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Inspired by the medieval guild-and-apprentice system, the increasing popularity of bootcamps and apprenticeship programs in software development has great promise but may also bring with it some serious negative side effects. Let's explore the benefits of applying 12th century best practices to the challenge of preparing a new generation of developers, and discuss ways to avoid the mistakes of the past: technologically conservative monocultures comprising and serving a privileged few.

Coraline Ada Ehmke is a speaker, author, teacher, open source advocate and technologist with 20 years of experience in developing apps for the web. As a co-founder of LGBTech.org and founder of OpenSourceForWomen.org, she works diligently to promote diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry. Her current interests include small-application ecosystems, services and APIs, business intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics.

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In the talk "Artisans and Apprentices" delivered by Coraline Ada Ehmke at RailsConf 2014, the speaker explores the parallels between the medieval apprenticeship system and modern software development bootcamps. The presentation highlights both the promise and pitfalls of these contemporary training methods for developers, drawing lessons from history to inform current practices.

### Key Points Discussed:  
- **Historical Context of Apprenticeships**: Ehmke outlines the evolution of apprenticeships dating back to hunter-gatherer societies and their formalization in the 12th century Europe. She emphasizes how apprenticeships allowed for the transfer of specialized skills and knowledge across generations.  
- **Guilds and Their Role**: Guilds emerged as protective associations for artisans, establishing standards, promoting quality, and limiting competition. While they provided structure, they also created technological conservatism and elitism, which can be mirrored in current bootcamp practices.  
- **Contemporary Bootcamps**: Modern bootcamps have arisen as a response to the growing demand for developers, aiming to provide swift training to meet market needs. They offer intensive, short-term programs that can yield high job placement rates but often reflect biases in accessibility and inclusivity.  
- **Case Studies**: Ehmke highlights the journeys of two individuals: Peter, a stonemason apprentice from the 12th century, and Ethan, a modern-day bootcamp student. Their experiences illustrate the challenges and barriers faced in their respective training environments, such as lack of innovation and support.  
- **Diversity and Inclusivity Issues**: The speaker points out that both historical and modern training systems tend to cater to privileged populations, pointing out the underrepresentation of women and minorities in tech education today.  
- **Recommendations for Improvement**: Ehmke suggests several ways to enhance apprenticeship models and bootcamp effectiveness, including:  
  - Increasing diversity and lowering financial barriers  
  - Encouraging mentorship and fostering long-term relationships  
  - Providing comprehensive support systems, including healthcare, to allow newcomers to thrive  
  - Emphasizing values-driven development and the importance of teaching empathy and community alongside technical skills.

### Main Takeaways:  
Ehmke calls for a re-examination of how we guide new generations of developers, urging the tech community to prioritize values and inclusivity to avoid replicating past mistakes. The emphasis on holistic development aims to cultivate an adaptable workforce that doesn’t merely replicate existing knowledge but innovates and supports diverse voices in the field. Ultimately, Ehmke concludes that we are at a critical juncture that mirrors past societal shifts, emphasizing the responsibility of current practitioners to guide and mentor the next generation thoughtfully and inclusively.

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