Location: Raleigh

Web site: www.destineerstudios.com

Number of employees in 2006: 40

Number of employees in 2007: 80

Number of jobs announced in 2006: 40+

Employee training allocation (as a percentage of overall budget): 2 to 4 percent

Destineer’s story: Destineer is a video-game company that creates simulation software that is used to train U.S. military and intelligence agencies, and develops and publishes cutting-edge video-game consoles, handheld game players, and personal computers.

Training vehicles: By tailoring the industry process to specific disciplines such as art tests for artists and extensive technical interviews for engineers, Destineer ensures that potential hires have the right skills, which are furthered by its mentorship program. Through the program, senior employees are paired with newer hires to help them acclimate to its corporate culture, learn new skills and share their talents with others. Employees regularly visit the company’s additional locations — including Minneapolis — to assist, educate and learn from each other. Future training plans include an internship program to scout future talent. The company also offers scrum product-development process training.