If you’re one of the many career seekers hoping to land a job at a top tech company, you no longer have to earn a four-year college degree. This guide will explain how to find high-paying apprenticeships while you learn in-demand tech skills and kickstart your career.
The best-paid apprenticeships will help you get additional training for your career. We will provide multiple examples of tech apprenticeship programs, explain how they work, and tell you why they are so beneficial to beginners looking to break into tech.
Key Takeaways
- Tech companies now offer high-paying apprenticeships as an alternative to traditional four-year college degrees.
- Apprenticeships provide real-world experience and the opportunity to learn on the job while getting paid.
- Coding apprenticeships come in various types, such as web development, data science, software engineering, cybersecurity, and web design.
- Top tech companies like IBM, Twitter, LinkedIn, Microsoft, and Google offer some of the highest-paying apprenticeship opportunities.
- Becoming an apprentice offers the benefits of earning while learning, jumpstarting a career, networking, and reducing job transition stress.
- Bridge organizations like LaunchCode, Code Ingenious, and Apprentice.io, help bootcamp graduates land apprenticeships in tech.
What Is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are formal training opportunities offered by employers to help narrow the employment gap in the tech industry. This career pathway benefits applicants, as they can gain real-world experience while learning on the job, and get paid. Apprentices also get to build their portfolios to advance their careers.
If you are a job seeker with a non-traditional background, you should consider becoming an apprentice. Top companies like Google and Twitter offer IT apprenticeships to help applicants advance their careers in tech. With high wages and plenty of occupations to choose from, apprenticeships are the best way to start your career path.
How Long Is Apprenticeship Training?
The training period will depend on the apprenticeship program sponsor, but it typically lasts between one and five years. The length can also depend on your level of education, previous experience, and location. Some IT apprentices have classroom instruction and apprentice compensation, which makes a program take longer.
For example, the Twitter Engineering Apprenticeship program in New York runs for only one year, while LinkedIn’s Reach Apprenticeship program is much longer. There is no set standard for apprenticeship length, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that apprentices must complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of technical instruction.
What Are the Minimum Qualifications for an Apprenticeship?
Every company has different minimum apprenticeship qualifications. These can include a high school diploma or trade school experience. Some programs, like IBM’s New Collar Apprenticeship program, have no apprenticeship requirements. You can land the apprenticeship as long as you have the passion and commitment to learning.
Other companies, like Microsoft, recruit apprentices with unconventional educational backgrounds. Twitter, on the other hand, requires all applicants to have at least two years of work experience and in-depth knowledge of at least one programming language. There are no standard apprenticeship qualifications, but instead a variety of programs for varied applicants.
What Does a Coding Apprenticeship Typically Pay?
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a software engineer apprentice is $77,450. However, apprenticeship pay varies greatly depending on the level of the apprenticeship, the company that offers it, and the skills that are required. Some apprentices make less than $30,000 per year, but others can make over $100,000.
For example, Microsoft Leap apprentices earn around $112,005 per year, according to Glassdoor. However, IBM apprenticeships only pay about $40,661 per year, also according to Glassdoor. These are two good examples of the variation between apprentice salaries.
Types of Coding Apprenticeships
There are many types of coding apprenticeships, such as a coding apprenticeship or a paid software engineering apprenticeship. These apprenticeship jobs offer months of training to help you get a job and fill the gap for workers. Below we curated a list of the different types of coding apprenticeships.
| Type of Apprenticeship | What You’ll Do | What You Will Get Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Web Developer Apprenticeship | Work on the front end of websites Create the entire website from scratch Handle the server side of the application or website |
$68,765 |
| Data Science Apprenticeship | Acquire data Process and clean data Explore data analysis Present results to stakeholders Design data modeling processes |
$104,932 |
| Software Engineering Apprenticeship | Design and develop applications for computers Participate in programming Evaluate system performance Implement new programs and features |
$77,347 |
| Cyber Security Apprenticeship | Protect IT systems and applications Prevent data breaches from black hat hackers Monitor cyber attacks and mitigate them |
$98,581 |
| Web Design Apprenticeship | Conduct user research Prototype and test designs Advocate for user needs |
$68,765 |
High-Paying Tech Apprenticeship Programs
Finding tech companies offering the best-paid apprenticeship programs can be quite challenging. High-paying apprenticeships are a great way to build experience and gain valuable hands-on skills, all while earning a lucrative salary. Below is a list of the highest-paid apprenticeship opportunities offered by top tech companies.
IBM New Collar Program
IBM’s New Collar program is an apprenticeship available for candidates without advanced degrees. The company will check on your teamwork, adaptability, drive, and creative ability to solve problems. Once you sign the apprenticeship agreement, you will go through real-world experiences to build on a long-term professional career.
