At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our teams to design, develop, and test innovative software applications.
- Company: Dynamic tech company focused on software development and quality assurance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Selection Centre in March 2026; join a vibrant team with excellent career prospects.
- Why this job: Kickstart your tech career and make a real impact in software engineering.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in tech-related fields; programming exposure preferred.
The predicted salary is between 21600 - 36000 £ per year.
We are seeking highly motivated and curious individuals to join our dynamic Software Development and Quality Assurance teams. This is an exciting opportunity for recent graduates, students in their final year of university, or individuals with equivalent experience who are passionate about technology and eager to begin a career in software engineering.
Whether your interests lie in building software or ensuring its quality through automation, this assessment centre will give you a chance to demonstrate your problem-solving skills, creativity, and enthusiasm for learning. Successful candidates will join one of our growing teams as either a Junior Software Developer or Junior QA Automation Engineer, depending on skills, interests, and aptitude.
This role primarily involves Monday to Friday working between 9am and 5pm, with occasional out-of-hours support. As a hybrid role, you’ll be expected to work from our Taunton office three days a week. Eligibility to work in the UK is required for this position.
A Selection Centre will be held in March 2026 in Taunton, with successful candidates joining in April 2026 or at the end of the academic year for those still in full-time education.
What are we looking for?
- Assisting in the design, development, and testing of software applications.
- Writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code following best practices.
- Developing or maintaining automated tests to ensure software quality and reliability.
- Collaborating with colleagues to solve real-world technical challenges.
- Participating in peer reviews and contributing to shared team goals.
- Troubleshooting issues and helping to improve performance and stability.
- Staying up to date with emerging tools, technologies, and methodologies.
What we value:
- A genuine interest in software development, automation, or technology in general.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Curiosity and a desire to learn new tools, frameworks, and concepts.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- A positive, proactive attitude and the ability to work well as part of a team.
Qualifications & Experience:
- A degree in any discipline (e.g. Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Data Science or similar) or equivalent experience such as self-taught programming or relevant project work.
- Some exposure to programming (for example, through coursework or personal projects).
- Awareness of version control systems (e.g., Git) or basic understanding of testing concepts is advantageous but not essential.
Additional Desirables:
- Interest or experience in any of the following areas:
- Programming languages such as C#, JavaScript, TypeScript, or Python.
- Testing or automation frameworks such as Playwright or Selenium.
- Understanding how applications are built, tested, and deployed.
Closing date: Monday 17th November 2025
Junior Software Developer / Junior QA Automation Engineer in Chelmsford employer: WPA Health Insurance
Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration, offering a vibrant work culture in Taunton. As a Junior Software Developer or Junior QA Automation Engineer, you'll benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth through hands-on experience and mentorship. With a hybrid working model and a focus on continuous learning, this role is perfect for those eager to kickstart their career in technology while enjoying a balanced work-life dynamic.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Software Developer / Junior QA Automation Engineer in Chelmsford
✨Join Developer Communities
Get involved in online developer communities like GitHub or Stack Overflow. We can showcase our skills by contributing to open-source projects – it’s a great way to network, learn, and possibly catch the eye of a recruiter while doing something we love!
✨Attend Coding Meetups and Hackathons
Check out local coding meetups and hackathons. These events are fantastic for meeting other developers and potential employers, plus they're a great way to get some hands-on experience and showcase our problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Set Up a Public Portfolio
We should create a public portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing our projects and code. This not only demonstrates our technical skills but also gives employers a peek into our creative process and problem-solving abilities.
✨Utilise University Career Services
If we're fresh out of uni, let's not forget about our university’s career services! They often have tailored resources and connections in the software development field. Plus, internships can lead to entry-level roles – a true win-win!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Software Developer / Junior QA Automation Engineer in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Coding Skills:As this is an entry-level role in software engineering development, make sure to include your coding projects. Whether it's a cool school project, a personal website, or even contributions to open-source, it all counts! Link to your GitHub or any platforms you've showcased your code on – we want to see what you've got!
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Skills:Make your CV work for you by focusing on the programming languages and frameworks you've learned. If you've dabbled in JavaScript, Python, or any specific frameworks, be sure to include those. Plus, showcasing any relevant coursework or certifications can really help us get a clearer picture of your skill set.
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:Since you're applying for an entry-level position, your cover letter is your chance to shine. Tell us why you’re passionate about software engineering and what excites you about working with WPA Health Insurance. Highlight any internships or projects that shaped your interest in coding – it’s all about your motivation!
Use Your Network:Don't hesitate to mention any connections you might have to WPA Health Insurance in your application. If you know someone who works there or have attended any events they hosted, slip that into your cover letter. It shows your genuine interest and can give you that extra edge in your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at WPA Health Insurance
✨Know Your Code: Prepare for Technical Questions
For a role in software engineering, you can bet your Interviewer might throw some coding problems your way. Brush up on common algorithms and data structures, and practise coding on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. That way, you're ready to showcase your problem-solving skills confidently!
✨Portfolio Power: Show Off Your Projects
As an entry-level candidate, your portfolio is your secret weapon. Make sure you have a few solid projects on GitHub that demonstrate your coding skills and understanding of software development processes. Be ready to walk through your code and explain your thought process during the interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Agile and Development Tools
Understanding Agile methodologies can really set you apart from other entry-level candidates. Get familiar with tools like JIRA or Trello, and be prepared to discuss how you've used them in your projects or studies. This shows you're not just a coder but also a team player.
✨Demonstrate Your Learning Mindset
Since you're applying for an entry-level position, it's important to show your eagerness to learn. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled challenges in your studies or projects, what new skills you’ve picked up recently, and how you plan to continue developing in this fast-paced field.
