❓Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some quick answers to your most common questions about Tech Fleet
What is Tech Fleet?
Tech Fleet is an inclusive tech organization that helps build tech talent from the ground up.
We are a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) public charity status. EIN 92-1962909.
We offer professional development training programs based on real-world industry learning for UX, Product, Project Management, Development, and other tech roles.
Projects - You can build team experience training on Tech Fleet teams. You will work with a cross-functional team to solve business problems with clients. The community works with other nonprofit clients and builds open source software for the public good. Hundreds of people have gone through our programs and are now working in tech careers.
Masterclasses - You can register for Masterclasses in Tech Fleet to gain industry-focused training. We offer live cohorts for masterclasses. Different people teach different subjects throughout the year. Check out the Masterclass Hub for more information and current training.
Where can I see project work?
We house all project team deliverables and progress in Notion.
Go to this page to get the link to the Tech Fleet Project Notion Repository
What should I do first?
Check out the First Steps in Tech Fleet page
What are Tech Fleet's rules and regulations?
Our rules and regulations live in the form of our Policies and bylaws. The Tech Fleet community expects that ALL Tech Fleet network activities, events, in-person forums, and digital forums abide by the Code of Conduct. We have a zero tolerance policy against harassment or anything in violation of our code of conduct of any kind. We hold ourselves and our community to the highest professional standards. We have a strict Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy, a strict Slack and Discord Policy, and other Policies all must read, agree, and live by. Our nonprofit bylaws can be found here. Go to Safe Space page for instructions how to report or request to talk. If you are being harassed, or witness someone else being harassed or otherwise uncomfortable, or if you think anyone is in violation of Tech Fleet's Code of Conduct for ANY other reason, or just want a safe space with someone to talk to, the community is here to help. Please report a Code of Conduct concern or send an email to safespace@techfleet.org. We protect and support whomever reports. Read through all Policies and ensure you always abide by them, and help report violations.
Does Tech Fleet use Discord or Slack?
Tech Fleet just migrated to Discord as of September 2024.
We no longer use Slack as a community.
Check out The Great Tech Fleet Discord Migration Video Tutorials video tutorials for everything you need to know about Tech Fleet Discord.
How can I join projects?
There are 4 ways to participate in projects:
As an observer anyone can participate without applying. You can join any team meeting that's happening, and watch the apprenticeship teams in action. A lot of members start with observing as it helps to build confidence and helps to learn the Tech Fleet framework. Check out Observers in Tech Fleet Discord.
As an apprentice you must apply. You are a member of an agile, cross-functional team working for 8 weeks with a client. You're paired up with other apprentices and with leads who help guide the progress. Together you fail forward and learn how to work in an Agile environment. Check out Apprentices In Tech Fleet Discord.
As a lead you must apply. Anyone can be a lead in Tech Fleet without a portfolio, a resume, or experience. A lot of leads have prior experience in some field beforehand. You can join with a co-lead if you're inexperienced. Check out Co-Leads in Tech Fleet Discord. As a mentor you can sign up to guide in specific subject matter areas you know well. Right now, the process for project mentors is new and in pilot. If you are interested in mentoring, seek the @Mentors role in Discord through the #join-projects and the #mentors-get-ready channel. More information about Discord will be added to this guide soon. If you are interested in mentoring right now, email info@techfleet.org and express your interest! We're happy to place you on live projects. Check out Mentors in Tech Fleet Discord.
Check out Getting on Projects in Tech Fleet Discord for more.
What can I apply to right now?
Check our Current and Upcoming Programs page for the full list of live and upcoming opportunities. Join our mailing list to get alerted when we open new programs for you to apply to.
Is this school?
NO! School holds your hand and gives you prompts for success. Tech Fleet's meant for you to prepare for the real-world expectations in the industry along with your peers.
Apprenticeship teams in Tech Fleet are modeled based on the industry teams for in-house and agency roles. Teams are in an environment where they are accountable for the work and able to fail safely, trying new things and learning how to do the work for the first time. It is, however, the "deep end of the pool" and one should mentally prepare for this kind of environment. Tech Fleet helps you truly get ready for the convoluted real-world of product life.
What kind of company is Tech Fleet?
Tech Fleet is a community-led nonprofit with 501(c)(3) public charity status. Check out our website for more information. Community members, Guilds, nonprofit officers, and the Board of Directors carry out our mission to create fair access to tech careers through our programs. Read about our organization structure in the guide for more.
What career paths are available in Tech Fleet?
We open roles based on client demand and project needs, so each program that opens has different roles.
We serve the following career paths in our programs:
UX Research
UX Design
UX Writing
Project Management
Product Strategy / Management
Web Development
Blockchain Development
Read the section about supported roles in the user guide
Is there a Pets channel?
YES #pets-of-tech-fleet in Discord
Does Tech Fleet cost anything to join the community?
Projects do not cost anything to join the training!
Masterclasses require a small fee to register, usually $50.00 USD per person.
Anyone can join the community and join project trainings at no cost. The only things we charge for in Tech Fleet will be masterclasses, which have a small fee to join ($50 or country equivalent). These classes are not required to complete other Tech Fleet programs (like team project work). In the future we will seek revenue from public support and offer services like one-on-one career coaching or other ways to help that require fees to participate.
Otherwise, we will always remain inclusive in who we serve (the unemployed and underemployed) and seek to cut down costs for community contributors as much as possible.
Can I apply to different roles on programs?
Yes! Apply to as many roles as you'd like, but be prepared to pick one as your top priority if you're asked to choose. A lot of programs require time and energy and it's best to dedicate focus on one at a time, although you can choose to be a part of multiple programs at once.
Can I apply to multiple programs at once?
Yes! Apply to as many programs as you'd like, but be prepared for the time and energy commitment. A lot of programs require time and energy and it's best to dedicate focus on one at a time, although you can choose to be a part of multiple programs at once.
Can I be on multiple project teams at a time?
Generally, no, we limit our members to being on one project team at a time so they can focus their energy on learning and contributing within their team. If someone is on two projects for less than 3 weeks it's generally ok to be on multiple projects, but otherwise, we limit it to ensure fairness in people joining opportunities.
Do I need a resume and portfolio to qualify?
No! Tech Fleet's one of the only orgs in existence that allows people with 0 experience to get into team roles, even as a lead or apprentice. You often need the educational foundation and skills before getting into programs but it's possible to do so without any experience or any schooling. Check out the apprentice handbook for more information.
How can I observe what it's like before I apply?
Anyone in the world is welcome to observe any project meeting, and watch the teams work. This helps build confidence, and helps you understand what the cross-functional work looks like in Tech Fleet. Read more about life on projects, and read the observer handbook for all the details.
Check out Observers in Tech Fleet Discord for information on how to use Tech Fleet Discord as an observer.
What ways can I receive support in Tech Fleet?
You can get support in a variety of ways in Tech Fleet.
Check out How to Get Technical Support for more.
What's the application process in Tech Fleet programs?
The application and team-building process is similar to the normal hiring process. Tech Fleet project coordinators open applications after agreeing to scope with clients, and then open applications for short periods of time. The leads on the project who get chosen will hire apprentices who've applied. Read more about the application process.
Last updated