How Much Do IBM Apprenticeships Pay?
The average IBM apprenticeship salary is $72,011 per year, according to Glassdoor. This is a good salary that gives you enough money for housing and other expenses. IBM apprenticeship program salary varies depending on the type of apprenticeship you get.
Twitter Engineering Apprenticeship Program
Twitter’s Engineering Apprenticeship Program is dedicated to increasing the diversity in tech. With full employment benefits, the apprentices go through hands-on experience with expert mentors and coaches. However, to qualify for the program, you must have at least two years of working experience and knowledge of one programming language.
How Much Do Twitter Apprenticeships Pay?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average Twitter apprenticeship salary is $83,408 per year. This apprentice rate is higher than average, and the program also includes many instructional hours and additional resources.
LinkedIn REACH Apprenticeship Program
The LinkedIn Reach Apprenticeship program is the perfect apprenticeship for career seekers. This multi-year program allows candidates to build skills and gain the necessary experience to become engineers. Your skill level, expertise, and general growth will determine the duration of the program.
How Much Do LinkedIn Apprenticeships Pay?
According to Glassdoor, the average LinkedIn apprentices salary is $98,784 per year. This is one of the best-paid apprenticeship programs and there are also benefits for apprentices that can help you get a job later on.
Microsoft Leap Apprenticeship Program
Recruiting, developing, and upskilling is Microsoft’s Leap Apprenticeship Program mission. The 16-week program features in-person classes with hands-on projects revolving around Xbox, Azure, and Office365. This Microsoft paid apprenticeship program brings refreshing perspectives and experiences that are used to advance engineering processes.
How Much Do Microsoft Apprenticeships Pay?
According to Glassdoor, Microsoft Leap apprentices earn an annual salary of $92,503. This is one of the highest apprentice wage rates. At this current rate, you’ll be able to earn an even higher salary once you enter the workforce.
Google Apprenticeships
Google Apprenticeship programs include multiple opportunities to help candidates break into tech. Whether you want to become a data analyst, software engineer, or UX designer, you will have an opportunity to learn while getting paid. There are 20-month apprenticeship programs offered in multiple cities with Google offices.
How Much Do Google Apprenticeships Pay?
According to Glassdoor, the average Google apprentices salary is $78,693 per year. As well as a good salary, a Google paid apprenticeship will help you enter a high-demand field. This makes the program worth it.
Other Coding Apprenticeships
- Pinterest Apprenticeships. Pinterest offers a variety of apprenticeship programs such as UX design, engineering, and product management. These are aimed at enthusiasts with a non-tech background. The average Pinterest apprenticeship salary is $15,061, according to Glassdoor.
- Dropbox Apprenticeships. Dropbox’s emerging talent programs are an ideal way for learners to fill time between semesters with networking, mentorship, and hands-on experience in the tech field. Glassdoor estimates that the average Dropbox apprenticeship salary is $13,982.
- Lyft Apprenticeships. The SWE Apprenticeship Program offered by Lyft is aimed at aspiring software engineers with no-traditional educational backgrounds. Lyft software engineer apprenticeship salaries are high, and you can expect to earn about $58 an hour.
- Accenture Apprenticeships. Accenture apprenticeship programs make up 20 percent of its entry-level hiring. They are aimed at community college students looking for a promising tech career. According to Glassdoor, the average Accenture apprenticeship salary is $49,687.
- Amazon Apprenticeships. The Amazon Technical Apprenticeship Program is aimed at people who want to transition to a career in cloud computing. Learners gain professional skills training through paid courses and on-the-job training to help them pursue careers with Amazon. The average Amazon apprentice salary is $69,713 according to Glassdoor.
Why Become an Apprentice After Coding Bootcamp?
You should become an apprentice after your coding bootcamp because you can gain work experience and start getting paid. Web development apprenticeships, as well as other programs, offer immense educational and career benefits that help novices and experts. Learn more of the benefits of apprenticeship after bootcamp graduation below.
You Will Get Paid While You Learn
The best part of becoming an apprentice is that you get paid to learn essential skills in your field. Depending on the company, you can earn anywhere between a five and a six-figure salary. Look up labor market information to get a better sense of the excellent benefits an apprenticeship can bring you.
You Will Jumpstart Your Career
An apprenticeship program provides recent bootcamp or college graduates an opportunity to launch their careers. It can be relatively challenging to land an entry-level or advanced position in a company without the experience and knowledge apprenticeships offer. A cyber security apprenticeship, for example, could help you get hands-on hacking experience.
You Will Have an Excellent Opportunity to Network
Becoming an apprentice offers an excellent opportunity for new workers to create connections in their industry. You’ll get a chance to brush shoulders with experts and beginners in your field, which can be very beneficial in the long run. Some schools even hire their apprentices after the program if they fit in well.
