All information about programs, job growth, and salary throughout this article was accessed online in September 2025. All information is accurate as of September 2025, but is subject to change.
There are many ways to learn software engineering skills. You can earn a degree in computer science, attend a bootcamp, or even find free online courses to grow your software development toolkit. A software engineering apprenticeship is another great way to gain experience while earning a salary.
If you’re interested in participating in a software engineering apprenticeship program and building a successful career in tech, this guide is for you. In this discussion, we will explore what a software engineer apprenticeship entails, the various types available, and the expected earnings for apprentices.
What Is a Software Engineering Apprenticeship?
A software engineering apprenticeship is a kind of IT apprenticeship where employers train potential employees with a mixture of coursework and hands-on work experience. After an apprentice completes the program, the company offering the apprenticeship often hires them immediately. This can be a good option for code newbies and career changers, though outcomes vary by individual, and employment is not guaranteed.
Many apprenticeships are paid or sponsored by employers, which makes them a better choice than internships. Internships are often unpaid and less intensive. Apprenticeships are longer, providing you with more opportunities to learn what you need to know.
What Does a Software Engineering Apprentice Do?
Software engineering apprentices get trained by more experienced software engineers while still having important responsibilities of their own. Apprenticeships enable organizations to train future employees in the unique approaches their company takes to the discipline. Students learn the ins and outs of the industry in a real-world work environment.
12 Popular Software Engineering Apprenticeships
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers will grow by 17 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the national average.¹ With a growing need for software engineers and developers, many of the largest companies on the planet have taken to training their own apprentices. Read below to learn more about these top software engineering apprenticeships.
Adobe Digital Academy
The Adobe Digital Academy, in partnership with General Assembly, offers this stipend-supported software engineering apprenticeship for candidates interested in engineering and design. Apprentices first complete immersive training with General Assembly instructors and then move on to a three-month apprenticeship at Adobe. Successful candidates may be offered a full-time role at the company.²
Airbnb Connect Software Engineering Apprenticeship
The Airbnb Connect Software Engineering Apprenticeship provides candidates with a clear path to entry-level positions. It is geared towards candidates with non-traditional technical backgrounds. The program lasts about six months and involves training, practical exercises, and opportunities to code as part of a team. High-performing apprentices may be hired for a permanent position upon completion.³
Amazon Technical Apprenticeships
An Amazon software engineering apprenticeship, part of their broader Technical Apprenticeship Program, helps candidates pivot into tech by combining classroom instruction with up to 12 months of on-the-job experience. Apprentices work alongside experienced engineers across Amazon and AWS teams, with specific tracks available for veterans, career changers, and internal employees.⁴
Google Software Engineering Apprenticeship
Google’s software engineering apprenticeship program offers a paid “work-and-study” model that lasts between 12 and 20 months, depending on the region. Apprentices gain practical skills while contributing to real Google projects and earn credentials recognized by the US Department of Labor. Cohorts are posted regularly on the Google Apprenticeships portal.⁵
IBM New Collar Apprenticeships
An IBM software engineering apprenticeship allows candidates to strengthen their technical skills while earning industry-recognized digital credentials. The program is skills-first and does not require a degree. Apprentices gain experience across varied roles and technology stacks, and successful participants often move into full-time positions.⁶
LinkedIn REACH Apprenticeship
LinkedIn’s REACH program is a multi-year apprenticeship designed to open doors for people passionate about coding. Apprentices work full-time while dedicating about 20 percent of their time to structured learning. Programs last one to five years and span areas including backend engineering, site reliability, and artificial intelligence. The September 2025 cohort is closed, with the next cycle expected later in 2025.⁷
Lyft SWE Apprenticeship Program
Lyft has historically offered a software engineering apprenticeship to help people break into tech, regardless of their educational background. Successful candidates gained hands-on experience with Lyft’s engineering teams. Program availability varies from year to year, so applicants should check Lyft’s Early Talent page for current openings.⁸
Meta Apprenticeships
Meta has offered 18-month apprenticeships in London for software engineering and IT support roles, often in partnership with training providers. These combine full-time work with mentorship and formal skills training. Availability may vary by cohort, so candidates should monitor Meta Careers for updates.⁹
Microsoft Leap
Microsoft’s Leap Program is a 16-week apprenticeship that includes both classroom learning and hands-on engineering projects on Microsoft teams such as Azure, Xbox, Bing, and Office. Apprentices gain real-world experience and mentorship, with applications opening for specific cohorts throughout the year.¹⁰
