Exploring Creative Solutions to Counter the Shortage of Skilled Software Testers in a Rapidly Growing Market.
The global software testing market, exceeding $40 billion in 2020, faces a daunting challenge as organisations grapple with the scarcity of skilled testing professionals. With the demand for test capabilities on the rise, driven by technological advancements and global shifts in work dynamics, companies are navigating innovative strategies to ensure the continuous quality assurance of their software alongside development.
Addressing the Talent Shortage Head-On
The shortage of skilled software testers poses a significant threat to ongoing digital transformation initiatives. The difficulty in hiring experienced professionals, compounded by the retirement of seasoned testers, necessitates out-of-the-box solutions. Several key approaches are emerging to tackle this challenge and maintain a constant quality assurance capability:
1. Grow Your Own Testing Teams:
- Establishing internal apprentice and graduate training schemes to cultivate new talent.
- Overcoming the perceived challenges of set-up costs and expertise by leveraging third-party schemes.
- Providing tailored technical and soft-skill programs for accelerated skill development.
- Ensuring exposure to clients' technical and business environments for holistic learning.
2. Take a Leap of Faith with Junior Testers:
- Dispelling the misconception that only highly experienced testers can be effective.
- Embracing the evolving landscape of software development and the adaptability of base knowledge.
- Focusing on recruiting testers with the ability to learn and rapidly apply new skills.
3. Consider Managed Services Offshore:
- Emphasising automation as the key objective to reduce reliance on large manual testing teams.
- Using highly skilled test automation engineers in managed services offshore.
- Addressing concerns about system complexity and industry knowledge with effective knowledge acquisition programmes.
4. Recognise the Value of Software Development Engineers:
- Adapting to the changing landscape with open-source toolsets and software development engineers in test (SDETs).
- Harnessing the efficiency of managed services that provide 100% test automation within days of initiation.
- Identifying the need for a different mindset and capabilities in defining, deploying, and running these services.
5. IoT – A Resourcing Headache for the Future or Now?
- Anticipating the surge in demand for testing capabilities with the projected growth of the IoT industry.
- Preparing for new challenges in functional, network/connectivity, interoperability, security, device, spatial, performance, and behavioural testing.
- Considering third-party solutions for IoT quality assurance while evaluating future skills requirements.
Conclusion: A Leap of Faith for a Quality Future
International Testers Day prompted reflection on the profound value of quality assurance in the testing industry. While the resourcing challenge looms large, innovative solutions beckon. Whether through growing internal talent, embracing junior testers, leveraging managed services offshore, recognising the role of software development engineers, or preparing for the IoT boom, organisations can navigate the talent drought with creative thinking and strategic leaps of faith.
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