The Payoff of Hard Work and Apprenticeships

Sure, putting an apprenticeship program together requires a lot of work, but have I mentioned there are some incredible outcomes and a great return on that investment that goes beyond financial gains? If you haven’t read the first two articles of this three-part series on apprenticeships, you may want to read about the building blocks and challenges first! I started by digging into what it takes to build a plan for a program and then explored the challenges companies should plan for early. read more

Problems in Paradise – The Apprenticeship Challenge

I’m a huge supporter of apprenticeship programs because I’ve seen the opportunities these programs create for career changers, beginners, and life-long learners, but there are challenges companies should consider in the planning stage. As Dave Hoover said, “not many people talk about apprenticeships being harmful, but they can be if not done correctly.” In thinking about this statement he made in the recording of a podcast I interviewed him for (to be released later next month!), I wanted to know more. What types of challenges did companies face when building an apprenticeship program and what should companies be thinking about before getting in knee deep? read more

Apprenticeships: The Building Blocks

Apprenticeships are a funny concept to dissect. There is a lot history behind the purpose apprenticeships serve, yet they’re so nuanced in today’s company landscape. Specifically in the tech industry, where software development is a true craft, I’m often surprised that these programs are underutilized. read more