The First Order (TFO): The Bench, But Make It Better
When you think of a “bench,” maybe you imagine endless hours spent in limbo, brushing up on skills solo and waiting for the next project. Not at Entelect. We redefined the traditional concept of the bench and evolved it into The First Order (TFO)—our squadron of Entelectuals ready to jump into any project armed with fresh and refreshed skills.
Why TFO?
Inspired by the Star Wars squadron known for its preparedness, TFO is where Entelect engineers train for any scenario they might face with customers. Those on the TFO focus on enhancing their skills through structured activities like research and development projects, certifications, and development camps with weekly deliverables. This proactive approach sets them up to be effective from the moment they step into a new project.
How TFO Differs from Traditional Benches
Traditional benches can be frustrating, often leaving engineers feeling adrift. Without structured guidance, engineers might struggle to upskill or stagnate, missing the growth they thrive on. TFO addresses this by making upskilling the primary responsibility and ensuring our people are consistently challenged and engaged. Of course, while it is an opportunity to grow and sharpen skills, TFO is also a place where our people are given space to decompress and take a breather after customer projects.
Making the Most of TFO
Engineers can focus on mastering core competencies, gaining depth in areas they might only skim during customer projects. For instance, someone familiar with React can dive deeply into advanced topics and improve their expertise, making the most of TFO’s flexible, self-directed learning structure and Entelect’s vault of learning materials made by fellow team members.
A Day on TFO
Daily life on TFO revolves around Entelect’s core values, especially growth and fellowship. Activities like daily stand-ups, collaborative upskilling, and hybrid office days reflect our dedication to continuous learning and to bonding as a community. The achievements, certifications, and milestones reached within TFO embody the tenants of being an Entelectual.
Innovative Projects like MySpot
TFO’s innovation-driven approach has produced successful projects like MySpot, a desk booking app enabling employees to reserve workspaces and view seating arrangements in real-time. Used across Entelect’s African offices, MySpot simplifies office management, reflecting TFO’s impact beyond just skill-building.
Entelect’s First Order offers an alternative to the traditional bench, empowering our engineers to sharpen their skills, uphold Entelect’s values, and ultimately make an impact.
