Since 2017, Beezwax has sponsored software engineering apprenticeships. We wanted to share a little more info about this program.
We designed our apprenticeships to provide opportunity for graduates of college engineering programs and coding schools like Qwasar.io, 42 The Network or Apple Developer Academy to enhance their professional training in software development in plus gain real-world consulting experience working on projects for our clients.
Each year, graduates of coding schools and software engineering programs are faced with a Catch-22: You need a job to get experience, but you're told you don't have enough experience to get a job. Apprenticeships help solve this Catch-22.
are an opportunity to take a leap forward – entering the field of software engineering while gaining With Beezwax you have an opportunity to take a leap forward and enter the field of software engineering through the Beezwax Apprenticeship Program.
Beezwax Apprenticeships - Who?
Apprenticeship candidates are self-directed toward a career in software engineering and consulting, centered around Claris FileMaker, with a heavy emphasis on 'data' across many use cases: data-driven business apps, data analytics (including development with Tableau), and data as a fuel in the growing demand for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Our paid apprenticeships are typically 1-2 times per year – starting during winter (Jan/Feb) or fall (July/August).
Beezwax Apprenticeships - Where?
Our apprenticeship demographics have varied over the years, and we also consider unique or outstanding characteristics of every candidate. Most often we favor local candidates, although some of our apprenticeships have included developers from across the United States. Being 100% remote can be hard, especially when you're 'new' to the work.
Beezwax is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, yet we've always existed as a 'hybrid' company. As we've expanded our geographically-distributed range of offices, employees and client work, we've embraced supporting a more distributed and diverse workforce.
Beezwax Apprenticeships: Celebrating 8+ years
In 2017, Beezwax first launched a paid apprenticeship program to prepare candidates for careers as engineers and consultants. For our clients, we build custom software solutions for almost any use, with platforms like Claris FileMaker and Tableau, with a heavy emphasis on data, web and AI integration technologies.
There have been 9+ rounds of the program with more than 20 apprentices. We've expanded our technology focus to include even more work with web technologies (JavaScript, Python, etc.), data analytics (Tableau, D3, etc.) and Artificial Intelligence solutions development. Along with sharing collective knowledge, we share our experience and passion, and believe this is a key reason the program has been a success.
Note: Originally, Beezwax called these 'internships' but as our program has matured, 'apprenticeship' feels more accurate.
Do I qualify?
As technology evolves, so does our technical emphasis with every apprenticeship round. We now expect candidates to have prior experience learning software development with common programming language(s), plus initial training using Claris FileMaker.
Our previous rounds of apprentices have included software engineering graduates from 4-year college programs, as well as from coding schools like 42 The Network and Qwasar.io, and who also completed training in Claris FileMaker development.
A few candidates were independent developers who had exposure to FileMaker, sometimes developing their own apps, and had learned at least one additional programming language. All in all, we've seen many candidates with non-traditional backgrounds and welcomed them to apply to the program.
Must haves: Programming experience with at least one common language such as JavaScript, Python, Java, Ruby, C++, or C# | Excellent communication skills | Willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment
Nice to haves: Familiarity with FileMaker and Tableau | Interest in web development or data analytics | Interest in JavaScript (e.g. Node/React), Python, Swift/iOS or AI/ML technology
The Apprenticeship Outline
Our apprenticeship program consists of two parts, and typically lasts from 14 to 18 weeks.
1. FileMaker (and Tableau) Training
Apprentices begin with 10 to 12 weeks of fairly-intensive FileMaker and Tableau training led by experienced senior developers. The goal is to introduce new developers to the methods and the best practices employed by full-time professional developers, and particularly at Beezwax in our consulting work.
2. Capstone + Client Project Work
During the final 4 to 6 weeks, candidates finalize a 'capstone' engineering project, and then gain exposure to software consulting by immersing full-time with one of our teams handling ongoing client projects.
To support strengths-based development and mentoring, apprentices are paired with senior colleagues to provide guidance and coaching throughout the apprenticeship. By the end of the program, apprentices who meet our performance expectations may receive an offer to join Beezwax as a full-time Associate Developer.
How to apply?
- Submit an application on our website
- Get in touch for more information
Why Beezwax?
When you join Beezwax, you are joining a large team with a passion for progress. Beezwax is a Platinum-level member of the Claris Partner program. We've won Claris Excellence Awards for Advocacy and Lifetime Achievement, honoring outstanding contributions and accomplishments in the global Claris Community.
When you join Beezwax, you are joining a company that will support your growth. You’ll get help and guidance from experienced teammates who want to see you succeed. You’ll also have a resource manager to help you choose projects that match your interests and support our clients’ needs.
As a software developer, you know that learning never stops. At Beezwax, we believe in always learning and staying up to date with new technology. We use what we learn to solve problems and grow. Everyone’s learning path is different, and we respect that. We value different backgrounds and believe they make our team unique and stronger.
Lyazzat Zhanshayeva (author of this post) and Thays Ribeiro completed the Beezwax apprenticeship program, and work full time at Beezwax as an Engineering Manager and a FileMaker Engineer, respectively.
