Nash wrote:
<cut my own short tempered answer :-)>
If I rephrase the question: In an absense of steady Python Developers;
can there be a viable strategy involving training? Or will it be much
safer going with an already common developer pool.
Please note that my goal is not to promote python but to make a sound
business decision. Using Python is not an absolute requirement.
I appreciate all the feedback thus far, please keep it coming in,
thanks everyone!
I would like to say YES!, however there is no general answer. Much of it
depends on your business strategy. If your average flow-out of
programmers is less then two* years (whether this is due to management,
location, reward system, trigger happy HR or anything else doesn't
matter) than it is not cost effective to 'train' your staff. So the
options left are hire 'expensive' staff which meet your requirements or
adjust your requirements and hire 'less expensive' staff.
However if you intend to have staff for long term periods and do what
you need to do to keep them happy (market conform or above salary, room
for personal improvements, keeping politics away and no
micro-management), than training staff up to your requirements may be
cost effective and is generally beneficial not only for the sheer work
that needs to be done.
Actually if you make sure you have self motivated people with reasonable
intelligence they will do much of that training for them self, the only
thing you need to give them is time and a clear understanding what the
long-term expectation is.
The expectation bit is very important and should be detailed, well at
least for you. How can you blame your staff for not being up to
expectation if you are not sure for yourself what it should be.
So in short, if you run your business where people are considered more
than resources, training is beneficial and provides long term stability.
*YMMV
--
MPH
http://blog.dcuktec.com
'If consumed, best digested with added seasoning to own preference.'
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