Apprenticeship Week: Chorley based Quality Engineering consultancy, Roq, launches its first Level 4 Apprenticeship in Software Testing

What is the qualification and who is providing it?

Roq says it is a values-driven company providing tailored, high-quality technology solutions to some of the world’s largest organisations.

Keen to promote careers in the sector, Roq has invested in its own academy to recruit new talent, with its commitment to growth, training and diversity at the heart of its future plans.

The qualification, equivalent to a foundation degree, has just commenced with eleven initial apprentices, all from the North West, as part of the Roq Quality Engineering Academy 2023 intake. The cohort started the first part of their training last week.

The 15-month programme includes three months of intensive training followed by 12 months on client projects, and all apprentices are treated as permanent employees.

Roq has worked with job centres, the Career Transition Partnership, the Armed Forces Covenant and various community groups/educational organisations to ensure the initial intake came from a diverse range of backgrounds. A core objective has been to bring more women, career changers and ex-forces personnel into the sector.

How can you sign up?

Roq will be recruiting for the next cohort from March 2023, and they aim to fill around 10 spaces.

To apply, you must have documented evidence of Maths and English GCSE to Level 4 or equivalents, be 21 or over, must be a resident in the UK for the past three years and have documented legal right to work in the UK.

To find out more about what the job involves, visit https://www.roq.co.uk/roq-life/quality-engineering-as-a-career.

What do current apprentices say?

Levi Cole, a recent university graduate, was referred to Roq’s Academy Recruitment Specialist Shaheen Gul by Chorley Job Centre. Levi has an interest in technology, but it was proving challenging to find work.

Levi said: “Being able to have an open conversation about the role with Shaheen encouraged me to consider the organisation and the wonderful opportunity which was available. I am grateful to both Roq and my employment advisor at Chorley Job Centre for giving me this opportunity. My advice to anyone looking for a career break is to explore all the options available to you.”

Stay-at-home mum Joanne Greenhalgh, who had recently completed a Computing degree, was referred to the scheme by her employment advisor at Preston Job Centre.

Joanne said: “When I studied for my Open University degree, it opened a whole host of opportunities, and I found new skills which I had not explored. My work coach put me forward to speak to Roq about the Modern Apprenticeship. Being able to find out about the role and what the apprenticeship was offering gave me the confidence and encouragement to apply. I am truly grateful for this life-changing opportunity and cannot wait to embark on this new pathway”.

What does Roq say?

Sarah Riggott, head of people at Roq, said: “The Level 4 Apprenticeship in Software Testing is an opportunity for individuals to start, or maybe re-start, a career in software testing, and set themselves up for a long and successful career in the sector.

“We’re looking for people who are inquisitive, good at problem-solving and have strong attention to detail. We also want individuals who are enthusiastic about learning new skills and who have the tenacity to develop knowledge while working in an exciting and ever-changing environment.”

As part of its commitment to inclusitivity, Roq has signed the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) and was awarded a bronze award by the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) as a result of its support for ex-service personnel last month.