For Triangle-based global tech giant Lenovo, building a more inclusive tech workforce isn’t just a lofty goal—it’s part of the company’s initiative to ensure the people behind their products represent the customers they serve. After spending several years as a Lenovo partner through their TransforME grant, Code the Dream is excited to announce that we are expanding that relationship through the Tandem Apprentice program.
From April 2025 to August 2025, Code the Dream apprentices Oksana Feterovskaya and Osbaldo Aguilar will join two of Lenovo’s enterprise teams, where they will contribute to critical development work. The apprentices’ priorities will include working on interfaces that support device health, enabling organizations using Lenovo products to identify issues early and prevent downtime.
Meet the Lenovo Tandem Apprentices
For Feterovskaya and Aguilar, who faced financial barriers to paying college tuition before they found Code the Dream’s free classes, the Tandem Apprenticeship opportunity is ideal. Both apprentices’ previous experience working with CTD Labs, Code the Dream’s in-house dev shop, equipped them with the technical skills to step into the opportunity at Lenovo.
Aguilar, whose interest in tech began at age 9 when he got his first computer, worked on a CTD Labs ride-sharing app that supported people transitioning out of homelessness with transportation.
Feterovskaya supported Code the Dream’s Vamos Outreach App, which streamlines outreach to farmworker communities for organizations in 20 states. They both have experience working on complex apps in real-world production environments, which gives them the necessary experience to transition and contribute to Lenovo’s enterprise team. CTD was able to help make that connection.
Tandem: A Flexible and Unique Solution for Software Companies
“Companies find that the most valuable aspects of the Tandem Apprenticeship are the program’s flexibility and our pool of experienced apprentices,” said Linda Liu, Senior Advisor of Growth & Partnerships at Code the Dream. “We’re able to sit down with companies, discuss their goals and needs, and then connect them with apprentices who are the best fit. The company is able to add high-performing team members relatively quickly, and the apprentices get first-hand experience, which opens the door to life-changing career opportunities.”
For the Lenovo team, the Tandem Apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to support tech talent from nontraditional communities.
“Lenovo is committed to equipping today’s workforce with the technology and opportunities needed to transform their career, lives, and communities,” said Sydni Behm, Lenovo Corporate Citizenship Global Program Manager. “That’s why Lenovo is excited to expand its collaboration with Code the Dream. Code the Dream is opening up opportunities for underrepresented communities in tech, and their Tandem Apprenticeship model is proven and effective.”
Expanding Opportunities for Junior Developers
Aguilar and Feterovskaya are both excited by the opportunity to learn from others on the Lenovo team and expand their skills.
“I really love challenges,” said Feterovskaya. “This is a great opportunity to be in a big corporation and see how everything works. And everyone at Lenovo is so friendly and welcoming.”
Aguilar and Feterovskaya’s supervisors, Senior Engineering Managers Sayantan Guha and Josh Smith, are excited to welcome them.
“Oksana has just joined our Lenovo Device Manager team, and she’s already showing an incredible eagerness to learn and contribute,” said Guha. “Her enthusiasm and problem-solving skills are exactly what we look for in a great team member. We’re excited to see how she grows and brings her talents to our projects!”
“We are pleased to collaborate with Code to Dream and welcome Osbaldo to the Lenovo Device Orchestration team,” said Smith. “Osbaldo has demonstrated curiosity and a willingness to take on any assigned tasks. Notably, Osbaldo successfully opened and closed a pull request within his first week. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with him.”
Both apprentices are also paying it forward as Code the Dream mentors. Aguilar tells his mentees that their persistence will pay off—and his story is proof of that.
“You’re capable of more than you think,” said Aguilar.
