Apprentice Software Tester
Sapphire Holidays Limited · Hayle · posted 28 July 2026
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Please note that this is an apprenticeship position and therefore anyone with more than six months professional experience working as a software tester or who holds an ISTQB foundation certificate will not be eligible.
You will also need to commit to completing a Level 4 Software Testing Apprenticeship.
You’ll work within Software Support, helping improve the quality of the software we rely on for our brands, offices and customer journeys.
As your knowledge and confidence grow, you’ll contribute to well-structured testing guidelines, manual and automated test plans, release checks and quality assurance activities that help us improve our solutions over time.
You won’t be expected to arrive with all the answers or define our testing approach independently from the start. We’re looking for someone who can learn, ask good questions, work through problems carefully, and build the skills needed to support a more structured approach to software quality over time.
What you’ll be doing:
You’ll work with colleagues in Software Support and Software Development to investigate issues, test changes and help improve the quality of our internal systems and customer-facing services.
Your work will include:
- Helping respond to software queries and issues
Investigating issues, reproducing problems and capturing clear notes for developers - Creating and maintaining manual test plans for fixes, changes and key workflows
- Supporting automated testing where appropriate as your skills develop
- Helping check the quality of changes before and after release
- Working with developers to understand upcoming changes and identify what needs testing
- Contributing to testing guidelines, checklists and internal documentation
What we’re looking for:
You don’t need commercial software testing experience. More important is that you enjoy understanding how things work, spotting detail, solving problems, and learning new skills.
Key strengths for this role include:
- A proven interest in software, technology or how applications work
- A real enthusiasm for testing, quality assurance and continuous improvement
- Good attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem solving
- Confidence asking questions and gathering information
- Clear written communication skills and the ability to document findings well
- A willingness to learn new tools, technologies and ways of working
- A collaborative mindset and ability to work with others
Exposure to any testing, coding, scripting, websites, databases or technical projects would be useful, but it isn’t essential.
Diversity Statement: We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and beliefs, including those who are neurodivergent, and we value the unique perspectives each individual brings.
Your training
This role includes a structured Level 4 Software Tester apprenticeship, giving you formal training alongside hands-on experience in the workplace.
You’ll have one dedicated day for your apprenticeship, regular guidance from your training provider, and day-to-day mentoring from colleagues across our technology function.
As your confidence grows, you’ll gradually take on more responsibility across manual testing, automated testing, release checks, documentation and the wider quality assurance practices that support our developers.
Where it leads
On-going employment and career development.
About Sapphire Holidays Limited
We are a long-established group of self-catering holiday-letting agencies, managing a large portfolio of premium holiday homes across the UK. Our brands include Aspects Holidays, Boutique Retreats, Classic Cottages, Grandeur Property, Island Escapes, and Unique Hideaways.
Technology plays a central role in how we operate, grow, and help teams work effectively. We’re looking for a Software Tester Apprentice to join our Software Support Team, helping improve the quality, reliability and consistency of the systems used across the business.
Things to consider
The role is office based with no remote / hybrid working so the successful candidate will have a commute of 1hr or less. The role is not open to candidates that would need to relocate to meet this requirement.
Skills they're looking for
Entry requirements
- GCSE 7 GCSEs (or equivalent) inc Maths and English (grade A*- C / 9-4 (or equivalent)) — essential
- A Level STEM subjects (grade A - C) — essential
Where you'll work
- Sapphire House, Hayle Industrial Park, Hayle, TR27 5JR
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