Sometimes, the best way to get ahead is to think ahead. This is the philosophy of Hayden Todd, co-founder and chief executive officer of BluPrint, a UCI Beall Applied Innovation Wayfinder startup company that creates new job opportunities through online, employer-certified training programs. The 2018 UC Irvine (UCI) graduate believes BluPrint could supplement the hiring process for potential employers and job hunters.
“We see this platform being an ‘Amazon of jobs,’ where you can go on there and explore, learn and earn your next position,” said Todd. “Online education will teach you skills but it’s similar to college in that there’s a disconnect between students and employers. Education needs to be meaningful to companies.”
BluPrint allows users to sign up for a series of online trainings for entry-level jobs in various industries. For example, if someone wants to be a barista, BluPrint supplies them with step-by-step videos on coffee making and the history of coffee. After the training, the person receives a certification that indicates their expertise, which they can put on their resume or present to a potential employer. The program allows people to learn about a job before they apply and saves employers time training new hires. Each week, Todd plans to add more job trainings as the website expands.
Todd originally formed the idea for BluPrint in 2017 for a class assignment and, with co-founder Kelvin Man, further developed it for the New Venture Competition in 2018. After the competition, Todd applied to the Wayfinder program where he met Innovation Advisor Bob Salem. The pair met for weekly coffee and advice sessions and, after applying to the program multiple times, Todd was accepted to the Wayfinder program in 2018. Beyond Wayfinder, Todd also utilizes the many events and workshops at the Cove @ UCI Beall Applied Innovation, including those provided by 1 Million Cups and the Small Business Development Center @ UCI Beall Applied Innovation. He also attends the monthly Lunch & Learns at the Cove.
“The Cove community has given so much to me and I can’t thank everybody enough because I don’t think I’d be here if it wasn’t for everyone keeping me going and keeping my spirit alive,” said Todd.
In the future, Todd hopes BluPrint will become the first step in any job hunt. Overall, he wants to offer relief to those in search of jobs in a competitive market – whether they are recent graduates or someone who wants to pivot careers.
“I think education is the key to so many of the world’s problems,” said Todd. “With continuous learning and if you keep working toward a goal, you should be able to accomplish it. I want to give people that path.”
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