Crema apprenticeship effort aims to decode a more inclusive talent pool

Crema’s recent growth means more than an additional Crossroads office space for the startup, said Gabby Brotherton. It provides bandwidth for the firm to supplement Kansas City’s tech talent with a new apprenticeship program.

“[Crema is] very much a company that values collaboration and innovation learning,” said Brotherton, marketing specialist at the software development firm. “Our developers, who have worked here for years and have a ton of experience, are willing to teach.”

Click here to read more about Crema’s ongoing plans.

“We’re trying to find people who are willing to learn and eager to learn, but who may not have as much experience — [they] maybe don’t have a degree, but just have to hone their craft and get that real world experience,” she added.

The Crema apprenticeship program — offered in six-month sessions — allows apprentices access to real clients with mentoring from industry professionals, said Brotherton, noting the program operates under three specific criteria: autonomy, mastery, and purpose.

Click here to learn more about the program and to apply. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.

Though there’s no diversity requirement for applicants, Brotherton said, making the tech scene more inclusive is one of the firm’s goals.

“We are hoping the apprenticeship program attracts applicants from all walks of life, creating opportunities for anyone that is wanting to pursue a career in tech,” she said.

Apprentices are expected to gain a wealth of knowledge on many aspects of the industry, she added, though one to two years of experience in development is preferred.

“They have a chance to work on personal projects — it’s just a really good learning opportunity,” said Brotherton. “There is a chance at the end of the apprenticeship that they will be hired on full time — our last apprentice was — but that’s not guaranteed.”

Click here to learn more about Crema.

“We have designers here, we have product managers, we have developers, test engineers, marketing … so a lot of opportunities to learn about other fields as well and just see if you even want to be a developer or if maybe you’re into design,” she said. “Just seeing what you’re interested in and getting a better feel for what it’s going to be like day to day in that career [is valuable.]”