DevPipeline News Release
In an inspiring demonstration of perseverance and innovation, DevPipeline’s apprenticeship program continues to transform lives and rural communities through its unique approach to technology education. The story of Mike Caldwell, recipient of the 2024 Q4 Blue Chip Award at BHI, exemplifies the program’s remarkable impact on individuals facing unique challenges.
Diagnosed with ADHD at age 12, Caldwell struggled with traditional education for nearly a decade. “It’s really disheartening to try and fail, and then try and fail, over and over again,” he shares. “I felt so lost with ADHD. It becomes so painful to just live a normal daily life without something you’re passionate about.”
That all changed when Caldwell discovered DevPipeline, an innovative educational organization that combines coding education with practical work experience. The program’s approach, which encourages hands-on learning through trial and error, proved to be perfectly suited to his learning style. “This program has worked well with my ADHD instead of against it,” Caldwell notes. “Getting accepted into DevPipeline was a dream come true, and that’s taught me that I can do a whole lot more than I thought I could.”
Jason Fletcher, Founder and CEO of DevPipeline and co-founder of WorkFront, emphasizes the program’s comprehensive approach: “DevPipeline doesn’t just provide the education, but we also provide the on-the-job training and the work experience that’s so necessary to get a job.” This vision is particularly meaningful coming from Fletcher, who along with COO Shayne Roy, has personally navigated the challenges and opportunities of ADHD.
The program’s impact extends far beyond individual success stories. As part of Utah and California’s Eligible Training Provider’s List (ETPL), DevPipeline partners with Vocational Rehabilitation and Workforce Services to reach underserved populations. The statistics speak volumes:
- 46% of developers qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- 95% of apprentices and developers were previously unemployed or underemployed
- 94.74% completion rate for those who start the apprenticeship
- 40% of participants are women
“One of the most gratifying things with this program is giving hope and opportunities to students that otherwise felt they didn’t have hope in the job industry,” says Lori Haslem, Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, who emphasizes the program’s role in diversifying rural economies through tech industry growth.
Caldwell’s recent recognition as the Q4 Blue Chip Award recipient at BHI underscores the program’s success. His supervisor, Kurtis Hermansen, Senior IT Manager, praises his “brilliance, dedication, and commitment to excellence.”
“The largest barrier to those seeking a career in tech is experience,” notes Roy. “We give them their first opportunity!” This commitment to providing real-world experience, combined with comprehensive training in both technical and soft skills, has made DevPipeline a cornerstone of rural tech development.
The program completes in just 45 weeks, transforming beginners into employable software developers. “When people come to DevPipeline, they’re looking for upward mobility, income security, and work-life balance that can happen here in a rural setting,” Roy explains. “With web development, you can work anywhere!”
DevPipeline’s mantra, “Once you are part of the DevPipeline Family, you are always part of the DevPipeline Family,” reflects their ongoing commitment to their graduates’ success through networking and celebration of achievements.
About DevPipeline
DevPipeline is a workforce development company specializing in software development education and apprenticeship. Through their registered apprenticeship program, they provide comprehensive training in coding, soft skills, and practical work experience, with a particular focus on serving rural communities and diverse populations. DevPipeline has 5 Dev Teams that build custom software solutions for businesses and entrepreneurs.