Face-to-face vs. remote working

Glen (web team leader): Face-to-face learning fosters trust, allowing learners to openly share their weaknesses with mentors and build bonds. It also enables those valuable 'water cooler' moments. However, it's not the only resource, as the internet is brimming with knowledge.

Ben (.NET team leader): It’s always easier to explain and demonstrate concepts face-to-face, but online resources have been around for a long time. A quick Google search often provides the answers needed.

Iain (test manager): Face-to-face knowledge transfer, such as work shadowing, showcases thought processes and working methods. Side-by-side collaboration is quicker and more productive if done right. Additionally, it helps develop essential people skills.

Chris G (.NET team leader): Face-to-face doesn’t always mean being in the same room anymore. Similar experiences can be achieved via video calls, provided cameras are on to avoid disengagement. Remote communication is now a norm in our industry, with technology enabling high-quality video calls, screen sharing with remote control, and even collaborative coding in environments like Visual Studio Code.

Building skills in today’s hybrid working landscape

Glen: To provide juniors with the best learning opportunities, we meet in the office once a week and create space for open discussions on issues. Working closely with peers is often more beneficial than solely with highly experienced individuals, as they face similar challenges and can be more open with each other.

Ben: IT learning is hands-on. Shadowing others is ideal for real-time learning, allowing juniors to see IT in action and ask questions immediately.

Chris G: When I started programming, the internet wasn’t available. Learning involved finding books, talking to friends, or trial and error, which was slow. Today, with resources online, expert forums, courses, AI, and chatbots, the challenge is sifting through the noise to find quality content. The learning opportunities now are vastly superior and continually improving.

Diego (Progress team leader): Collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoom mimic face-to-face interaction. Frequent one-on-one meetings help identify and address juniors’ difficulties.

Glen: I spend much of my working week on video calls, which are effective. For one junior, I left the call on for long periods while we worked on different issues, creating a virtual office to reduce barriers to asking questions.

Improving diversity in tech

Chris K (operations director): The access to tech education and careers is there, but the question is why aren't more people taking advantage of it? Role models are crucial because you can’t be what you can’t see. IT remains male-dominated with an outdated 'geek' stereotype. The pandemic proved that remote work is viable, which can include neurodiverse individuals who struggle with traditional office settings.

Chris G: The tech industry's diversity issue isn’t necessarily about access to skills or training. It’s about visibility. When people see others like themselves in the industry, they are more likely to join. Influencers, bloggers, and YouTubers can help by increasing representation, encouraging more diverse participation.

Degree, apprenticeships, or work experience?

Chris K: It depends on the individual. A university degree is ideal for those academically inclined. Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience and real-world nuances but might slow progression due to time spent on qualifications. Work experience offers insight into the working world and stands out on a CV.

Iain: Work experience is invaluable for those entering tech. The workplace shows the reality, whereas other training often presents ideal scenarios and 'how things should be done'.

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