You Will Have a Less Stressful Experience
The transition from bootcamp or degree programs to the working world can be a demanding process. Most entry-level jobs can pose a huge challenge for recent graduates. You can use a coding bootcamp apprenticeship program to cushion the transition. You will learn job skills so you can feel more comfortable entering the workforce.
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You Could Easily Land a Full-Time Position
Most companies absorb their apprentices after the successful completion of their programs. Depending on the company in question, it may take one year or three months for you to land a full-time job. As long as you complete your apprenticeship program, you can often gain employment with the company.
How to Find an Apprenticeship After Your Bootcamp
Now more than ever, tech companies are seeking talent from non-traditional education pathways. This unconventional approach helps companies discover new skilled workers and train them to be successful full-time workers. Learn how to find a coding apprenticeship after a bootcamp with the tips below.
- Narrow down your list of apprenticeship programs. Create a list of possible coding bootcamp apprenticeship programs, then decide which ones are most suitable for you. You can determine this by checking the length, level of expertise required, and how much you’ll earn from the program. Keep in mind some apprenticeships are designed for particular niches. For example, there are many apprenticeships for women available, and some for graduate students.
- Establish the apprenticeship program requirements. Some apprenticeship programs take on applicants with a non-traditional educational background. However, some of the programs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree or work experience.
- Keep an eye on bridging organizations. If you don’t have the typical college bachelor’s or associate degree, you don’t need to miss out on opportunities. You can easily land an apprenticeship program once you graduate from a bootcamp or vocational school by attending a bridge organization program.
- Curate an appealing resume. You can design a resume that can easily land you an apprenticeship program, especially after attending a bridge organization program. You should also attach a portfolio to showcase your skills and experience in the particular industry.
- Find a company offering apprenticeship opportunities. Later in this guide, we touch on top tech companies that feature apprenticeship programs that help applicants break into tech. Find a company that matches your interests, skills, and career goals.
Bridge Organizations
Bridge organizations offer bootcamp graduates an opportunity to acquire real-world experience to help them apply for full-time jobs. The work experience helps develop their portfolios, which is crucial when applying for jobs. Learn more about which bridge organization can help you land an apprenticeship program below.
LaunchCode
LaunchCode is a non-profit organization that helps bridge the gap between apprenticeship programs and developers and data scientists. To apply, an apprentice must have completed one project and mastered one coding language. LaunchCode takes applicants through coding challenges and prepares them for job interviews.
Code Ingenious
This program relies on mentors to offer direction regarding apprenticeship training for bootcamp graduates. The entire program aims to help students improve the quality of their code, with an emphasis on JavaScript and UI. Students build applications using JavaScript, Node.js, and React.js to improve their portfolios.
Apprentice.io
Apprentice.io is a three-month program for intermediate practitioners looking to advance in their careers. The apprentices work in conjunction with mentors in specialized tracks to complete client projects. If the apprenticeship is successful, the apprentice lands a job at a new company or with one of Apprentice.io’s clients.
Detroit Labs
This three-month software engineering apprenticeship program doesn’t require any formal experience. In the program, you will go through classroom lessons and work in conjunction with developers. If you are in Detroit, upon successful completion, you will land a job in Detroit Labs.
Greater Sum
Greater Sum is a development company that takes on entry-level developers as apprentices to build real-world projects for potential and existing clients. The apprenticeship serves as a combination of learning opportunities and real-world work experience with a mentor. Often, the program is limited to computer science degree holders or bootcamp graduates.
How to Land an Apprenticeship in Tech
High-paying apprenticeships are easier to land than ever. Tech enthusiasts no longer need traditional degrees to gain the skills required for a career in this field. Tech apprenticeship programs are an ideal way for beginners and experts to learn real-world skills and earn a good salary.
High-Paying Apprenticeships: FAQ
No, you do not have to pay for an apprenticeship. Apprenticeship programs typically offer learners a salary. This salary varies according to the company and type of apprenticeship. Some of the highest-paying apprenticeships offer six-figure salaries.
What are the best companies for apprenticeships?
The best tech companies with apprenticeship programs are Twitter, Microsoft, and LinkedIn. These apprenticeships pay high salaries, provide excellent skills training, and give employees excellent employment opportunities at the end of their apprenticeship.
Are there remote tech apprenticeships?
Yes, there are paid remote apprenticeship programs available. Tech jobs such as product designers and web developers are popular remote tech apprenticeship options. Since the Covid-19 pandemic there has been an increase in remote jobs and opportunities to learn.
What jobs can you get after an apprenticeship?
Tech apprenticeship jobs are typically within the same field as the apprenticeship you take. However, if you learn coding skills during your apprenticeship, you will be able to apply for a variety of jobs.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
