From testing software to writing code - Elemental's talent roadmap
Here at Elemental, we believe in pushing the boundaries of conventional talent acquisition and development strategies. While conventional recruitment strategies have their merits, our commitment to internal upskilling stems from a belief in the untapped potential that already resides within our ranks.
External hires may possess the required skills, but they often lack an intimate understanding of our company culture, standards, and workflows. In contrast, our QA testers are well-versed in Elemental's ethos, making them an ideal foundation for our future developers.
In this article, we’re cruising through our Elemental QA Roadmap, in which we take our testers through a journey of becoming fully-fledged developers on our team. Let’s get into it.
The decision to craft our QA Roadmap in-house is rooted in the philosophy of fostering organic growth. By investing in our existing team members, we not only retain institutional knowledge but also cultivate a culture of continuous learning. This commitment resonates deeply with our core values, promoting loyalty, motivation, and a shared sense of accomplishment among our employees.
By teaming up with local developer training boot camps, we offer our QA testers the opportunity to undergo a specialised developer course. This course, a deep dive into coding frameworks and libraries like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and more, equips them with the essential skills needed to thrive as developers.
Yet, it's not just about theoretical knowledge—it's about hands-on experience. What truly sets our approach apart is our commitment to hands-on learning. Our approach unfolds in four distinct phases, each meticulously crafted to ensure a seamless transition.
In the first phase, testers begin with foundational courses covering HTML, JavaScript, PHP, and more. They then face a developer assignment, akin to what our prospective developers complete, followed by a review to decide their path—backend or frontend development.
Moving onto the second phase, the testers enter a period of deeper specialisation. Based on the results and preferences determined in the previous phase, QA testers engage in more advanced courses tailored to their prospective role, be it frontend or backend development. Similar to the initial phase, the assignment is revisited to measure the testers' growth and comprehension. This cyclical approach ensures their continuous development and sets a high bar for skill acquisition.
Next, the QAs step into the realm of hands-on development. This phase is characterised by practical application as testers undertake real-life projects at home that mirror the challenges posed by our actual projects. The experience gained during this phase serves to solidify their coding skills and foster a deep understanding of the development process.
Lastly, having completed the previous stages, the QAs are now ready to transition into full-blown developers at Elemental. Armed with a robust skill set and a deep understanding of our coding standards, they are prepared to take on the challenges presented by our projects. By providing tailored courses, real-life project experience, and consistent assessments, we ensure a continuous cycle of learning and growth. The QA Roadmap stands as a testament to our dedication to nurturing local talent and shaping the future of development within our community.
SO, WHAT'S THE DEAL?
Our QA Roadmap isn't just about shaping individual careers—it's a commitment to the growth of our local community. By partnering with local training boot camps, we extend our impact beyond our immediate team, contributing to the development ecosystem in our region. This collaboration doesn't just create opportunities; it forges connections and strengthens our ties with the community, creating a ripple effect that resonates far beyond our projects.
The heartwarming success stories emerging from our QA-to-developer program underscore its efficacy. QA testers who embark on this journey rapidly convert into skilled developers, exceeding expectations and contributing to our projects with newfound zeal.
If you're a prospective QA tester looking to make a transformational leap into the development world or an aspiring developer seeking an environment where your skills and potential will flourish, we invite you to take the first step. Embrace the journey with us and apply today to be a part of the Elemental family.
