When you step out of the workforce for an extended leave to raise children, support an ill family member, or any other reason, it may feel daunting to think about going back to work, especially in fast-moving industries. Honestly, even in the social media industry I see changes almost monthly!
I can remember, as a fundraiser/strategist/writer for non-profits when I left the workforce to stay home with the kids, that a part of me wondered how to keep my work skills fresh and sharp for what I anticipated to be a return to an office working environment.
I continued to volunteer, and work on small contracts, and eventually found my way to a whole new career that fit into my new life. But it was scary to think about applying to new jobs and looking for something when the time came (the initial plan was going to be about 7 years after I originally left work. That feels like forever in so many ways!)
The Shopify Welcome Back Program
Keeping in mind that many people are in this same situation, I am so happy to share with you a new program from Shopify.
For those in the Ottawa or Toronto areas , and are a software developer, this program may be perfect for you.
“We want to make this choice easier to improve our industry for everyone working in it. That’s why we’re launching Welcome Back – a paid, 3-month program, designed to support software developers who have taken an extended period of absence from the tech industry to reenter the workforce. Whether you have been on parental leave, sick leave, or another personal reason, the Welcome Back program focuses on helping you refresh development skills through hands-on workshops and custom programming – all led by Shopify’s Engineering and Learning Development teams. “
~ Shopify Welcome Back Program
Shopify has a long-standing reputation in the Ottawa area and in the world for being an amazing employer and once again they are leading the way with their new Welcome Back Program.
This 3-month paid program (October – December) will take place in downtown Ottawa between the hours of 9:30 am and 2 pm (so this may fit well into your schedule if child care and school is an issue!)
Here are the requirements to apply for the program:
- You’ve been out of the software development workforce for a minimum of 2 years
- You have 3+ years of experience as a professional software developer
- Strong foundation in OO principles and fluency in at least one OO language (Shopify even lists that it’s totally fine if you’re rusty!)
- A love of software and a curiosity and passion to constantly learn new things
Applications are open until September 13 and the full range of experience and expectations about the program can be found on their website.
What caught my eye was the part that highlighted that applicants who didn’t *quite* meet all of the requirements are still encouraged to apply.
Being out of the workforce and making the decision to re-enter can feel scary and isolating, but I love the innovation being used by Shopify.
Programs like this encourage people who have had to step out of the workforce to have the opportunity to step back in, which for many is a force that is required. I love seeing opportunities like this in our area.
For more information about the Shopify Welcome Back Program, visit their website.
Important note: The applications are due on September 13!
