations and public sector institutions. Identifying these risks early in the software life cycle can reduce costs, increase your products quality and efficiency as well as protecting your brand and reputation. Whilst systems-based IT risks can be identified by comprehensive testing the process-based IT risks must be identified through a deep understanding of software quality assurance. Testhouse specialises in both of these areas and can assist in finding the best solutions for your organisation. Visit www.testhouse.net