A key component of Code the Dream’s unique model is the CTD Labs Apprenticeship program, where students have an opportunity to apply for a paid apprenticeship working in CTD Labs. There, under the supervision of experienced software developers, they work on projects for clients, gaining valuable real-world experience and operating in a professional environment.
Over the last two years, CTD Labs conceived and launched the Tandem Apprenticeship model, providing financial and professional support for apprentices that businesses have agreed to take on. The apprentices work on real projects for an existing business, learning how the business works and getting to know the people who work there. The businesses get the benefit of our remarkable apprentices’ hard work and knowledge without having to create an apprenticeship infrastructure, and they also have the opportunity to offer them jobs once the apprenticeship has ended.
In January, WorkingNation published an article about the Tandem Apprenticeship program, An apprenticeship program combined with intensive mentorship is developing underrepresented tech talent.
In that article, CTD Co-Executive Director Daisy Magnus-Aryitey explained the impetus for the program: “We know we can run an apprenticeship department extremely well, and what we wondered is ‘Can we do that for a company?’ Essentially run an apprenticeship in tandem where we provide the pipeline to talent, and we also provide the senior developer support needed to really grow their talent over time.”
Companies like Cisco and SAS Institute took CTD up on the proposition, and the result was a success. Many apprentices have already been hired by CTD’s employer partners via the Tandem Apprenticeship program.
In August 2023, Alex Boakye, Vice President of Solutions Development for SAS, shared his thoughts on SAS’s participation in the Tandem Apprenticeship program in a blog post for SAS. “Years ago, McKinsey published a report highlighting that diverse teams are more innovative and outperform non-diverse teams. Extensive research confirms that diversity of thought, ideas and backgrounds fosters stronger organizations and promotes innovative technological advancements,” said Boakye. “Programs like Code the Dream play a crucial role in cultivating a diverse talent pool within the industry. By investing in diverse talent, we are investing in the technology community.”
- Read the entire SAS blog post: Breaking down barriers in tech with Code the Dream
In October 2023, NC TECH hosted a webinar on the Tandem Apprenticeship model with CTD and our partners at Cisco and SAS. Chris O’Rourke, vice president of wireless and engineering at Cisco said the Tandem Apprenticeship model could help to address “inertia around the talent pipeline that is not really solving some of the diversity challenges we’re having in tech.”
- View full webinar here.
During the webinar, Amy Dull, senior manager for FrontEnd UI Development/Design at SAS said that the CTD apprentices working with SAS “came in with an amazing foundation but seeing them grow even further is just fantastic.”
