Unveiling STEP: A Pioneering Recruitment and Training Program Shaping Futures through New Early Career Paths and Apprenticeships

In light of the UK government's recent announcement of a significant reform package- investing ￡60 million to create 20,000 new apprenticeships for young people and small businesses- I'm excited to highlight a remarkable initiative that fills me with pride as a Thoughtworker: our STEP Program. In 2012, Thoughtworks embarked on a new journey with the launch of the program—a 20-month recruitment and training initiative aimed at uncovering untapped talent from technical institutes and diploma programs rather than traditional four-year university programs.?

STEP provides an accelerated path to employment, allowing individuals to join directly from their technical college at age 18-20, offering a unique entry point into the labour market that many find challenging to access. However, this is not JUST a training program. Our dedicated and talented trainers teach various life skills, from money management to hiring external organizations to teach math and English courses. The STEP interns have access to support and mentorship throughout the program and afterward. They also bond and learn resilience through team activities like rock climbing, cricket, and more.?

Meet some of our STEP alumni

Meet Sayali Jagtap. Sayali participated in the STEP program from 2013 to 2015 and was the first intern to become a Project Manager. She was a key pillar of the STEP community and took charge of STEP staffing. She now arranges the STEP away day and established a vibrant STEP community in the Pune office.

Meet Durga Manasa. Durga participated in STEP from 2015 to 2017 and is from Andhra Pradesh. She was the first girl in her village to go to college and work. She used to commute four hours a day to go to college, as her parents couldn’t afford hostel fees. Durga is working with us almost seven years later as a Senior Developer.?

Testimonial

We also had the opportunity to speak to STEP alumni who are now trainers in the program. Here’s what Dheeraj Pundir, our STEP trainer, said:

“I came when I was 18 and I’d never been away from home and didn’t know the language. It was scary, and I was learning.?

One of the most important things I have learned is how to learn new things. I gained an interest in math and physics. I am now confident that I can learn.?

I learned to manage finances and life. I realised I wanted to help the new interns from going through the process, and it’s now made me want to help others and guide others in life”.? Dheeraj Pundir

Benefits of the program

There are so many benefits to this program, not just for the interns but for Thoughtworks and the broader society. 68% of those we have hired stay over 11 years, and 67% STEP graduates are now at least Senior Consultant or higher. The program also helps developers with employment, where they may otherwise struggle due to not coming from the traditional university route. Throughout the program, the graduates build a sense of community friendship and are immersed in the Thoughtworks ways of working before they begin working with clients.?

When the STEP interns graduate, they go through a formal graduation ceremony with their families in attendance to recognize and celebrate the massive achievements of each graduate.?

Beyond its role as a recruitment and training initiative, STEP signifies a commitment to unlocking untapped potential and reshaping the trajectory of careers. The stories of success we have heard are inspiring and make me proud to work at Thoughtworks.

As we celebrate the achievements of STEP graduates, we also must acknowledge the program's pioneers, who have dedicated most of their careers at Thoughtworks to making this program a success. Kudos to Srijayanth Sridhar and Vivek Haridas!