The Career Lab Difference at MAXX Potential
By MAXX Potential
- Posted:
- Apprenticeship
When we say we hire folks with no tech industry experience, we mean it. The starting point is Career Lab. We run virtual and in-person opportunities where folks can attend, learn more about MAXX, and try their hand at different technical challenges.
“In terms of MAXX doing things differently, I think that one of the more difficult places that we play in is in that 0-2 years range of experience.” John Spauls, Integrator and Chief Operation Officer, shared.
Career Lab provides a unique opportunity for participants to tackle challenges, and this gives the MAXX team a window into how participants show up in the hands-on workshops, demonstrating the curiosity, perseverance, and problem-solving mindset that our Customers value in every engagement.
Many aspiring technologists come to us with little to no experience, and the Career Lab can be instrumental in helping the team recognize folks with a good value match. John Spauls observes, “When we’re evaluating people in their Career Lab, you can’t rely on their resume, you can’t rely on the experience they bring to the table because inherently by joining our program they’re trying to break in.”
In February 2025, we hosted a Career Lab at Gather – Midlothian, where we welcomed a strong turnout of aspiring technologists from the Richmond area who were eager to launch their careers in tech.
Highlighting Career Lab Benefits
MAXX Potential partners with forward-thinking Customers who value skilled people, which is why we rigorously assess candidates through Career Lab to ensure they are prepared to excel. We look for candidates who have the mindset to deliver outstanding results. This hits on our win-win-win-win motto, where we’re looking for a win for our Customers, Apprentices, community, and MAXX.
Career Lab offers aspiring technologists a number of opportunities, including the following:
- Exploring different tech careers
- Understanding skills needed for in-demand positions
- Learning career trajectories for various tech roles
- Trying technology challenges with hands-on activities
- Working with industry professionals
- Meeting fellow tech-minded individuals
The Career Lab Difference
“I remember joining the Career Lab and seeing people from all walks, being put into a group with a bunch of strangers, there’s just something about that – just being with like-minded people who are just on this journey.” Aaron McKoy, MAXX Alum and QA Analyst, shared about his time in Career Lab.
This free, hands-on workshop can be a gamechanger for individuals who want to pursue or advance their career in tech. Individuals from all walks of life are invited to participate in activities and ask questions. We cover skills in hardware troubleshooting, software development, security analysis, data interpretation, and AI implementation through technical and strategic thinking.
MAXX Career Labs happen once a month online, and we also host occasional in-person Career Lab opportunities. The Career Lab fills up quickly. If an aspiring technologist cannot make it to a Career Lab, we also offer Open House sessions that are set up as an opportunity to address any questions folks might have about the apprenticeship.
Value-Based Thinking
Values drive how people show up in their work and can anchor businesses and their teams to a shared purpose. At MAXX Potential, the five core values that drive the work we do are perseverance, collaboration, initiative, authenticity, and curiosity. We look for people who demonstrate these values in the way that they work.
The tech industry is one of the fastest moving industries, and it challenges the individuals who want to work in the tech industry to take initiative, follow their curiosity, persevere when problem solving, and collaborate with others. It’s also important for individuals to be authentic and take ownership of their mistakes and successes. All of these ideals are vital for longevity in a tech career. That’s why we take the time to look for a value match in the people we work alongside.
When we are working with aspiring technologists, we look to see what they do, not just what they say. We want a good match of words and action.
Learning While Working with Apprenticeship
“Use this as a learning experience to guide you in the way that you want to go,” Leigha Dellinger, MAXX Alum and Lead Software Engineer, encourages aspiring technologists. She continues, “Because you have this time to learn all these different things and all these projects that you want to be in.”
Career Lab is the gateway to what MAXX Potential has to offer for individuals who are passionate about technology, hungry to learn, and ready to pursue their interests. Whether it’s a virtual Career Lab or an in-person Career Lab, these sessions are a great space to explore the different areas of technology while determining if MAXX Potential is a good fit for you.
“Sign up for Career Lab now.” Benjamin Alloway, MAXX Alum and Senior Software Engineer, says. He also includes some more advice for folks who are interested in exploring the tech industry. He shares, “For me, I would say two pieces of advice: check MAXX out, earn some money while learning to code and while working on real work that goes on your resume, and take advantage of the resources.”
If you’re an aspiring technologist, create an InsideMAXX profile and then register for a virtual Career Lab or Open House session. We look forward to meeting you!
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