STUDENTS
COMBINED INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
LESSONS

DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD
Mark Nenadic’
Director of Onion Training Academy
I left school at 16 with no qualifications and joined the Royal Navy as a submariner. The Navy gave me discipline and resilience – but when I left, I hit rock bottom. Anxiety, depression, a nervous breakdown. A financial crash that took everything. I moved back in with my mum with no money, no career and no idea what came next.
Then a friend mentioned he was earning £87,000 a year as a software tester – in the 1990s!
I had no idea what software testing was. But I bought two books and studied every night after fixing cars during the day. Nine months later, I landed my first contract in Munich. I went from earning nothing to £400 a day, almost overnight.
That was just the beginning. I went on to earn £800 a day as a consultant – and built a 50-year combined industry career alongside my co-founder to create the course you’re looking at now.
If I could do it starting from nothing, so can you.
Well-Paid: Starting salaries exceed £30,000. Experienced testers can earn over £100,000 a year. Freelance contractors regularly charge £500–£800 a day and more.
In-Demand: Demand for skilled testers has grown 25% in the last 3 years. Banks, airlines, healthcare, telecoms — every industry needs people who can do this.
Accessible: You don’t need a degree or a tech background. If you can think logically and follow a process, you can do this job.
STUDENTS
COMBINED INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
LESSONS

DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD
You’re Starting from Zero: No degree, no coding skills, no tech background needed. This is where your journey begins.
You Want to Change Careers: Stuck in a job that’s going nowhere? Software testing is one of the fastest ways to break into tech — without learning to code.
You Want to Test the Water: Not sure if software testing is right for you? This intro is the perfect low-risk way to find out before committing to the full course.
You’re Interested in Tech: Want a role in technology without becoming a developer? Software testing is your way in.
Get Instant Access to ‘Introduction to Software Testing’ Today
Day-in-the-Life Walkthrough: Understand exactly what a software tester does, what employers expect and where your career can go from here.
Core Concepts & Methodologies: Learn what software testing is, why it matters and why it can’t be replaced by AI – future-proofing your career from day one.
Solid Foundations: Master the fundamentals, key testing methodologies and the concepts every employer expects you to know.
Hands-On Practice: Access 40+ real demo test sites so you’re applying what you learn, not just reading about it.
900+ Term Glossary: The most comprehensive software testing glossary available – yours to keep and reference throughout your career.
The instructors behind Onion Training have worked inside banking, telecoms, healthcare and aviation. Combined, that’s 50 years of consulting work – not classroom theory.
Onion Training is an Approved Activity Provider for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The software testing course counts toward the skills section of the Bronze or Silver awards.
The course provided by Onion Training has really helped me understand the fundamentals of software testing. It’s bridged the gap in my knowledge where other courses have fallen short. The in-depth course material is easy to digest as it’s explained with the use of everyday scenarios. I also like that I have access to other community members for any questions I have.
I moved into a junior test role earlier this year. I was never taught the basics, it’s all learning on the job but this course has really supported me in understanding the terms and concepts people talk about. I don’t come from a technical background yet it’s super easy to understand and apply. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to build a foundation in software testing.
I’ve taken QA courses before – this one is on another level. The modules are packed with enough content to get you started as a QA Engineer straight away. And it’s genuinely beginner-friendly.
This comprehensive program has equipped me with essential skills and knowledge to excel in the field of software testing. I am excited to apply what I’ve learned and contribute to innovative projects and teams in the industry.
The tech industry is growing. Skilled software testers are in demand. And for less than the price of a night out, you can find out if this is the career that changes your life.
Instant access to the full Introduction to Software Testing course (2026 edition)
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