Welcome to the first STEP (Software Testing Empowerment Programme) Academy update. The STEP Academy is part of Compuware's Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) strategy to confirm our commitment to being actively involved in the transformation process in South Africa. Compuware identified Academy programmes to be the most effective way for Compuware to inject their ISETT Skills Development Levy refunds back into the IT Industry and promote ongoing skills development. We are currently running our second Training Academy.

The selection of the 12 PDI (previously disadvantaged individuals) students included technical tests and discus profiles to ensure the success of the STEP programme. All the students have a programming background. The STEP Academy is a 3-month training programme of which 2.5 months will be focused on intensive technical product training (Testing skills and products) and 11 days of Business Orientation Skills training. The Technical training consists of around 2 days theory and 3 days practical (exercises) per week.

These regular updates will give you news about the progress of Compuware's Academy students as they move through the three-month STEP programme.

This latest programme started on 16 February and already the students have completed the following elements of the curriculum:

• Introduction to Testing Fundamentals
• Test Planning & Test Case design
• Test process Assessments
• Test decision Tree

The course not only involves theory but the application of that theory through the use of case studies and assignments. They have completed the following case studies:

• Case study - Completion of Test documents using a template
• Group Assignment - Compiling a test case using a template to test various screens
• Individual assignment - Test Matric compilation

According to the students and trainers the first week was very challenging with "Long hours work & long hours play". I imagine that's because they are spending lots of their "free" time getting to know each other at the hostel they are staying in. Whatever they are doing, it has certainly created a great team spirit!

According to the Compuware trainers (Technical Consultants) the students are grasping the concepts very quickly.

Look out for the next newsletter in which we will profile each of our STEP students.

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