Spotify’s Technology Fellowship Program
Spotify’s Technology Fellowship Program is an 18-week fellowship that provides mentoring and professional development. It is aimed at candidates with unconventional educational backgrounds, such as self-taught coders, bootcamp graduates, or community college students. Cohorts are not guaranteed annually, so applicants should check the official program page for current cycles.¹¹
Twilio Hatch Apprenticeship Program
Twilio’s Hatch program is a six-month software engineering apprenticeship for candidates from non-traditional backgrounds. Apprentices start with group-based training and then receive one-on-one mentorship from engineering managers. Cohorts are not continuous, so applicants should review Twilio Careers for current availability.¹²
Uber Apprenticeship Program
Uber has offered six-month software engineering and data science apprenticeships in the past, in addition to its UberSTAR early talent internship program. Apprenticeships may not run every year, so prospective applicants should monitor Uber’s University and Early Career Programs page for updates.¹³
Software Engineering Apprenticeship Salary
The average software engineering apprenticeship salary is significantly higher than most other apprenticeship pathways. According to ZipRecruiter, software engineer apprenticeships average about $147,500 per year.14 Glassdoor reports a comparable figure, with base salaries averaging around $114,600 per year and total compensation reaching about $149,200.15 Salary.com places the figure lower, at approximately $63,700 per year, reflecting the wide variation in apprenticeship structures and pay scales.16 Regardless of the source, these numbers show that software engineering apprenticeships pay well above many other types of apprenticeships, which typically offer hourly wages during a fixed training period.
How to Get a Software Engineering Apprenticeship
In order to get a software engineering apprenticeship, you’ll need to have some previous experience in software, whether through colleges or coding bootcamps. Besides experience, you also need soft skills like strong communication and analytical skills to work with most software engineering teams.
- Learn to code. Most apprenticeship opportunities require you to have some previous experience coding. You can use free online resources, take courses, or enroll in a coding bootcamp to learn the foundational skills you will need.
- Build a portfolio. Make sure to put together a portfolio with projects that showcase your skills and talents. There’s no need for them to be paid projects; just ensure you put your skills to practice and demonstrate what you’re capable of.
- Research apprenticeship opportunities. Take your time and do some research to find the right opportunity. Make sure that you select a program that aligns with your short and long-term career goals.
- Network in the field. As you learn and conduct research, make sure to network and connect with a community of engineers, which might open doors for you during your search.
- Write a strong resume and cover letter. Once you find the program you want to apply to, make sure to spend time putting together a strong resume and writing an effective cover letter to help you stand out from the competition.
Types of Software Engineering Apprenticeships
The right apprenticeship will help you grow in a field you’re interested in while also forming networks within the industry. You’ve got quite a few options to choose from, so make sure you choose a department you wouldn’t mind working in. Below are a few types of apprenticeships that are common in software engineering.
Web Developer
Web developers build and maintain websites and web apps that people rely on for entertainment, education, shopping, and more. The web development industry is expected to grow by seven percent between 2024 and 2034, which is much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).17 This means it’s a great field to enter if you’re just starting out.
Mobile App Developer
Mobile app developers create and maintain apps for Android and Apple devices to help users access their information or entertainment from anywhere. Apps are usually developed in Java, Kotlin, or Swift, so you’ll be able to learn mobile app development for use on other platforms.
Software Developer
Software developers collaborate with their clients to design a personalized product, while software engineers primarily focus on building it. By becoming a software developer apprentice, you can acquire the foundational skills necessary to become a more effective engineer later in your career. This is the best place to start if you want to become a software engineer.
Cloud Engineer
Cloud engineers perform a variety of roles, but most involve some form of building or maintaining an organization’s cloud infrastructure. By learning a variety of software systems during an apprenticeship, you’ll be ready to maintain this important part of modern company operations.
Full-Stack Developer
Full-stack developers work across both the front end and back end of software applications. Apprentices in this role gain experience in building user interfaces, designing APIs, and managing databases. This track is ideal for those who want to develop a versatile skill set and contribute to multiple layers of a project.
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DevOps / Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
DevOps and SRE apprentices learn how to build reliable, scalable systems by focusing on automation and continuous integration. These apprenticeships teach skills in monitoring, deployment, and maintaining production systems, making them a good choice if you’re interested in infrastructure and system performance.
