Summary of 'The Practical Guide to Building an Apprenticeship'

This video features a talk by Max Tiu at RailsConf 2018, focusing on creating a developer apprenticeship program. It addresses the disparity between the high volume of junior developers, who often emerge from boot camps, and the lack of positions available for them. An apprenticeship program is presented as a viable solution for organizations looking to foster junior talent while enhancing team productivity.

Key Points Discussed:

• Need for Apprenticeships:

  • Junior developers are abundant, yet full-time entry-level positions are scarce. Apprenticeships can bridge this gap by offering structured, long-term options for growth.
  • They promote diversity in tech, providing opportunities for underrepresented groups in the industry.

• Program Structure:

  • The program typically lasts around four months and focuses on sustainable growth over specific tasks.
  • Apprenticeship differs from internships as it emphasizes an overarching development experience rather than task-oriented contributions.

• Foundation for Implementation:

  • Key components for establishing an apprenticeship include a clear plan, budget, and strong buy-in from company leadership.
  • Emphasis on return on investment by reducing hiring and onboarding costs for new engineers.

• Hiring Process:

  • Importance of a fair and unbiased hiring structure to increase diversity.
  • The process involved anonymous evaluations of applications, a coding challenge, and final interviews focused on problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn.

• Onboarding and Growth:

  • Comprehensive onboarding akin to regular hires, mentorship support, and exposure to various teams and tasks to foster independent growth.
  • Regular check-ins and team interactions are vital to guide apprentices through their development.

Significant Examples:

• The speaker narrated their experience setting up a four-month apprenticeship program that resulted in hiring two successful apprentices after their term, illustrating the effectiveness of the structured approach.

Conclusions and Takeaways:

• An apprenticeship program not only supports junior developers but also benefits organizations by increasing team connectivity and enhancing overall productivity.
• Investments made into apprenticeships can yield long-lasting contributions to the engineering workforce and workforce diversity—offering junior developers sustainable careers in the tech industry.