Upskilling Software Engineers to Drive Agility and Quality
The Challenge
A large enterprise was in the midst of a multi-year transformation to adopt agile practices. While processes were improving, software engineers across the organization struggled with inconsistent development standards. Challenges included limited understanding of secure coding practices, uneven code quality, suboptimal architectural decisions, and a lack of effective collaboration with business teams. Existing training programs didn’t scale well enough to address these gaps, leaving teams without the skills needed to meet evolving demands.
The Approach
To tackle this, the focus shifted to upskilling engineers at scale while embedding learning directly into their work. A series of targeted initiatives were launched:
“Summer of Secure Code” Campaign: A large-scale training effort that introduced thousands of engineers to OWASP standards and practical techniques for identifying and remediating vulnerabilities.
Learning Accelerator: A hands-on program that allowed teams to learn critical concepts while working on real projects, seamlessly blending education with delivery.
Scaled Technical Coaching: A coaching model that placed experienced practitioners within teams to provide ongoing support and foster improved development practices.
Focused New Grad Training: A specialized environment designed to prepare recent college graduates for leading practices before they transitioned to larger teams, ensuring they entered the workforce ready to contribute.
The Results
These efforts made a tangible impact across the organization. Code quality improved significantly, with measurable gains in test coverage and better architectural decision-making. Teams became more engaged, delivered higher-quality solutions, and strengthened their collaboration with business stakeholders. Beyond the immediate results, the programs created a sustainable model for learning and development, enabling the organization to scale its engineering capabilities while continuing its transformation journey.
This case demonstrates the value of pairing scalable training initiatives with embedded, hands-on learning. By meeting engineers where they are and providing practical, impactful guidance, it’s possible to elevate skills across an entire organization and drive meaningful, lasting change.
Ready to Transform Your Team?
If your organization is facing challenges with inconsistent development practices, scaling agile adoption, or upskilling your engineering teams, let’s talk. Whether it’s technical coaching, hands-on learning programs, or designing tailored training initiatives, I can help you achieve lasting, measurable results. Get in touch today to start the conversation.