When Justin Von Braun joined NPower’s Tech Fundamentals Program, it wasn’t just about making a career shift; it was also about building a new kind of service through technology. With a background in client support and visual communication, and years of experience as an infantryman in the U.S. Army, his career had always been rooted in service. But after a decade in the military, Justin realized it was time for something new—something where technical skills and impact could converge to open new doors.
The IT sector seemed like the right path, as it was essential to modern business and capable of making a direct impact on others. However, as Justin recalls, making the switch required more than just ambition—it meant acquiring real skills and finding a supportive community to guide the transition. That’s where NPower came in, offering Justin not just specialized training but also an environment committed to veterans and their development.
This opportunity arose from a growing partnership between NPower and Globant as part of Globant’s “Code Your Future” program. This program aims to uplift groups typically underrepresented in the technology industry, such as veterans, refugees, migrants, and young adults from underserved backgrounds, by giving them the chance and skills to thrive in the tech world.
Founded in 2003, Globant is a digitally native company focused on reinventing businesses through innovative technology solutions that has grown exponentially by empowering diverse talent and engaging like-minded, innovative individuals. Beyond expanding into new markets, the company is committed to creating a positive social impact through education and the creation of employment opportunities in technology.
For Justin, the Tech Fundamentals program offered by NPower provided exactly what he needed to make a career transition. The program immersed him in IT fundamentals—troubleshooting, system maintenance, and incident response–but its impact extended beyond learning technical skills. “It’s not just another tech program; it’s a community that equips you with real tools to build a career,” he says. “It was about working through challenges with mentors and peers who understood what we were building toward. It gave me direction and purpose.”
Graduating from NPower gave Justin the skills and confidence to step into IT support and consulting right away. Now, through his role as founder and practitioner of consulting and support firm The IT Bros, he helps businesses rethink their tech workflows, implementing cloud solutions and AI tools that make operations more efficient. “My goal isn’t just to fix problems but also to create systems that empower my clients to feel confident in their technology,” he explains. With an eye toward the future, Justin dreams of growing the consulting business into something that helps more companies work securely in a digital-first world.
Globant began its support of NPower in 2020 by funding NPower programs, enabling military-connected individuals with hands-on technology training in Dallas and New York City, designed to support them as they transitioned to civilian careers, which has since expanded to multiple markets nationwide. In December 2022, Globant deepened its partnership with NPower by pledging to provide financial support, advisory services, and experienced volunteers that offer participants like Justin technical mentoring, soft skills coaching, and masterclasses. Last month, this partnership was strengthened with the announcement that, over the next two years, Globant will focus on supporting the scaling of the NPower SkillBridge Cybersecurity program, a partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, which aims to create seamless transitions for active-duty military personnel as they approach civilian life via a free-of-charge cyber workforce development program. Their collaboration exemplifies the power of combining education and opportunity, ensuring that technology becomes a pathway for those ready to start fresh.
Reflecting on the journey, Justin emphasizes that NPower provided him with much more than training. “It was a launchpad. It opened doors I hadn’t even considered, showing me what was possible in a field that felt right for me,” Justin states. For Justin, the foundation of knowledge and experience built through the organizations’ partnership has been invaluable, and with his personal motivation and determination, he is ready to take on whatever comes next.
This is just one story of many, illustrating how technology can transform lives combined with the right support. As Globant and NPower continue to work together, their shared mission remains clear: to create opportunities that help individuals unlock their potential, rebuild their futures, and thrive in a world driven by innovation.
