CURRICULUM VITAE

Kevin William Trainer

 

21 Claremont Crescent, Howgate, Kilwinning, Ayrshire, KA13 6EJ, UK

Home Tel: 01294 557372

Mobile Tel: 07791 765236

E-Mail: kevin_trainer@hotmail.com

Web site: ktrainer.net

 

 

Nationality     :           British

Date of Birth  :           October 2nd, 1974

Academic       :           B.Sc. Hon. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) 1994-97        

 

Key Skills:

-  Strong analytical, innovative approach to solutions of technical and organisational problems.

- Flexible approach to new technologies and working with new disciplines.

- Proactive approach able to assist in the implementation of new processes via hands on involvement and   education of others.

- Excellent verbal & written communications skills.

- Understanding of quality management principles taking into account - Business Requirements, Functional Specification, Unit, System, User Acceptance and Regression Testing.

- Effective control and motivation to achieve objectives in fixed time scales.

- Effective decision making in pressurised situations.

- Preparation of weekly project status summaries.

 

Work related systems/packages:

 

Selenium IDE for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browsers, MuleSoft, Salesforce, PostMan, Jira, Confluence, Mingle, Rational Clear Quest, Compuware QA Run, Mercury Test Director, SQL, Astra Quick Test, UNIX, San Andreas III, Client/Local & IP Addressed Server, MS Access, Telnet, RSW E-Test, FTP, PVCS Tracker, Windows 3.x/95/98/00/XP/Vista/NT, SAP, HTML, XML, Java, Bugzilla, VMware, Oracle SQL Developer DB, SQL Server 2005/SQL Server Management Studio, Mantis Bug Tracker, Various web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Safari, and Google), .NET, PHP.

 

Professional Experience

 

Student Loans Company, Glasgow, Scotland                                                                    Jan 2012 –         

Position:                      Test Analyst

-          Identifying the requirements.

-          Creating Requirements, Test Plan (scripts), Test Lab (holding scripts to be run) and Defects with the use of 'Mercury Quality Center v9.1 (formally Test Director)'.

-          Creating automated browser test scripts for Mozilla Firefox with the use of Selenium IDE.

-          Creating storys and highlighting requirements with the use of Jira, Confluence and Mingle

-          Using Postman and Swagger for creating API's to transfer data to various platforms.

-          Confirming the passing of data via the MuleSoft platform.

-          Checking data can get passed to and from various platforms including Salesforce.

-          Testing of the Financial Information Services, used to calculate awards dependant on the data and settings.

-          Regular usage of MS Teams for meetings

-          Testing of the OpenAM component to manage user access and privileges.

-          Creation and editing of XML files so as to simulate the use of required data associated with the document creation under test.

-          Processing of XML files through the Doc Management lifecycle in order to confirm system requirements have been met using PuTTY (UNIX environment) for running scripts to process documents sent from the front end client application

-          GSView32 v4.6 (a Ghost Script Graphical Interface application for converting the large postscript files created during testing, into smaller more manageable PDF files for viewing and comparing)

-          Adobe Acrobat 7 and 8 for comparing documents under test and creating test results

-          WinSCP v3.8.2 for locating and editing the xml file processed and created by PuTTY and to be held within documents under test.

-          Querying of the Oracle Database for test data and resulting data with the use of 'Toad for Oracle’ v9.0.0.160 (by Quest Software)

-          Reporting of results to development team and management in order for the latest release to be set live

-          Serena ChangeMan Version Manager v8.1.4.2 for managing functional specifications and document/project management

-          IBM Lotus Notes v7 used for emails, meetings, and document reviewing system

 

Drive Business (www.drivebusiness.co.uk) Dundonald, Ayrshire                                     Mar 2011 – Oct 2011

Position:                      Agile Test Analyst

-          Working on front end client web sites for organizations such as (Ted Baker, All Saints, Day Birger, Nigel Hall, Reiss, Bench, Gant, Elvis Jesus, Versatile Apparel) along with Enrich server settings

-          Analyzing of the requirements.

-          Creation of test scripts obtained from development/project info.

-          Running of test scripts within various web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Safari, and Google).

-          Raising of defects with the aid of Mantis Bug Tracker (http://www.mantisbt.org/) and assigning to the developer concerned.

