Hire, Train, Deploy Programs for Data Governance Early Careers: A Next-Generation Apprenticeship Model
Hiring and developing the right talent for data governance roles can be complex, particularly as the demand for data professionals continues to grow. Hiring inexperienced workers is becoming increasingly challenging, while the high bar for entry-level positions and the growing demand for experienced professionals leave fresh graduates struggling to secure employment. In response, innovative solutions are needed to create economic security for early career graduates, and "hire first, train later" models offer a viable solution.
One potential solution is to invest in early career graduates through hire-train-deploy programs. These programs can help organizations build a strong foundation for data governance by developing a pipeline of talented professionals with the right skills and knowledge.
What is a Hire Train Deploy Program for Data Governance?
The Hire, Train, Deploy (HTD) model is a next-generation apprenticeship model that moves Real-Time Instruction (RTI) ahead of On-the-Job Training (OJT). This model focuses on workforce development by hiring high-potential talent without platform skills, providing last-mile training on platform skills, and delivering relevant work experience through deployments on client projects.
The HTD model can be a game changer in data governance recruitment strategy, while organizations move towards a plug-and-play model to reduce time to hire for their talent needs.
The HTD Model in action:
Imagine a company that wants to implement a robust data governance program to ensure that their data assets are properly managed, secured, and compliant with industry standards and regulations. However, they lack the necessary talent with the required skills and experience to execute such a program effectively.
In this case, the company can adopt the HTD model to build a team of data professionals who can lead and execute the data governance program. Here's how the HTD model can be applied:
1. Hire a group of early career graduates who have a basic understanding of data governance and relevant technical skills such as database management, data modeling, data architecture, and analytics. These graduates can be recruited through various channels such as college career fairs, online job portals, or referrals from existing employees.
2. Graduates undergo an intensive training lasting few weeks to months, which can include a mix of classroom sessions, online courses, and on-the-job training. The training will cover topics such as data strategy, data quality, data lineage, metadata management, and compliance. They can also expect training on technologies such as Informatica, Alation and Collibra, and complete certifications as per custom client requirements or personal aspirations, after a skill gap assessment.
3. Once the training period is over, these early career graduates can be deployed to work on various data governance roles within the company or launch their careers with the client.
What are some examples of companies using the HTD model:
By focusing on early career graduates and individuals with non-traditional backgrounds in tech, many organizations are helping to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce in the data and tech industry. Here are some interesting examples:
1. Salesforce Pathfinders: This program hires individuals who are recent graduates or career changers and provides them with intensive training in Salesforce technologies, as well as professional development opportunities. Pathfinders are often from underrepresented backgrounds in tech.
2. Google Ignite: This program hires recent graduates from non-computer science majors and provides them with training and work experience in software engineering roles.
3. Microsoft Leap: This program hires individuals who have completed coding bootcamps or other technical training programs and provides them with training and work experience in software engineering roles.
4. Incept DG Academy: The Incept DG Academy is a Hire-Train-Deploy (HTD) program is run by Incept Data Solutions, a U.S.-based data governance consulting firm. The program offers a unique opportunity for early career graduates to receive hands-on training in data governance best practices, data quality management, data modeling, and data architecture.
5. Amazon Future Engineer: This program provides funding and resources to schools to help build computer science programs and provides internships and scholarships to students from underrepresented backgrounds in tech.
6. IBM New Collar: Individuals who have non-traditional backgrounds in tech are hired and provided with training and work experience in a variety of roles, including cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics.
7. LinkedIn Talent Path: They hire individuals who have completed coding bootcamps or other technical training programs and provide them with training and work experience in software engineering roles.
Conclusion:
The Hire-Train-Deploy (HTD) model is a game-changer in data governance workforce development. It hires high-potential candidates, offers last-mile training, and delivers relevant work experience through client deployments. The HTD model can also be integrated with existing programs and partnerships to create a seamless experience for data governance cadets/ stewards. Companies can also partner with educational institutions to offer apprenticeship programs that align with the model. Additionally, outsourcing training to reskill service providers can also reduce costs and lead to quick turnaround times, enabling non-technical employees to move into technical roles and providing the required skills for a career in data governance.