This presentation focuses on practical strategies for identifying and training/transitioning new talent from outside the Drupal community.

To keep the discussion concrete, we lay hiring profiles and training management strategies alongside a sample pipeline of projects. The takeaway: a framework for meeting the specific needs of a fast-moving, well integrated Drupal team. In the presentation we'll include specifics such as proven approaches to mentorship and sample individualized learning plans.

Key points the session will cover

• Characteristics of a great candidate for your team.
• Sitebuilding and theming as universal entry points for frontend and backend developers of all levels.
• Sustaining skill growth over the long term.
• Transitioning experienced developers to Drupal (and making the case for essential training even the most talented --a few real-world cautionary tales).

Who is this session for? Anyone involved in team-building questions, including

• Drupal architects needing to convey hiring criteria to management.
• Management needing to hire Drupal talent now and in the future.
• Team leads needing to plan for ongoing evolution of project demands, and keep their team's skills in step.

This session will be paired with a BoF* for group discussion of additional scenarios, comparing notes on what has worked and what hasn't, and exploring more training management techniques and tools. More information will be added to this description once BOF registration opens.

*What's a BoF?
Birds of a Feather" or BoF sessions are openly scheduled, topical discussion-based sessions at DrupalCon.