16 July 2019
Carolyn is a recent graduate on the Assured Skills Software Tester Academy; the academy provided 15 individuals with industry recognised skills and experience required to prepare them for employment in this growing sector. The Academy has been created in conjunction with Belfast Metropolitan College and local companies gave the participants a unique access to the latest tools and technologies, expert advice and assistance used in the industry. Companies taking part include Applied Systems, Aurion Learning, Bazaarvoice, Core, First Derivatives Plc., Fluent Technology, Made to Engage, SpotX and TheAppBuilder.
The Academy consisted of a ten week intensive training course, followed by a four week placement with one of the companies and the opportunity of an interview for permanent employment. Carolyn explains about her journey before and after the academy below:
What made you join an Assured Skills Academy?
| The career opportunities within the IT sector are growing within Northern Ireland and this was an ideal opportunity for me to dip my toes in the water, take the risk and change career paths. |
Please tells us a bit about what you liked the most on the Academy :
| I loved the learning, it was a challenge but it was a great sense of achievement as well as gaining qualifications. |
Tell us a bit about what you were doing prior to joining the Academy:
| Before joining the Academy I had the privilege of working within the NHS for nine years within administrative positions. I gained so many valuable skills that helped me through this course. |
Please tell us of your worries or fears before joining:
| I was petrified, changing carers is a huge risk, especially when you have not studied for such a long time and moving into an area where you have no knowledge. |
What are you doing now?
| After my placement I was accepted onto the Futures Graduate Programme with First Derivatives. This is a great opportunity for me to grow and develop and I am thoroughly looking forward to the challenges ahead. |
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
| This is always a tricky question, at this moment in time I see myself developing as a software tester hopefully in First Derivatives. I feel like I could be anywhere doing anything – related to software testing of course…It is such a big world out there, I am excited about future possibilities, opportunities . |
Would you recommend an Assured Skills Academy?
| Yes, I would absolutely recommend an Assured Skills Academy |
Do you have any advice for someone thinking of joining an Academy?
| You can achieve anything with hard work. |
If you want to know more information on the Assured Skills Academies and to find out about current vacancies click here.
