Job Title: Level 4 Apprentice - Digital (Software Tester)
Salary: A3 £24,796
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: 2-year Fixed Term
Location: Merrion House, 110 Merrion Centre, Leeds, LS2 8BB
We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, and highly motivated candidate to join our Level 4 Digital Apprenticeship Programme at Leeds City Council. This role will assist with the implementation, maintenance, and improvement of digital systems and services.
As a Level 4 Apprentice- Digital (Software Tester) you will gain practical experience and training in various aspects of IT support and development, contributing to the efficient operation of the organisation’s digital infrastructure.
This opportunity is part of our IT Talent Management Programme offering new routes into digital careers at the council.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
As a Level 4 apprentice, you will hold a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C). You will bring to this role:
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Excellent problem-solving skills.
- An ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Effective people and communication skills.
- Knowledge of IT and data systems with a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.
- A positive attitude and commitment to providing excellent customer service.
About the role
As a Level 4 Apprentice - Digital (Software Tester) you will receive firsthand digital experience in a real-world setting within the local government sector.
You’ll join our Testing Team within the council’s Integrated Digital Services team, our in-house digital experts who support staff IT needs and deliver online services for residents. With a wide range of specialist roles and a strong focus on innovation, this apprenticeship offers a great foundation for a rewarding career in tech.
You will work with specific teams and projects, gaining exposure to different aspects of digital transformation. The role will include development, mentorship, training and project work experience that will have a significant impact on local government operations and public services.
As well as on-the-job learning you will receive training from the apprenticeship provider and work towards the BCS Level 4 Certificate in Software Development Methodologies, ISTQB Foundation, ISTQB Foundation Agile Tester extension and Cyber Secure Coder qualifications.
Please note: Hybrid working is available but successful candidates will be expected to spend at least three days per week in the Leeds office for the first six months of the contract. Working patterns and locations will then be agreed locally with line managers.
Should we receive a high volume of applications, we may close the application window earlier than advertised.
You will be contacted if you have been selected for the next stage of recruitment in August 2026.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience with benefits including:
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A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
- Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
- A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
- A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.
How to apply
Upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words.
Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please email
[email protected].
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Description
Job Purpose - responsible for supporting the implementation, development and maintenance of digital systems and services within Leeds City Council. The role provides an opportunity to develop skills in a digital service and contribute to enhancing the council's online presence, ensuring that digital tools and platforms are secure and user-friendly. All apprentices are enrolled in a Level 4 Digital Apprenticeship.
Programme Structure - the programme is designed to provide comprehensive training and practical experience over the duration of the apprenticeship. Candidates will work with specific teams and projects, gaining exposure to different aspects of digital transformation within their chosen area. Key components of the programme include:
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Candidates will work in the key teams related to their selected apprenticeship such as data analysis, cyber security, software development/testing and DevOps.
- Each candidate will be paired with a senior mentor who will provide guidance, support, and career development advice.
- Comprehensive training sessions, workshops, and seminars will be provided to enhance technical skills and industry knowledge.
- Apprentices may have the opportunity to contribute to key digital projects that will have a significant impact on local government operations and public services.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the development and maintenance of digital platforms and systems.
- Provide technical support to colleagues and users of digital services.
- Help maintain network security, ensuring data protection and compliance with LCC policies.
- Participate in digital projects, contributing to planning, testing, and implementation phases.
- Maintain accurate records of IT assets, user requests, and incidents.
- Compliance with data protection and privacy regulations.
- Collaborate with other teams and services to support digital initiatives.
- Support the development and delivery of reporting dashboards for LCC service areas and staff.
- Keep up to date with the latest digital trends and technologies to improve digital services.
- Develop the knowledge required to effectively meet set targets and objectives.
The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
Qualifications
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Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) - English and Maths desirable.
Essential Requirements
Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the following essential requirements.
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Able to communicate appropriately and effectively with a wide range of people including internal and external partners using a variety of formats.
- Able to work effectively as part of a team and to demonstrate organisational and time management skills prioritising own and team’s work to meet conflicting deadlines.
- Able to use initiative to develop solutions to day-to-day issues and problems.
- Able to develop constructive working relationships and work in partnership with others.
- Able to provide customer focussed services.
- Able to accurately enter and retrieve data and information from digital and manual systems with attention to detail when creating documentation.
- Able and willing to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.
- Aware of information security and a basic understanding of cyber threats.
- Knowledge, basic awareness of IT systems, networks, and software applications.
- Familiarity with basic coding or scripting languages (e.g., Java, C#, Python).
- Basic understanding of software testing processes.
Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics
- A strong interest in data and how to interpret data sets.
- Interest in streamlining software delivery processes and working with cloud platforms.
- Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
- Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
- Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
- Perform all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing.
- Willingness to actively participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up, to date knowledge and skills.
- Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
- Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity of Leeds City Council.
- Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
- The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol, and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
Desirable requirements - candidates are not required to meet all the following desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.
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Knowledge of Microsoft 365.
- Microsoft technologies desirable.
