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We're starting to put the beginnings of actual structure into Obtiva's apprenticeship program and yesterday I met with each of our 4 software apprentices to talk about their progress and/or map out the next steps in their journey.  One of the new tools we're using to help with apprenticeships is our Apprenticeship Skills Sheet.  This maps out the optional and mandatory skills that an apprentice needs to focus on.  It's basically a tool to focus your learning.  With our 2 senior apprentices I reviewed the skills and, not surprisingly, many of the skills were already completed.  But we also had some really important realizations as we reflected on each skill.

A key realization started to hit home for me when we hit the JavaScript skill.  The reaction was, "well, if I never met Fred, I'd say I was pretty much there."  And then the TDD skill, "well, if I never met Renzo, I wouldn't have realized how clearly tests can be written."  And then the Customer Collaboration skill, "well, if I never met Joseph, I'd say I was OK."  This was music to my ears.  Our apprentices are being exposed to people with diverse skills and interests and a healthy dose of excellence.  They are comparing themselves to some of the best in the business, and that's what an Accurate Self-Assessment is all about.  It's too easy to be satisfied if you compare yourself to the industry average.