Apprenticeship programs are work opportunities designed to combine on-the-job training with technical knowledge. These programs are helpful for job-seeking graduates hoping to enter the workforce. Recent grads are encouraged to seek out apprenticeships because many industries in the United States and across the world still use them to train workers.
International Business Machines, also known as IBM, is an American tech and IT consulting corporation that operates in over 170 countries worldwide. An IBM apprenticeship is a great way to transition into tech or advance your career. The following article covers everything you need to know about IBM apprenticeship programs, including job titles and corresponding salaries.
Does IBM Do Apprenticeships?
Yes. IBM apprenticeship programs are meant to help candidates realize their career potential, especially for those without degrees or advanced education. It presents an ideal opportunity for apprentices to acquire valuable hands-on experience while getting paid.
IBM offers different apprenticeship opportunities for candidates around the world. These opportunities prepare workers to land full-time jobs with IBM or with a similar company later on. They’re also a great way to learn about IBM’s company culture and build a passion for technology while reaching your career goals.
How Long Do IBM Apprenticeships Last?
IBM apprenticeships last about three years. However, programs vary in duration. Once these opportunities come to an end, apprentices may receive an offer to continue working with IBM or look for opportunities with other companies. Many talented individuals start at IBM and go to even bigger companies like Microsoft and Meta.
IBM Apprenticeship Salary
IBM apprenticeship program salaries vary by job and location. For instance, the IBM UK School Leaver program offers salaries starting at £18,000, or about $20,300. Glassdoor reports that the average IBM apprenticeship salary in the US is $88,518. Glassdoor claims that these figures factored in other important attributes, including bonuses and benefit packages.
IBM is known to offer competitive benefit programs even to its apprentices. Reviews by both former and current apprentices show that IBM offers multiple health insurance and 401(k) plans to candidates who’ve spent at least a year with IBM. Consult the admissions team for your region’s apprenticeship program to see which salaries and benefits apply to you.
Does IBM Do Internships?
Yes, IBM internship programs are available for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students all over the world. Most IBM internships are in technical fields like data science, UX/UI design, and web development. However, IBM also has business-related internship programs in finance, HR, marketing, and communications.
How Long Do IBM Internships Last?
Most IBM internships last about three to six months. Most of these opportunities are available during the summer as most students go on breaks during this period. As a result, such internships will run for 12 weeks during the summer break.
IBM Internship Salary
According to reports by current and former interns on Glassdoor, a typical IBM internship salary is about $66,233 per year. This figure also takes into account bonuses and other forms of compensation.
IBM Apprenticeships and Internship Programs for 2023
All apprenticeships at IBM are about learning new skills. These apprenticeships give opportunities to people from all backgrounds, including blue-collar professionals who might not have advanced degrees, to work in positions requiring technical skills.
IBM apprenticeships also present candidates with a training program that enables them to advance their careers in the long term. These work-based development programs include mentorship lessons that combine hands-on training and comprehensive learning to give a one-of-a-kind experience.
Students have varied career paths after completing high school. Some might choose to advance their studies at a university, while some might prefer going straight into the industry to start working and earning. Some students might find it challenging to make a decision immediately after graduating.
IBM apprenticeship programs are an opportunity for high school graduates who are still undecided or want to start working immediately. There are roles in software engineering, test engineering, junior management consultancy, junior technical consultancy, and technology sales.
IBM New Collar Apprenticeships
IBM apprenticeship programs in the US are designed to give people who don’t have an advanced degree the opportunity to work in tech. IBM wants apprentices to focus on core values like problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and adaptability. The focus is on making jobs at IBM accessible and the main requirement is a willingness to learn.
Systems Support Apprenticeship
As a systems support apprentice, you will work under a group of experienced engineers and mentors. Work at IBM mainly revolves around building, designing, coding, consulting, inventing, working with clients, and developing markets. In this position, you will have the chance to learn all of the above using the latest tools and technologies.
This IBM apprenticeship position is available to those based in North Carolina. IBM offers this program at Research Triangle Park. Students are required to have a high school diploma or GED.
IBM Z Systems Support Apprenticeship (IBM zSSA)
A zSSA apprenticeship is essentially a computer support specialist position. You will handle live and electronic custom calls while providing solutions to common and advanced software problems on related platforms. You will improve your strength to listen to customer discussions while interacting professionally and courteously.
This program is based in Poughkeepsie, New York. Candidates are required to have a high school diploma or GED. This is a full-time position with the possibility of a long-term extension. You can start a limitless career path with this internship.
Data Science Internship
As a junior data scientist, you will work under experienced business developers to solve business-related problems using IBM’s data-driven techniques. You will also utilize scientific methods in various business scenarios, prepare data for machine learning modeling, work with analytical algorithms to explain data, and translate data insights into business value.
