eGroup: Apprenticeship Brings New Energy & Equips New Talent in Tech Industry
Apprenticeship as an idea is nothing new; to most, the familiar word conjures images of medieval craftsmen training young blacksmiths, carpenters, or bookbinders.
It may be a surprise, then, to learn that apprenticeship is alive and thriving all these years later - even in the fastest-moving industry of our time. Apprenticeship, particularly Build Carolina’s apprenticeship program, is re-energizing companies, re-shaping careers, and equipping new talent in all facets of the tech world.
The term “apprentice” nods to its meaning, a learner who is apprehending knowledge in a hands-on, real-world fashion. Build Carolina’s program is structured to support such apprentices at every step, providing early-career tech talent opportunities to learn their industry from the inside out.
“For companies that haven't gone through Build Carolina’s program before, they don't know what they don't know about apprenticeship,” explains Ashley Bowen, human resources manager for Lowcountry IT solutions provider eGroup. “In short, you're going to get somebody with foundational knowledge whose talent you get to build, support and refine.”
The benefits go both ways for companies onboarding apprentices. New talent can energize a team with fresh perspectives, and in-house leaders can sharpen their mentoring skills by walking an apprentice through Build Carolina’s structured curriculum.
Bowen explains, “In any industry, particularly tech, it's hard to get your foot in the door. Companies often make “lazy hires,” relying on a referral rather than an unknown applicant who may have more skill or drive. Employers often want someone with experience, but a candidate qualified to hit the ground running may be unaffordable to the company given the role they have in mind. That mismatch can make the process a challenge. Hiring the right talent takes time.”
“What’s wonderful about apprenticeship is companies get exactly what they’re looking for, even if they don’t quite know what that is.”
Apprenticeship can shorten that process both for job-seekers and companies in need of new talent. “What's wonderful about apprenticeship is companies get exactly what they’re looking for, even if they don’t quite know what that is,” Bowen says. She notes that hands-on, in-house training allows her team to build a “dream candidate,” whether or not an apprentice continues their career at eGroup after the program concludes.
To pursue a new career or continuing education in tech via apprenticeship allows learners to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, all with the guidance and support of an experienced mentor within a thriving business. Connections made, experiences gained, and skills honed within the program add up to produce apprentices equipped for long-term career success.
Apprenticeship isn’t just beneficial for fresh-faced beginners, either, Bowen notes. “To be competitive in our industry, folks may end up with varied certifications and titles all over the place. For instance, an AI Engineer didn't exist two years ago, but now the industry would love candidates to have five years of experience doing that. Apprenticeship allows a person to stay nimble and up-to-date as things change.”
“Build Carolina made everything about the program turnkey.”
As many hats as a human resources manager wears, Bowen explains that apprenticeship simplified rather than added to her to-do list. “Build Carolina made everything about the program turnkey. It’s clear they’re passionate about what they do. It’s a rare win-win partnership where each of us knows the other is truly trying to do good. At the root, this program aims to help an individual - and more than just an individual - be better.”
Bringing an apprentice onboard at eGroup, she says, created a new “team-wide goal and purpose. We wanted to grow, nurture, and harvest talent. Build Carolina wants that exact same thing, and apprenticeship was their cheat code for us to achieve it.” A cheat code received so well, Bowen adds, that eGroup will be participating in Build Carolina’s next apprenticeship cohort.
Speaking to tech talent considering apprenticeship, Bowen is effusive. “The best part about all this is you don't have to have the degree from Harvard or the resume filled with Silicon Valley names. You just have to be willing to put in the work, to take a chance on us as much as we’re taking a chance on you. To step out and be ready to grow. You’ll have plenty of support on both sides when you do.”
For eGroup, taking on a vetted, trained apprentice ready to learn the ropes alongside existing teams was a no-brainer. As an HR manager, many an hour is spent scouring resumes and seeking talent. “With apprenticeships, you bring on someone vetted for you, hungry, wanting to learn and eager to grow - that’s hard to find in established applicants. Having someone ready to learn as they go is priceless. Candidates who want to take their time and approach the work with care, not just get a seat at any company, will build long-lasting careers and relationships in this wildly fast-paced industry.”
Today’s companies seek to fill roles quite different from cobblers or blacksmiths of old. Still, apprenticeship remains a timeless, practical way for learners to develop skills and for mentors to transfer industry-specific knowledge.
It’s invaluable for all - the apprentice, the mentor, and the employer - to know from day one that this is a rich learning opportunity. The experience brings companies the benefits of driven, curious talent while apprentices take leaps forward within an industry they may only have studied before. At every interval, apprenticeship allows for coaching, growth and opportunity, and everyone walks away better for it.
Hiring tech talent doesn’t have to be hard or expensive.
Our apprenticeship model is built to be seamless—from training to on-the-job support—so you get a ready-to-work team member without the hassle. Partner with us to grow your team with local talent.