Shaping Tech Careers Through Apprenticeships: A Conversation with Simon Sawyer

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Craig Shaneck, SVP of Business Development at Smoothstack, sat down with Simon Sawyer, a graduate of Smoothstack’s Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program.

Simon shared his journey from apprentice, to technical consultant, and now, to hiring apprentices. His insights shed light on how apprenticeship programs can transform careers and meet the evolving needs of the tech industry.

Watch Simon and Craig’s conversation below!

Q&A with Simon Sawyer

Q: Simon, could you tell us a little about yourself and your career journey?
Simon: I joined Smoothstack in December 2020 and trained on the Salesforce CRM tech stack. That training led to a role at a leading federal consultancy as a custom software engineering consultant. I’ve been in that position since October 2023, continuing to apply the skills I learned during my apprenticeship.

Q: What were you doing before joining the program?
Simon: I graduated with a degree in mathematics and computer science in May 2020. During the months following, I applied to many entry-level positions but found a lack of experience to be a barrier. Smoothstack filled that gap.

Q: How did you find Smoothstack’s apprenticeship program?
Simon: I found it during a routine job search—probably on LinkedIn. After applying, I took a technical test, went through interviews, and completed a two-week evaluation. It was challenging, but it prepared me for the training ahead.

Q: How was the training structured?
Simon: After the initial evaluation, training started with Salesforce administration basics and gradually built on that foundation. The structured and paced learning approach made it manageable, even for someone new to the tech stack.

Q: How prepared did you feel when you started working at Accenture?
Simon: The training aligned closely with the work I now do. Without it, learning the tech stack on the job would have been much harder, especially while handling daily responsibilities.

Q: What advice would you give to others considering an apprenticeship?
Simon: Reach out and make connections. Whether you’re an apprentice or hiring manager, there’s always someone to help you understand the process better. For companies, consider your capacity to hire and train. Hiring trained apprentices is often more efficient.

Key Insights from Simon’s Apprenticeship Journey with Smoothstack

Simon’s experience illustrates the powerful benefits of Smoothstack’s apprenticeship model. Here are some key takeaways:

• Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment: Smoothstack addresses the “experience paradox” by providing targeted training and practical experience to job seekers, especially recent graduates struggling to meet entry-level job requirements.
• Rigorous and Supportive Training: The structured training begins with foundational knowledge and builds toward specialized skills, ensuring apprentices are ready to contribute on day one. Live instruction and a collaborative cohort model foster both independence and teamwork.
• Employer-Ready Talent: By the end of the program, apprentices like Simon gain certifications, industry connections, and hands-on experience that align directly with their roles. Smoothstack’s support, even during buffer periods before deployment, instills confidence in their market readiness.
• Dual Value for Employers and Apprentices: Apprentices benefit from career-launching opportunities, while companies save time and resources by hiring trained and vetted talent.
• The Power of Apprenticeship in Career Advancement: Simon’s career growth—from apprentice to consultant to hiring manager—highlights how apprenticeships can propel individuals into roles where they later champion the model themselves.

Closing Thoughts

Simon’s journey underscores the importance of apprenticeships in shaping the future of work. For individuals seeking career-launching opportunities and companies needing day-one-ready talent, programs like Smoothstack’s provide a proven pathway to success.

Happy National Apprenticeship Week!