-          Re-running of previously failed test script after fix and completing of yet to be run test script.

-          Running of general regression scripts to confirm existing functionality had not been affected by the latest changes.

-          Creation of test reports after each clients release, involving requirements met, scripts passed and failed, defects associated and un-associated with the requirements raised, current defects status, priority and severity.

           

 

 

SDLC Solutions, Glasgow, Scotland (contract)                                                       Jan 2011 – March 2011

Position:                      Test Analyst

While working within the client site of the ‘National Australia Banking Group’, responsibilities have involved:

-          Understanding of project lifecycle and deliverables.

-          Providing input and expertise into test approach and direction based on experience and expertise in solution or technologies being implemented.

-          Contribute to Overall Test Strategies and Master Test Plan where required.

-          Liaising with Business and Development teams in order to ensure quality of test scripts and timely resolution of defects and issues.

-          Reviewing of design and requirements documentation in order to prepare test scripts.

-          Preparing test scripts for execution by Test Team with the use of  Mercury (Quality Center) Test Director 9.0

-          Preparing and executing test sets against the application under test using prepared test scripts.

-          Keeping a record of progress against plan

-          Identifying and recording of defects found during the execution of test scripts.

-          Communicating and presenting information and status reports to internal and external team members.

-          Reviewing work of others providing constructive feedback.

-          Working under limited supervision.

-          Planning and controlling own work flow to ensure all deadlines are met and managing own tasks effectively.

-          Ensuring all work is carried out and documented in accordance with required standards, methods and procedures to ensure information retention and re-use.

 

Inisoft, Glasgow, Scotland                                                                                                    Aug 2009 – Dec 2010

Position:                      Software System Tester/QA

            Within the first project I was solely responsible for the testing which involved the analysis of the functional specification for a proposed on line/web based customer information systems for use within Airdrie Savings Bank www.airdriesavingsbank.com/pb-internet-banking . This was followed by the creation of test scripts and scenarios to confirm the released build of the system met the proposals detailed within the functional specification. Development was undertaken by a 3^rd party organization and communication had to be regularly carried out between myself, development and the on site customer themselves.

            My second project involved the testing of an upgrade to an existing in-house product associated with Call Centre Processes and Management on a platform known as synTelate which is a screen customization and callflow tool for use on the call centre agent desktop www.inisoft.co.uk/syntelate.html . This again involved the complete testing lifecycle from:

-          Analyzing the functional specification

-          Identifying the requirements

-          Creation of scripts to associate with the requirements

-          Installing of build

-          Running of scripts

-          Raising and reporting of defects.

 

This was then followed by the running of regression scripts to confirm no functionality had been unexpectedly affected by the latest upgrade/changes to the existing system. Database checks had to be carried on the following:

 

-          Oracle SQL Developer DB

-          SQL Server 2005/SQL Server Management Studio

 

Craegmoor Healthcare, Cumbrae Lodge Care Home, Irvine, Ayrshire                         Feb 2009 – Aug 2009

Position:                      Care Assistant

            Responsibilities involve the caring for of the elderly including all aspects of day to day life.

 

 

McLaren Software, Glasgow, Scotland                                                                              Oct 2004 - Dec 2008

Position:                      Software System Tester/QA

Responsibilities involved the analysis of the functional specification for a proposed communication system requested by the Engineering/Building trade. The McLaren Software platform 'Enterprises Engineer' was a web based front end and worked as a go between for the transfer and display of requested information from various sources in the Engineering/Building lifecycle, including digital design documentation (Documentum) and imagery (AutoCAD); all of which can be tracked/managed via an internal audit. Test scripting involved the analysis of the proposed systems functional specification followed by the creation and running of scripts along with the reporting of defects to the in house team of developers. Test Script creation was carried out with the aid of 'Test Director' with Bug management and reporting aided with the use of 'Documentum Workspace'

-            Mercury Test Director 8.0

-            Mercury (Quality Center) Test Director 9.0

-            VMware

 

HFC Bank, Winkfield, Berkshire (contract)                                                                       Mar 2003 - Sep 2003

Position:                      Test Analyst

            Responsibilities involved the analysis and quality assurance of an in house lending platform (Compass) which could be used on a national basis linked to various components and servers from third party organisations in order to carry out the credit checking of individuals and related properties and locations (e.g. Equifax and Experian Credit Enquiry Database). Major segments of the role centred on analysing the functional specification of the proposed release, followed by the creation and running of scripts in which to confirm the expected outcomes. Errors would then be logged within 'Rational Clear Quest' and assigned to the specific department responsible whether it be in house or external third party.