Backend Developer / API Engineer
Backend developer apprentices focus on server-side programming and database management. They build and optimize APIs, create data models, and ensure application performance. This type of apprenticeship is a good fit if you prefer working behind the scenes to make sure applications run smoothly.
QA / Test Automation Engineer
Quality assurance apprenticeships prepare you to ensure that software works as intended. Apprentices learn automated testing frameworks, write test cases, and debug applications. This role is ideal for detail-oriented individuals who want to ensure reliability and usability before software is released.
Data Engineer
Data engineer apprentices learn how to design and maintain data pipelines. These roles focus on extracting, transforming, and loading (ETL) large amounts of data to make it useful for analytics or machine learning applications. It’s a good pathway if you’re interested in working with big data and supporting data-driven decisions.
AI / Machine Learning Engineer
AI and machine learning apprentices focus on developing and deploying models that help software make predictions and decisions. Apprentices in this area learn how to train models, manage data sets, and integrate AI into applications. This track is a strong fit if you want to be at the forefront of emerging technology.
How to Get a Software Engineering Apprenticeship
You can get an apprenticeship in many different ways. However, the main quality that employers look for is a passion for coding and a commitment to their needs. You will need to get some basic competency in a programming language of your choice, and below are some ways to do so.
Bootcamps
The best coding bootcamps allow students to study software engineering in an in-person or remote setting. Many of them focus on full-stack software engineering using JavaScript and React, but there are plenty of options that also cover Python, Ruby, and C#. Some bootcamps will even allow enrollment right after high school.
Internships
An internship is slightly different from an apprenticeship. Internships are usually offered through a partnership with a company and a college or university. In an internship, students gain college credit while gaining on-the-job experience, and apprenticeships are usually organized by companies to train entry-level employees.
Trade Schools
Though trade schools are traditionally associated with careers in construction and auto repair, many trade schools now offer software engineering programs. These programs tend to be more in-depth than your average coding bootcamp, sometimes lasting for a year or more.
Vocational Training
Many companies with apprenticeship programs also offer courses that can train you in the basics of software engineering. As several of these courses provide certificates and certification vouchers, they can hold weight with the sponsoring company during the apprenticeship application process.
Is a Software Engineering Apprenticeship Worth It?
Many learners find software engineering apprenticeships worthwhile. Apprenticeships provide a unique opportunity for entry-level engineers to learn from experts in their field. They also receive this instruction while making a respectable income. If you want to become a software engineer, an apprenticeship is the best place to start.
Software Engineering Apprenticeship FAQ
The best field for you depends on your goals and your interests. Apprenticeships exist in areas such as full-stack development, mobile and desktop development, data engineering, cloud engineering, DevOps/SRE, QA/test automation, and artificial intelligence or machine learning.
Are software engineering apprenticeships paid?
Yes. Software engineering apprenticeships are paid positions. Salaries vary widely by program and location, ranging from around $64,000 to $150,000 per year.14,15,16 Many apprentices earn more once they transition into full-time roles.
How can a software engineer prepare for an apprenticeship?
To prepare, start learning programming languages such as Python, Java, and JavaScript, and become familiar with SQL, Git/GitHub, and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure. You can do this through online courses, bootcamps, or college. Also, strengthen your soft skills—communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving.
How long does it take to get hired as a software engineer apprentice at Amazon?
Amazon’s apprenticeship programs open in cycles. The hiring process usually takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the specific role and cohort.⁴
Sources
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
- https://adobe-digital-academy.github.io/
- https://careers.airbnb.com/students/airbnb-connect/
- https://amazon.jobs/content/en/technical-apprenticeships
- https://buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com/apprenticeships
- https://www.ibm.com/careers/us-en/early-career/apprenticeships/
- https://careers.linkedin.com/reach
- https://careers.lyft.com/early-talent
- https://www.metacareers.com/careerprograms/apprentice
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/leap/
- https://www.lifeatspotify.com/early-career/technology-fellowship-program
- https://www.twilio.com/blog/hatch-apprenticeship-program
- https://www.uber.com/us/en/careers/teams/university/
- https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Software-Developer-Apprenticeship-Salary
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/software-engineering-apprenticeship-salary-SRCH_KO0%2C35.htm
- https://www.salary.com/research/salary/hiring/software-engineer-apprentice-salary
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm
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