On the Market: Looking to get started in software? SmartLogic’s apprenticeship is back

On the Market is a Technical.ly column where we highlight noteworthy job openings. Got a submission? Email us at baltimore@technical.ly.

In 2018, software development consultancy SmartLogic opened up a new pathway into the company for junior software devs with a 14-week apprenticeship program. Mixing training and client work alongside senior software developers on staff, it was designed to prepare apprentices for a full-time position as a full-stack developer.

Now, the 2021 SmartLogic apprenticeship program is looking to bring on a new cohort.

Applications recently opened for the program, and are due by August 27. It’s set to begin September 14. Up to three apprentices will be chosen, with a focus on underrepresented communities in tech, and will be paid $10,000. Fully remote SmartLogic is aiming to offer each apprentice a role with the company. But whether they are hired directly or not, SmartLogic will assist with finding employment for apprentices. Each apprentice in the first cohort ended up with a job in Baltimore.

“While it’s true you don’t need a degree to get a programming job, the idea that anyone can complete a bootcamp or do some self-study and immediately be fully prepared to be a professional programmer is an incomplete vision,” said Rose Burt, director of marketing at SmartLogic. “We see this apprenticeship as a way to bring people into our team and the tech community more broadly who might otherwise have a harder time making that leap from training to their first real job in tech.”

It’s that potential as an onramp to technology careers that is leading to more apprenticeships in the field. At SmartLogic, apprentices are treated like other members of the team, completing app and mobile development projects. But they get access to additional support including a course of study, mentorship from team members and structured feedback sessions. In the first run, the team also found that the apprentices supported and learned from each other, so they’re sticking with a cohort model where several people go through the program at the same time.

Here’s a look at other local job openings that offer a chance to shape a new model:

Impact Hub Baltimore has 3 openings.

On the Technical.ly Slack, we spotted that Station North coworking space designed to foster community between social impact organizations is looking for an empower program manager and business programs coordinator. The positions are focused on bolstering microbusinesses, and will play a key role in building an online presence for social and creative entrepreneurs, including BIPOC, immigrant and women-owned businesses as well as neighborhood-based businesses, per IHB.

Impact Hub Baltimore is also seeking an operations coordinator to help run the community’s systems and space.

Baltimore Creatives Acceleration Network is hiring an entrepreneurship and innovation fellow.

BCAN is a MICA initative supporting and connecting creative entrepreneurs throughout Baltimore city. It has an opening for a one-year fellowship focused on “programmatic innovations” that will help the communty. The full-time role is well-suited for an “organizational wizard,” clear communicator and creative thinker, per the posting.

A few more postings from the Technical.ly jobs board:

• Director of engineering at cloudtamer.io
• Software test engineer at Pinnacle 21
• Senior infrastructure engineer at Axios