Throughout the entire IBM data scientist internship, you’ll work under seasoned experts in a collaborative environment. These professionals will teach you advanced probability, linear algebra, statistics, data modeling, machine learning, and data preparation. You’ll also learn programming languages such as Python, Spark, and Hadoop while working on your presentation and communication skills.
This program is based in North Carolina, New York, Texas, and California. Students applying for the IBM data scientist internship program are required to have a high school diploma or GED.
Software Engineering Apprenticeship
This IBM software engineer apprenticeship program equips candidates with a deeper understanding of programming concepts. This program runs for approximately 12 months. During this period, you’ll use the latest tools in software development as you work with some of the best software developers in the industry.
IBM’s software engineer apprenticeship program is based in Buffalo, New York. Interested candidates are required to have a high school diploma or GED. This is also a full-time employment opportunity.
How to Prepare for an IBM Apprenticeship
Developing your technical skills is the best way to increase your odds of success when applying for or working in an IBM apprenticeship. Below are some of the best ways to prepare for an IBM apprenticeship.
Coding Bootcamp
Bootcamps are immersive and fast-paced programs that equip students with technical skills related to coding or programming. Most of IBM’s apprenticeship positions require students to have basic computer coding skills, which can be acquired by attending a bootcamp.
One main advantage of attending a top coding bootcamp is that you can become proficient in programming languages in a matter of weeks. You can learn in-demand programming languages such as Python and JavaScript. The certificate you’ll earn upon completion will help you stand out when applying for apprenticeships at companies like IBM.
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Online Course
Online courses are short programs designed to train students on a specific topic. As IBM has numerous technical internships and apprenticeships, you can take an online course on a related topic to get you up to speed. Massive open online course (MOOC) platforms like Coursera are great if you are on a budget since many courses are free.
Degree Program
A degree program is perhaps the best option to consider when gearing up for an IBM apprenticeship or internship. Most of IBM’s programs are designed for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD students. If you want to secure a tech apprenticeship at IBM, your best and most comprehensive option is probably a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.
Trade School
Trade schools offer postsecondary education for students looking to acquire skills for a specific job. While trade schools are not colleges, attending one could help you out in the search for an apprenticeship. After all, IBM is constantly looking for candidates who can bring a strong work ethic to the organization.
How to Apply to an IBM Apprenticeship
The IBM apprenticeship application process is fairly straightforward. Interested candidates can search for the job they want on IBM’s website, then fill out the application, following the instructions listed on the web page. You should check how your skills, education, and experiences fit with the related jobs.
However, you could increase your chances of getting an IBM apprenticeship by increasing your level of education and experience to match the job requirements. IBM is constantly looking for highly motivated and passionate individuals to work as apprentices, so you should prepare for a potential interview by figuring out how you would display these qualities.
How to Apply to an IBM Internship
Start by searching for your desired internship on IBM’s official careers website. Remember to filter out jobs that do not match your location. After selecting your job of interest, the website will prompt you to complete your IBM internship application online by filling out details including your name, preferred language, area of interest, and relevant skills.
You’ll also upload your resume and join IBM’s Talent Network if you hope to apply for an IBM internship. You should take all the resume tips you can get because this document will make or break your application.
Is an IBM Apprenticeship or Internship Worth It?
Yes, either an IBM apprenticeship or an IBM internship are worth it once you consider the education, training, and compensation involved. IBM cyber security apprenticeships equip candidates with education and valuable experiences, which have helped thousands of people develop their careers. Candidates also get to earn competitive salaries and, in some cases, benefits and bonuses.
If you are trying to decide between an IBM apprenticeship vs an internship, remember that either program will help you develop your technical skills and prepare for a successful career. There might be a wider range of internship roles available, and most last for only a few months, while apprenticeship programs last for a full year.
IBM Apprenticeship FAQ
Yes, IBM apprenticeships are paid. However, the salaries vary by program and location. Reports from Glassdoor show that IBM apprentices can make anywhere between $37,000 to $55,000.
How do I qualify for an IBM apprenticeship or internship?
For some IBM apprenticeships and internships, all you need is a high school diploma or GED. Others are designed for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD students. Additionally, most technical apprenticeships require knowledge of at least one programming language.
How hard is it to get into the IBM apprenticeship program?
It can be very hard to get into the IBM apprenticeship program because there are a limited number of positions available and they can lead to very successful careers. Even though these are entry-level positions that often don’t require extensive background knowledge, you will have to prove that you are committed to working hard and being a productive member of the team.
Does IBM offer pre-apprenticeship programs?
No, there is no IBM pre-apprenticeship program. Because the positions are designed for students without a degree or previous experience, you will be trained on the job. IBM does have courses available on platforms like Coursera and Skillsbuild for students or potential applicants eager to pick up new skills.
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