There has been much discussion about tech jobs and the role of women in the industry ahead of this week’s federal government summit on the Jobs and Skills Summit.
Melbourne-based technology company Envato aims to address both issues by doubling the size of its Developer Apprentice program, which provides an entry-level path for female aspiring engineers.
The program provides an entry-level pathway for female aspiring engineers to enter the engineering sector and offers a full-time role alongside a dedicated mentor who works with the apprentice recruit for up to 12 months before taking on a junior engineer role.
Envato is expanding the program from two to four roles, with two annual intakes; the existing one in June and a new second round in September.
Learners are embedded in delivery teams and involved in all aspects of the business, building, implementing and supporting software solutions across Envato. The program aims to provide women engineers with a dedicated and alternative way to start a career in the engineering sector, regardless of their level of experience.
Since its inception in 2018, nine students have graduated from the program since 2018 and six more are employed in various roles on Envato’s engineering team. The backgrounds of the women involved are as diverse as winemaker and editor before turning to engineering.
Junior Engineer Faith Sylvia is one of them, praising the program describing it as “the holy grail of first jobs as a developer”.
“I was fully supported through the all-important transition from bootcamp to junior developer and was able to take the time to learn the basics well,” she said.
“This internship has enabled me to build a strong foundation in fundamental principles relevant to day-to-day software engineering. But most importantly, I’ve learned to solve problems and think through my work. One of the most important lessons of the program – if not the most important – is to sharpen your communication skills and learn how to work effectively as a team to solve a problem.”
Envato Chief Technology Officer Anthony Burgon said the time was right to expand the already popular program.
“Demand has always been greater than what we could support, and that has only increased over the past 12 months,” he said.
“We’ve always wanted to expand to provide more opportunities for women looking to embark on a career in technology and we’re thrilled to be able to do more to help.”