Why Hire an Apprentice?

Many organizations struggle with technology because of a lack of technical expertise within their team. We see it all the time with our clients, and it’s often that reality that prompts them to reach out to a third party like us in the first place.

Rather than hiring Codence alone, in some key circumstances, it makes more sense for an organization to hire an Apprentice. Here’s why.

The Hiring Challenge

Supporting “in-house” talent requires staying current with technology trends, developing a clear technology strategy, defining good software dev processes, and investing in employee training.

It all sounds great in theory, but how do you run your business operations – which, for many of our clients, have nothing to do with tech – and somehow become a software development team leader as well? You’ve got finding talent to contend with, evaluating skills, understanding how and what to ask for. Once hired, you need to clarify goals and guide a team in an area of expertise for which you may have zero familiarity. Then at the task level, you need to figure out how to run a software project… all while trying to do your day job.

It makes sense that business leaders often outsource dev projects rather than choosing to hire.

That said – it’s not always the best move for an organization in the long run. Many of our clients can’t afford to outsource all their technical needs; further, even if they could afford it, really making the best use of custom software many times requires first-hand familiarity with the problems at hand.

This is where our apprenticeship program comes in. We wanted to provide a third option – one where our clients didn’t end up relying entirely on a third-party consultant, but also one where they weren’t alone in the endeavor either. We do our best to “teach an organization to fish for themselves”.

We work with clients to support an in-house person while providing the expertise the organization itself may lack. It’s a win-win – we focus on just that high-value work our clients need from us while growing their capacity as well.

Technology is Essential

First and foremost, it’s crucial for companies to recognize that technology is an essential part of modern business, and investing in technology can help them stay competitive and drive growth. We have repeatedly seen that technology can be a disaster incorrectly implemented. If done correctly, it can truly be transformative for the company and its employees.

With Codence, we’ve got a ton of experience in doing software projects and learned a few lessons along the way. One of the lessons that we’ve learned, which is crucial, is that our clients must have someone in their organization who really truly lives it and gets it. Who’s either doing the work and understands the data and requirements or at least has a good handle on business operations and how to leverage technology to solve common business problems.

That’s what the apprenticeship program is fundamentally reaching for: adding that link to your organization to give you a facility with technology and a conduit to work with us. Our clients are more successful when they have fluency in-house with technology, particularly with a low-code platform like Claris.

Making an Investment

While hiring an in-house IT specialist may seem like an additional expense, it can actually save your organization money. The most obvious savings is in reducing the fees a consulting firm like Codence might charge, but the real benefit comes by helping your team work more efficiently, effectively, and profitably over time. An in-house IT specialist can identify areas where you can save money on technology expenses, efficiently guide projects, negotiate better contracts with vendors and help prevent costly downtime.

Another common example is managing and leveraging data. Businesses generate vast amounts of data, which can be challenging to understand. A person dedicated to data management can help organize and store data, making it easier to analyze and make informed decisions. Having someone focused on technology can open the way to solving many workflows and business problems.

Another way in which an in-house developer can make in impact is by spotting repetitive tasks, such as data entry or customer service inquiries, which could be automated with technology. This can save tons of employees’ time, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.

Lastly, entry-level software developers can provide a fresh perspective on legacy systems. Legacy systems are often outdated and can be challenging to maintain or update. However, these systems are still critical to many businesses and organizations. Entry-level software developers can bring new ideas and approaches to legacy systems, helping to improve their functionality and ease of use.

Our Recommended Approach

We recommend entry-level application developers to train as an apprentice and join your organization as IT specialists because they bring a new capacity to your organization, armed with fresh perspectives and ideas. They are often just starting their careers and are eager to learn and apply their knowledge. This eagerness and enthusiasm can lead to new and innovative solutions.

Furthermore, entry-level application developers are often more affordable than their more experienced counterparts – and certainly more than a third-party. This can be beneficial for companies working with tight budgets or for individuals who need help to afford to hire expensive developers. Companies can still receive high-quality solutions to technology problems without breaking the bank.

As technology advances and more companies require technology solutions, there is a growing demand for skilled developers. However, there are not enough experienced developers to meet this demand. By hiring entry-level software developers, companies can help to fill this gap and train the next generation of skilled developers along with shaping someone who fits well within their organization and company culture.

Stay Competitive and Drive Growth

In today’s world, technology is at the forefront of almost every aspect of our lives. It is an essential tool that helps us achieve our goals. However, for some people, the need to liaise with an IT organization can be a daunting task. They may feel overwhelmed by the technical jargon or intimidated by the IT professionals they must work with. As technology continues to advance and play an increasingly important role in our daily lives, the need for first-hand software developers, integrated within your own team, will only continue to grow.

Companies need to recognize that technology is an essential part of modern business, and investing in technology can help them stay competitive and drive growth.

You don’t need to struggle to make informed decisions about technology investments without a clear understanding of how technology fits into your overall strategy. We can help you understand the changing technology landscape and craft a strategic vision for your organization. Get in touch today, and let’s make technology a solution, not a problem for you.