Student/Alumni Highlight
What is the Skill Up Program?
Written by Emilio Lopez
How did it come to existence?
The hiring process can present itself to be one of the most intimidating processes for any individual in search of a career. In San Francisco’s tech scene, organizations’ hiring process presents itself as one of the most competitive markets for employment. As most entry-level hiring positions seek individuals with 2+ years of experience, this expectation poses a significant challenge for applicants in search of their first full-time position and applicants in search of a new professional endeavor but lack sufficient experience. Many young adults are presented with this obstacle and wonder, “is there an alternative route? Are there other career pathways available to me?”
Through Dev/Missions pre-apprenticeship program, students engage for a 3-month development process in the pursuit of acquiring hands-on education in IT essentials, intro to programming, IoT (Internet of Things), and hard/soft career skills. Upon their completion, graduates of the pre-apprenticeship program earn eligibility to enter the 4-month CTA program to utilize their acquired knowledge in assisting residents that seek free tech support and separately acquiring certification in skills like Google IT, LinkedIn Learning, Troubleshooting Network Connectivity, etc. What allows them this opportunity is the work based learning model set in place by Dev/Mission.
Although Dev/Mission includes these skill building environments through the Pre-Apprenticeship program and the CTA program, Leo Sosa believed there was still one piece missing. “How can we expose our students to more opportunities through our work based learning model to properly prepare them for their future in the tech industry?” With the potential of forming a tangible opportunity, Leo turned to networking with a specialist whose job is to provide individual talents with training program opportunities to gain technical skills through hands-on experiences.
In partnership with OEWD (Office of Economic & Workforce Development) Sr. Workforce Program Specialist, Nadeja Adams has been in collaboration alongside Leo with the development of a new program called, Skill Up program. As students complete the pre-apprenticeship program, they’re able to enter the CTA program which runs simultaneously with the Skill Up program. Ultimately, the Skill Up program acts as a pipeline for the CTA interns to gain real world exposure to the tech industry, also known as a project based learning model. This opportunity will allow tech educated young adults the chance to familiarize themselves through hands-on work, learn from mentors and peers, and develop their soft skills and technical skills through a project-based learning opportunity.
With Nadeja’s career experience, she proves significant in the creation of the Skill Up program. Her involvement provides effective career pathway exposure through networking with companies to ensure engagement of their partnership with the program. In Leo’s partnership with Nadeja, their goals align in regards to providing these career pathway opportunities and believe the Skill Up program will do just that through mentorship, development practices, and experiential learning.
To put it into perspective, the first group of Skill Up apprentices began their journey with a partnering company just this March. A Pre-Apprenticeship Program graduate and CTA Program intern, Beatrice, with the first cohort of the Skill Up program has the privilege of exploring PCS Technology and what their project expectations look like.
Thanks to Skill Up, I feel like I’m a lot more capable now that I’ve gotten in-person experience and understand what the expectations are like, along with a better understanding of what skills companies are actually looking for in their job descriptions. I feel like being able to put this work experience on my resume puts me at a great advantage when applying to jobs. Given the current state of the job market, any amount of experience is valuable and can help set me apart from other candidates.
Through this experience, Beatrice is gaining agency within herself in the tech sector, allowing her to set herself apart from other candidates when she begins to apply for positions in the tech industry. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the Skill Up Programs influence, let’s get insight from another Pre-Apprenticeship Program graduate and CTA Program intern, Antonio, who’s currently working with Beem.
“This program is an important path for Dev/Mission students because it creates an opportunity for us to get the experience to work in the tech industry. It gives us the chance to observe the environment and behind the scenes in a tech company, which I can say it’s stressful and challenging but fun. You get the opportunity to learn how to work with a team and your supervisor, which is something that I never experienced because employers look for two years experience in the entry level positions and this program helps us get the experience that we can’t find anywhere else.”
Evidently, this project-based learning model is Dev/Mission’s lacking element of experience and confidence building for the students seeking tech employment who are facing job market challenges. With the hands-on learning and development of their skills, the Skill Up Program proves to be purely beneficial in assisting the apprentices with this resume building opportunity. Through the accumulation of strengthening soft skills, technical skills, confidence, and networking, we strive to encourage our students to propel forward in their pursuit of job hunting within the tech realm.
Through our commitment in providing our interns with an exceptional learning experience, moving forward we are actively seeking partnering tech companies in order to build the confidence in the young tech talent by developing their skill set. If your company or a fellow tech company you know would find the Skill Up Program an exciting opportunity to work with, connect with Leo Sosa or Nadeja Adams with questions to further understand our goal of this program. Should this program inspire you, in your willingness to provide interns with an alternative career pathway to their future careers, we would be privileged to network regarding any interests in collaborating and taking an extra step in lending the future of tech a hand.
Closing the digital divide: Dev/Mission’s impact
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage month: Introducing Juan Benitez!
Meet Juan Benitez, a dedicated Computer Science major at San Francisco State University who is passionate about technology’s potential to improve lives.
His journey into the tech world began with an early fascination for video games as a child, which evolved into a determination to make a difference.
Juan’s search for opportunities to kickstart his tech career led him to TechSF, an organization offering programs in San Francisco. During an online orientation, he discovered Dev/Mission and completed our 20th Pre Apprenticeship cohort. He is currently our new CTA intern!
