Steps to an Effective Software Developer Training Plan

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The goal of the Proven Development Program is getting junior developers to the next level while working on real projects that provide business value. Below are the steps we take to train the new hires in software development best practices, and to be productive in the client’s environment.

Evaluation

The developers we select for the program have varying degrees of development experience. The first step is evaluating where everybody is in terms of technical knowledge. From the mentor’s perspective, we have to gain knowledge of the architecture the client is using or would like to use. It is key that we understand this before we begin the initial training program.

Discussion, Application and Reviews

Through an intense curriculum, we begin with the basics and build on the knowledge the developers have. We discuss everything on how to make a difference, respecting the architecture the client has chosen, working with the business, and working with other developers in a team environment. We discuss in depth how to use classes, how to create maintainable code, refactoring and unit testing. We have the developers apply their new knowledge with a series of projects and have code reviews to refine their approach.

Mentored Client Work

The next step is to meet with the client, discuss the project and familiarize ourselves with their involvement and the different players on the team. We establish a technical point of contact and set up a schedule for code reviews.

The developers are usually paired up initially to work together to accomplish their tasks. The mentor is there to answer questions, review code, make suggestions and enforce understanding of what they are implementing.

As the program progresses, the developers gain confidence in what they are doing, and get the opportunity to present their work to the business. It is important to prepare them properly, instill confidence and teach them all facets of what a software developer will encounter.

The ultimate goal is to provide business value to the client, prepare the developers with good habits, and offer the client continuing service over many years. For the developers, our goal is to prepare them for real world experience that under the normal path would take many years. It is truly a win-win-win training program.


Proven Development Program