-            Rational Clear Quest

 

Electronic Data Systems (EDS)                                                                                            May 2000 - Oct 2002

'Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)', Longbenton, Newcastle      

Position:                      Systems Test Analyst

    Responsibilities involved working in support of the UK’s governmental Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on the Personal Details Repository (PDR) and latterly Pensions Forecasting System (PFS) projects, specifically within the Systems Test environments. Here I was responsible for building knowledge of the DWP customer business and also the System Test processes so as to quickly develop test plans and scripts with the aid of functional specifications.

 

'On Line Services' Account, Camberly, Surrey                                           

Position:                      Systems Test Analyst

Electronic Data Systems (EDS) were involved in a long-term, high profile, political contract involving the in house development and management of a web based Court Services information system. This applied to the regional courts and related departments throughout England and Wales.

Responsibility lay for System, User Acceptance, Regression Testing and general Quality Assurance, examining existing and proposed functional requirements of a totally bespoke area of the system, developed by an external 3rd party development team. Data entered via the web based GUI would then be confirmed using SQL to query the database. It involves the use of web technology enabling Claimants or Solicitors to put forward a financial claim against a defendant; without having to go through the typical manual court process www.moneyclaim.gov.uk. This involves a nation wide WAN of I.P. addressed components and systems both old and new, which must have no effect on the existing system and be up and running within tight deadlines.  Tools used to simulate certain processes and aid management include

-        Compuware QA Run

-        PVCS Tracker.  

 

         'LTSB Central Lending Platform' Account, Camberly, Surrey    

Position:                      Systems Test Analyst

Responsibility arose for the Quality Assurance (QA) of the in house Central Lending Platform Delivery Program on the Lloyds TSB account situated in Peterlee, Durham. The purpose of the CLP Delivery Program is to deliver additional functionality to the existing, EDS Personal Loan Servicing Centre (PLSC) which relies on a range of nation wide network functionalities.

The PLSC is capable of dealing with the complete loan lifecycle process, from initial indicative quotations to draw down of funds, as well as the ongoing servicing of accounts. The centre is also capable of aiding set up and care of loans originating from the LTSB branch systems as well as being responsible for supporting all the service delivery channels, including telephone, post and the web.

Responsibilities within the role mainly involved the QA of the LTSB Central Lending Platform both branch simulation (UNIX environment) and call centre systems. This involved carrying out manual testing, of the existing and soon to be released Unit, System and Acceptance environments. UNIX black box testing was also carried out within Regression to confirm newly entered data into the current platform/system could be queries via the new third party GUI. Responsibilities also involved the creation and upkeep of documentation to aid current and future employees understand the testing environments and associated components (e.g. Pan Credit).  The logging of faults was carried out with the aid of Test Director application.

-        Mercury Test Director

  

ComponentSource, Reading, Berkshire                                                                             July 2098 - May 2000

Position:                      Systems Tester

            ComponentSource (www.componentsource.com) were a fairly new organisation who were relying on public and corporate purchases of software components from the web site. The testing of this system, which was based in-house, focused on System, User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and Regression, with user friendliness and ease of use being the main requirement. The testing took place within a rapidly changing environment, which relied on financial exchanges of Personal Computer Electronic Financial Transfer (PCEFT) occurring via Internet Service Providers on both Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator Platforms, which also gave rise to security issues such as ‘fire walls’, ‘cookies’ etc.

The automated testing tools used included

-        Astra Quick Test

-        RSW e-test,

These initially involve the manual recording of test scripts, followed by the assigning of parameters. These test scripts however, have to be updated on almost every new release of the system; apart from when it was concerning Regression as this is dealing with ‘existing’ system functionality which should not have changed since the last successful release. ‘Error logging’ software used was

-        Mercury Test Director

 

Training & Development:

 

My on the job experience and training has assisted me with the tools and techniques in performing my functions effectively to build my skills on a professional and personal level. This has included undertaking such courses as:

 

 

 

References: