Orem — Utah-based mentoring and workforce development organization, Dev Pipeline is fixing America’s drastic underemployment and unemployment problems through their paid technology apprenticeship program. This solution connects recent college and bootcamp graduates with local employers and provides training and hands-on experience allowing apprentices to work side-by-side with experienced industry professionals on real-world projects.  Dev Pipeline turns recent grads into accomplished developers that are ready for hire.  

Passionate about bridging the gap between education and employment, Dev Pipeline is providing first-employment opportunities, mentorship, and guidance for technology talent with their Department of Labor approved Full-Stack Web Developer Apprenticeship.  In 2020, around 1 million software jobs went unfilled nationwide, and there are currently 5 jobs for every 1 software developer.¹  It is projected that by 2030, the global talent shortage will reach 85.2 million workers and companies worldwide risk losing $8.4 trillion in revenue.  The current developer shortage has led to a growth of software developer salaries, transforming IT into one of the most highly compensated sectors.  According to the Brookings Institute, for every 1 tech job 4.3 other jobs are created, and the median U.S. computer programmer salary is over $100k a year – twice the average regional pay in some states. 

Dev Pipeline mentors apprentices while developing software.  Dedicated to creating a community of sought-after developers through partnerships with vetted businesses, they bridge the gap between education and on-the-job experience. Their mentorship program pairs recent junior developer grads with mentors from their chosen field and trains them to become sought-after, skilled developers while assisting in job placement. 

Empowered by his passion to make a difference, Jason Fletcher, CEO and founder of Dev Pipeline states, “The purpose of Dev Pipeline is to provide credentialed, educational opportunities and real-world experience to those who want to get into the tech field. We work hand-in-hand with employer partners who not only provide technical projects for our apprentices and mentors to complete but who also provide avenues of future employment for our graduates.”  

Currently, Dev Pipeline is announcing a new apprenticeship and “returnship” program starting August 24, 2021.  Applications for 16 qualified apprentices will be due by August 1, 2021, and awardees will be notified no later than August 15, 2021. This program will be a 45-week Full-Stack Web Developer Certification and will include a 30 week paid apprenticeship which will be instructed by industry leaders and expert senior developers.  This will be the first of multiple cohorts that Dev Pipeline will be announcing.  Graduates will be assisted with job placement and starting salaries for a Full-Stack Web Developer average $50,000-$60,000/year.  According to Indeed.com, the average wage for experienced Full-Stack Web Developers is $102,000.

Mentors at Dev Pipeline consist of paid and volunteer senior-level developers, business executives, entrepreneurs, managers, and industry-leading professionals looking to make a difference in their field.  They provide developer training, soft skills, technical skills, tips on interviewing, and more  to mentees. Mentees work as paid interns, are introduced to a professional business network, and provided with free job placement assistance. Local companies seeking to outsource work can partner with Dev Pipeline, allowing an opportunity for apprentices to gain real-world experience in an agile working environment. 

Dev Pipeline aims to reshape the way the tech industry seeks out candidates. They work hand in hand to shorten the gap between education and creating win-win opportunities.  Their executive team is passionate about developing people and simultaneously encouraging companies to hire based on capabilities, open up their talent pool, hire internally, and stop posting unrealistic job requirements. According to Entrepreneur Magazine, “an analysis of almost 100,000 jobs found that 61 percent of full-time, entry-level jobs required three-plus years of experience.”2  The conundrum remains consistent. How do entry-level recent graduates apply for and land entry-level jobs that require a minimum of 3 years of experience?  The solution: Dev Pipeline.  

Dev Pipeline is currently taking applications for those interested in becoming mentors, mentees, and companies looking to outsource developer projects.  Dev Pipeline also welcomes employer partners looking to cultivate curated tech talent for their enterprise.  Dev Pipeline is Utah’s preferred transitional employment and apprenticeship program to help recent graduates and hiring partners shorten the gap between training and employment, all while improving outcomes for our educational partners, communities, and the economy overall.  

Recently, the Department of Labor has extended the benefits for employers to hire through Registered Apprenticeship Programs such as Dev Pipeline’s. 

How can Employers work with Dev Pipeline

Step 1: Express Interest

Employer expresses interest in being part of the apprenticeship program and schedules a call with Dev Pipeline to become familiar with the program.

Step 2: One Page Paperwork

Dev Pipeline sends an Appendix D for the employer to fill out. This is merely an expression of interest in hiring GA SEI Grads.

Step 3: Two More Forms

Once a candidate is identified, we will work with the employer and government agencies to onboard the new employee

To start this process send an email inquiry to [email protected] or visit https://devpipeline.com/index.php/apprenticeship-program/ to learn more.

How Can Apprenticeship Help Your Company? 

Employers realize a number of benefits from implementing apprenticeship programs. Through apprenticeship, you will: 

• Vet workers and instill your company’s culture 
• Recruit and develop a diverse and highly skilled workforce 
• Improve productivity, profitability, and your bottom line 
• Reduce turnover, improve loyalty, and retain top talent 
• Demonstrate investment in your community Partner with the Office of Apprenticeship and access a nationwide network of expertise, customer service, and support.”  
• Source: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/resource-hub