Juan finds satisfaction in witnessing how technology can simplify people’s daily lives. He particularly enjoys the problem-solving aspect of his role, resolving technical issues for those in need. Born and raised in San Francisco, Juan deeply appreciates the city’s cultural diversity and educational opportunities. As he says, “I love the city because it has provided me with a diverse cultural and educational experience, as well as a sense of belonging and identity.” Juan is currently coming full circle and takes pride in being able to impact our busy city as a CTA intern. Through his role as a CTA intern, he’s able to give back to his community, especially those affected by the digital divide.
Juan grew up with a love for gaming at the age of 6, he refers to his child self as an “IPad kid”. Juan developed a passion for gaming at a very young age and has continued into his adult life. He found a curiosity for how these games were developed, but specifically how to fix them if something were to stop working one day. During his sophomore year at CCSF he discovered he can take his passions and turn them into a highly rewarding career one day. He decided to pursue Computer Science in hopes of helping narrow the digital divide and a better future.
His ultimate goal is a highly rewarding tech career that offers continuous learning opportunities. He’s currently exploring various tech fields, from game development to IT and front-end/back-end development. “One of my goals is to one day work for a tech giant like Google or Blizzard.” Juan understands that this journey will require significant time and effort, but he’s committed and determined to fight for his dreams.
Juan strongly believes in increasing Latinx representation in tech, envisioning a more diversified and inclusive industry. Programs like Dev/Mission play a pivotal role in achieving this goal, offering Latinx communities a better chance to enter the tech world. Growing up Latino, Juan recognizes both the value and challenges of diversity in the tech industry. He believes that increasing Latinx representation in tech is crucial to breaking stereotypes. “Being Latino in the tech industry is great because I can bring a different perspective and a diverse background into my work”.
Juan’s story is a testament to the power of ambition and the pursuit of one’s passions. He stands as an inspiring example of how technology can bridge gaps and provide opportunities for underserved communities, ultimately making the tech industry more inclusive and aiding the digital divide.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage month: Introducing Alvino Silva!
“There is a vast majority of Latino representation in the tech industry but little by little we are breaking down barriers”
This month for Hispanic Heritage Month we’d love to share with y’all some amazing stories from the Dev Mission family! Introducing to you the inspiring story of Alvino Silvia!
Alvino, a Bay Area native and a fourth year at San Francisco State University studying Mechanical Engineering, comes to us from Richmond in pursuit of a better future! He was a part of our 20th Fall Pre-Apprenticeship program this Fall and is now a CTA Intern!
Alvino’s story is a tale of hardship, perseverance, and hopefulness. “A huge challenge was growing up in a low-income family where there wasn’t money to have computers or laptops. The first laptop at the house was given from my mom’s job.” Alvino’s family coming from Mexico and El Salvador faced their fair share of struggle and continued to seek out opportunities when presented. Additionally, Alvino wasn’t exposed to tech opportunities or STEM-related programs in middle and High School. Despite wanting to join a robotics club or something else tech-related, growing up in the public school system, the lack of resources made it hard to access those opportunities. Despite the obstacles Alvino faces, he has not let them get in the way of fighting for a better future. “It took a lot of time and hard work but I know the journey isn’t over.”
Alvino is passionate about engineering and technology, despite knowing it was going to be a challenge, Alvino decided to pursue Mechanical Engineering. Throughout his courses, he continues to be curious about the functionality of our devices. He likes to analyze pieces of tech and asks himself, “Why does it behave the way it does?” Alvino’s interest first sparked while he was breaking and rebuilding a computer and a radio to see for himself what each part’s function was. He enjoyed the break and build during the pre-apprenticeship program because he was able to analyze each component on a larger scale and apply the skills he had picked up from the classes.
In his own words; “Being a part of the Latinx Community is a huge accomplishment. Seeing someone that speaks or looks alike, inspired me. I told myself that if they can do it then I can do it as well. Many obstacles are faced growing up as a Latinx but if your passion and mindset are in the right space then there is no limit as to what you can achieve. There is a vast majority of Latinx representation in the tech industry but little by little we are breaking down barriers.” Alvino has faced his fair share of obstacles and challenges throughout his journey such as a lack of resources, tech classes available to him, and even his high school being shut down. Against the odds, Alvino has persevered and continues to challenge himself, pursuing a future in the tech industry and fighting to break down barriers.
Stories like Alvino’s are essential to bring to the spotlight. We can share our unique experiences that bring our communities together. Together we learn about the obstacles our communities face, and how we continue to persevere. In Alvino’s words, “ It is important to have Latinx representation in the tech industry because you can relate more to someone that looks or speaks like you. The young adults and future generations can raise their heads higher and tell themselves they are worthy to become something great. Your attitude determines your altitude!”
Alvino plans on working in the tech industry after graduation. He is interested in automotive, robotic, and aeronautical fields and hopes to land a career in these fields. He believes it would be a good experience and hopes to meet different people with different backgrounds and experiences. Alvino continues to believe in his support system and in uplifting his community. He plans on working on improving his hard skills, working on giving back to his family and his community. He has big plans of buying his mom a house and being able to tell his dad he doesn’t have to work anymore. Alvinos’ passion for learning is unmatched and his story is a reminder to us all. Despite our struggles, your mindset, values, beliefs, and community are above all else, that is our determination for success! Thank you to Alvino Silvia for this inspiring reminder and don’t forget to stay tuned for the rest of this month’s highlights!
