Strengthening Drupal, One New Developer at a Time

28 April 2025

If you’ve been keeping an eye on Drupal community updates, you’ve probably seen the IXP Fellowship making some waves — and for good reason. It's the kind of program that feels long overdue: giving new Drupal developers, the ones who know their way around but haven't had their first real break yet, a way into the industry. Michael Anello, in his blog post, highlighted how the IXP is about recognising that real-world experience needs a starting point — and it’s refreshing to see that truth backed by genuine incentives. With early adopters like Seed EM and Digital Polygon already on board, the IXP Fellowship isn’t just an idea anymore; it’s producing real graduates and real results.

The real story here isn’t just that there’s a new pipeline — it’s that the Drupal community is finally getting serious about building for the future. On LinkedIn, Carlos Ospina praised the program's impact on both developers and companies, noting its potential to reshape the way new talent enters the field. Too often, companies talk about wanting fresh talent without providing meaningful opportunities to beginners. IXP changes that put mentorship at the centre and reward companies for stepping up. In his blog, 'A Drupal Couple,' he emphasised the value of bringing in new faces who now have a clear way to gain professional experience without hitting the usual barriers. That's not just good news for the Fellows; it's a necessary move for Drupal’s long-term growth.

If the community embraces this the way it should, the IXP Fellowship could quietly shift how Drupal brings in and develops new talent. It's not about overnight transformation; it’s about making sure newcomers aren’t left out simply because they’re new. Giving people a real start, with mentorship built in from the beginning, could mean stronger teams and a more sustainable community over time. It’s a small step that, if done right, could make a real difference where it matters.

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