From left: Rose Allen-Richards, Head of the DVT Launchpad, and Jason Pienaar, a DVT Cadet in the Microsoft Stream.
DVT, a global software and data engineering company in the Dynamic Technologies group, has been running their Launchpad programme, which is designed to build graduates’ technical skills and shape their future as tech industry leaders, since 2015. The 2024 Showcase Day featured projects by the 2024 cadets and the launch of DVT’s ‘Collect a Cadet’ initiative – an innovative approach to harnessing talent using collaboration and flexible solutions.
In Launchpad, the young developers and designers undergo comprehensive training that prepares them to integrate into professional teams. The addition of the innovative new Collect a Cadet initiative now allows DVT’s clients to either select a developer or UX/UI designer to join their projects for two months at no cost to them, or propose a proof of concept (POC) to be developed under DVT’s management.
The clients experience the cadets’ capabilities firsthand and appreciate the contributions they can make to their businesses, while the cadets showcase their skills and experience new and challenging environments. It’s an exciting opportunity for the cadets to prove their efficiency, adaptability, and the calibre of talent developed through the DVT Launchpad programme.
“Our programme uniquely prepares the young developers to integrate seamlessly into professional teams with minimal assistance,” says Rose Allen-Richards, DVT's Launchpad programme manager. “With rigorous technical training, business acumen and soft skills development, our cadets are equipped to operate in a full-stack capacity, ready to tackle practical industry problems.”
DVT’s Launchpad programme and the Collect a Cadet initiative provide a life-changing experience for the cadets. Jason Pienaar, a DVT Cadet in the Microsoft Stream, says, “The DVT Launchpad programme has been instrumental in transforming my foundational university knowledge into real-world expertise. In just three weeks we revisited all the core concepts from university, and over the next five months we built on that foundation, gaining deeper insights and practical skills. Launchpad has equipped me to tackle backend, frontend, and AI development challenges confidently. It truly covers everything a budding software professional needs!”
The DVT Launchpad programme was designed to elevate the careers of young tech talent. The programme provides a four- to six-month comprehensive training experience in technical, interpersonal and business skills. With specialisations in various streams such as UX/UI, .Net, Java, mobile, AI and web development, DVT Launchpad prepares graduates for integration into professional teams and to create practical solutions. The programme's success is evident in the rapid career progression of its cadets, many of whom have taken on leadership roles within DVT and beyond and are making a significant impact on the tech industry.