redAcademy partnered with redPanda Software to provide an embedded talent pipeline capable of delivering real business outcomes from the outset.
Key Benefits:
- Significantly reduced onboarding time thanks to sprinters working within redPanda Software’s tools, culture and agile delivery practices.
- High-quality automation test suites delivered fast, based on client Business Requirement Documents, with minimal input or rework required from redPanda Software teams demonstrating real-world, client-aligned technical delivery.
- Expanded delivery capacity on valuable but non-critical projects, freeing up senior developers to focus on business priority work.
- Training that adapts in real time to client needs, such as pivoting from front-end dev to automation testing within a matter of weeks.
- Accelerated talent development with some sprinters progressing to intermediate roles within 12-18 months.
As a leading provider of enterprise retail software, redPanda Software needed talented juniors who could integrate into their teams, understand the pace and structure of agile environments and contribute meaningfully to delivery. With a focus on improving our junior intake to produce the right mix of technical ability, soft skills and cultural fit, redAcademy became the smart answer to a complex question – where is the talent?
“We’re in a unique position thanks to redAcademy because we can shape the learning before the sprinters even arrive,” said Niel Coetzee, Technical Director at redPanda Software. “The structure of the learning, the depth of expertise, and the real-world skills development provided by redAcademy mean we know exactly what they can do and that they will fit into our environment.”
The alignment between redPanda Software and redAcademy is the result of a close, collaborative partnership. redPanda Software chose the academy for its ability to embed learners into real client environments from the outset and, as a result, create a pipeline of low-risk, high-value junior talent which required minimal onboarding.
From classroom to codebase: The embedded model success story
redAcademy’s 12-month programme is split across two phases: foundational learning and applied delivery. Sprinters – as learners are called at the academy – spend their second six months working on real client projects using real tools, timelines and business requirements. Technical mentors with industry experience help sprinters adapt quickly and mirror client ways of working.
“In traditional education, the focus is on delivering large volumes of content with lecturers standing in front of a class and disseminating information,” says Mohammed Goolam, Data Science & Technical Mentor Lead at redAcademy. “Our approach is completely different; learning is tailored to what the client needs. Sprinters work in agile teams, adapt to changing requirements, and gain hands-on experience with real tools and environments. They learn theory, how to show up in a team, conduct themselves in meetings and adapt to client needs.”
The engagement with redPanda Software was built on this approach and started with open conversations around their existing workflows, technical stack and delivery pain points. From there, redAcademy tailored the curriculum to mirror redPanda Software’s way of working, right down to the project cadence, tooling and documentation formats. The team aligned upfront on expectations and made sure sprinters would fit into the culture.
Agile in action
During the most recent cohort, redPanda Software asked for a change in focus from front-end development to automation testing. redAcademy adapted quickly, upskilling the sprinters and delivering a fully functional test pack from the client’s Business Requirement Documents (BRDs).
“The speed and quality of delivery were impressive,” said Coetzee. “Because redAcademy already understands our repositories, our way of documenting and our technology stack, we didn’t need to spend time onboarding. They just got it – fast.”
The relationship between redPanda Software and redAcademy has grown into a long-term partnership. Sprinters are delivering real value, particularly on projects that matter but get deprioritised internally. “It’s not just about code,” said Coetzee. “It’s the cultural and technical fit and the ability to focus the learning.”
One sprinter is already on their way to being promoted to intermediate level, a milestone that usually takes years, showing that redAcademy offers training that empowers people and gives them the tools they need to build on their ambition and career goals.
With each new intake, redAcademy and redPanda Software refine the learning pathway to align with changing technologies and business needs. As a result, there is a ready-made talent pipeline designed around the realities of business.
As Coetzee puts it: “We’re investing in people we already know can deliver.”
