A pioneering company stands tall in the bustling world of tech innovation and workforce development in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region. BuildWithin, an emblem of transformative learning and forward thinking solutions, marks a significant shift in how we approach skill development and career growth. This journey of innovation began with a group of software engineers, seasoned educators, former apprentices, and professionals from different fi elds united by a shared belief in the untapped potential of individuals and the urgency to build a skilled workforce.
Crafting the Future
Dr. Ximena Hartsock and her experienced team launched BuildWithin in January 2022. She says, “BuildWithin was somewhat unintentionally incubated within our previous software company, Phone2Action. It was born out of sheer necessity.” At Phone2Action, a company specializing in government relations, they developed a unique tech apprenticeship program to address a talent shortage. “In Northern Virginia’s thriving tech scene, where competition for talent was intense, we took an unconventional approach. We chose to cultivate our own talent through skills-based hiring, which optimized our team and fostered an energetic, diverse culture. We not only built a powerful team but also created an environment full of vibrancy and unifi ed ambition,” Dr. Hartsock explains. Initially unfamiliar with the concept of apprenticeships, Phone2Action eventually transformed their on-the-job training programs into formal apprenticeships.
That apprenticeship program eventually staffed thirty percent of Phone2Action’s workforce. When the company was acquired, a group of Phone2Action employees joined Dr. Hartsock to start BuildWithin. “We were in love with the model, and the magic that it did for our company, so we couldn’t help but take those learnings to a new company,” she said.
This is how BuildWithin began in 2022, offering a unique suite of solutions for the workforce journey—from recruiting to hiring, onboarding developing, and promoting. BuildWithin tools boost hires’ productivity through upskilling and personalized AI coaching. The platform enables companies to cultivate their talent internally, fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement.
Working is Learning
BuildWithin was founded on the belief that learning is a lifelong journey and that true understanding comes from hands-on experience. Emphasizing their philosophy, Dr. Hartsock states: “True learning comes not just from understanding but from doing; it’s in the practice, in the iteration, that knowledge becomes firmly established. Direct, constructive feedback refines this process, enhancing our real-world skills. By being ‘in training,’ apprentices are given the space to grow, to learn by doing, and to cement their newfound skills.”
BuildWithin envisages a future where learning is not linear and companies don’t solely rely on external educational institutions for talent development. “Amidst a job market reshuffle, career changes have become the norm. The 2024 report by the US Chamber of Commerce noted that, although people frequently quit jobs, the rate of securing new roles exceeds the rate of resignations. This indicates that individuals are actively seeking better fi ts. For employers, this presents a unique opportunity to attract a diverse pool of talent – career changers, veterans, retirees, individuals without degrees, and those returning from a career break. Traditional HR processes often overlook these valuable candidates, favoring credentials over potential. However, many forward-thinking employers want to change this approach, aiming to discover the untapped potential in this diverse talent pool—and that’s where we come in,” she says.
The Cornerstones of Innovation
BuildWithin offers a suite of software solutions tailored to the distinct challenges in workforce management. The company’s main products include ‘Explore,’ a career exploration and job matching platform, and ‘Expand,’ a training management platform that facilitates smooth transitions into various professional and technical occupations. Continuing to innovate, BuildWithin also provides ‘Expand Plus,’ a proprietary management system equipped with all necessary elements to operate a Department of Labor-approved registered apprenticeship program.
BuildWithin distinguishes itself through its hands-on experience with technology apprenticeships. The team, consisting of former software developer apprentices and apprentice managers, brings a unique combination of practical insights and innovative thinking to tackle the real-world challenges of running a technical apprenticeship program. In the field of workforce management solutions, BuildWithin stands out for its pragmatic and problem-solving approach.
Cutting-edge technology is built into the DNA of BuildWithin. Dr. Hartsock describes their approach: “Apprenticeships in fi elds like software development, customer success, sales, and operations can significantly enhance employers’ talent pipelines. Yet, despite the willingness to start such programs, companies frequently face implementation challenges. We blend technology with a human touch. Our firsthand experience running professional apprenticeships for a decade as a technology company provides us with deep insights into user challenges. We leverage our learnings and cutting-edge technology to develop solutions with the customer at the forefront.”
“Imagine a world where every job vacancy finds its perfect match , and every person their dream job – that’s our mission”
The Future of Work
Dr. Hartsock emphasizes the importance of introducing young people to potential career paths early in their educational journey. She states, “Since the internet’s inception, the world has rapidly changed. It’s essential to introduce children to various occupations starting in elementary school. Jobs traditionally seen as manual labor, like construction, now incorporate virtual reality and robotics, making them more appealing through technological advancements. As students progress through middle and high school, formal on-the-job training opportunities should be integrated into their curriculum. Some of our software engineers began working with us as high school sophomores. Today’s youth are better equipped than ever to explore different careers and find their interests. It’s disheartening to meet college graduates who believe they’ve chosen the wrong field. Waiting 16 years to test a career path is simply not effective.
BuildWithin has tools for every phase of the career journey and some of their most avid users are career changers transitioning into new roles. “We are seeing time and time again through our users that everyone, regardless of age and education background, has valuable skills that are transferable into well-paying jobs. Using these tools in the workplace not only improves the culture but also transforms the company into a learning organization. In such environments, mentoring and learning are synonymous, allowing employees to grow in tandem with the product and the needs of their customers. The companies that will navigate this period of significant talent shortages successfully are those willing to adopt bold strategies and prioritize skill-based hiring.”
Apprenticeships: A Rebranding Endeavor
Apprenticeships, while largely untapped in the U.S., are a common practice in European countries. Switzerland, a country that consistently ranks first in global innovation, sees two-thirds of its population opt for apprenticeship pathways over a traditional high-school-to-college track.
“Apprenticeships, defined as jobs combined with formal on-the-job training, are an invaluable resource for job seekers aiming to break into high-paying industries like technology or healthcare,” says Dr. Hartsock. “The value proposition for an employer is equally high: you bring on board someone eager to learn and ready to start at a lower salary. Moreover, you have the opportunity to shape them and witness their performance in realtime over a year. Apprenticeships allow both job seekers and employers to test their working relationship, and that’s an advantage you don’t often come across.”
The Future of Work is Skilled
Addressing the so-called ‘talent shortage crisis’, Dr. Hartsock sheds light on the situation, stating, “What we are facing is not a talent or jobs shortage, nor job displacements due to technology. Instead, it’s a normal evolution of life, seen more prominently in the world of work. Work once done manually, out of necessity, can now be technologically assisted. We constantly learn at home and work, albeit with more restrictions in work environments.”
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2020 report suggests that while about 85 million jobs may be displaced by the integration of humans and machines by 2025, around 97 million new roles are expected to emerge, fitting the new paradigm.
In light of this, it has become essential for employers to not only recognize this shift, but actively participate in it. The way forward is not clinging to outdated methods but embracing the transformation, formalizing on-the job training practices and adopting company-wide talent development strategies. This approach allows employers to take control of their own destinies and build their workforce assets, creating a solid foundation for future growth and success.
BuildWithin stands as a symbol of innovation in workforce development, driven by the vision of a dedicated team. By valuing potential over credentials and embracing change, BuildWithin is not just preparing for the future of work; it is actively shaping it, fostering a culture of continuous learning and internal development. With this visionary approach, BuildWithin is redefining the landscape of workforce development and upskilling.
