Why We Hire Apprentices (and Not Just Experienced Pros) — Jose Alvarez
— and why it works for us every time.
Not long ago, one of our clients had to make a tough decision.
They had two developers on their project — both graduates from our apprenticeship program.
One was a former electrical engineer with a “stronger” programming background. The other? A former stand-up comedian who’d only recently learned to code.
Then came a budget cut.
The client could only keep one person. And without hesitation, they kept the comedian.
Why? Because while the engineer was technically solid, the comedian was a communication powerhouse — keeping meetings clear, making sure everyone was on the same page, and building trust with every interaction.
As the client put it:
“We can teach him the rest of the technical stuff, but we can’t teach someone to collaborate and communicate like that.”
Why We’ve Always Focused on Apprentices
From the early days of our company, we decided to build talent in-house.
Our 6-month apprenticeship program trains people in exactly how we work — the tools, the processes, the expectations.
Instead of trying to “fit” someone’s past experience into our workflow, we start fresh. Apprentices learn our culture from day one, so by the time they’re working directly with clients, they’re already aligned with how we do things.
Communication First, Code Second
We’ve learned something important:
- We can teach someone to write great code in six months.
- We can’t teach someone to be a great communicator in six months.
And now, with AI tools making it easier than ever to generate code, the real competitive advantage isn’t just how you write it — it’s how you understand the problem, ask the right questions, and work with others to deliver the right solution.
In other words: AI can help you write code, but it can’t replace clear thinking, empathy, and teamwork.
Culture Is Built, Not Found
Our apprentices don’t have to “unlearn” habits from other workplaces — they grow up in our culture. They absorb our way of collaborating, problem-solving, and serving clients from day one.
By the time they graduate, they’re not just technically capable — they’re our kind of developers.
Fresh Eyes, Better Ideas
Apprentices bring curiosity. They’re not afraid to ask “why?” And sometimes, those questions lead to smarter solutions.
They challenge assumptions in a way that keeps us improving.
A Long-Term Bet That Pays Off
We’re not just filling seats. We’re building careers.
Many of our strongest team members today started as apprentices, grew with us, and became part of our DNA.
So when people ask why we choose apprentices over chasing “experienced” hires, the answer is simple: We value potential, communication, and cultural fit over a few extra years on a resume.
Because in today’s world — where AI can help you produce code in minutes — the skill that really makes you stand out is the ability to work well with humans.
