Coding Apprenticeship Programs: Benefits and Salary

Key Takeaways

• Coding apprenticeship programs offer paid, hands-on experience with top tech employers like Google, Microsoft, and IBM.
• Apprenticeships provide a direct career path into software engineering, data science, and other high-demand tech fields.
• Many tech apprenticeship programs welcome candidates from non-traditional tech backgrounds, including coding bootcamp graduates.
• Apprenticeship programs often lead to full-time roles, offering mentorship, technical training, and real-world work experience.
• Salaries for software developer and data science apprentices are competitive, with many programs paying rates similar to entry-level tech jobs.

Traditionally associated with skilled trades, apprenticeships have long been a cornerstone of hands-on job training. Today, the tech industry has embraced this model, offering coding apprenticeship programs that provide aspiring software developers and data scientists with real-world experience while earning a salary. These programs are particularly beneficial for recent coding bootcamp graduates, college alumni, self-taught programmers, and those transitioning into tech from other fields.

This article delves into the types and benefits of tech apprenticeship programs, highlights leading companies offering these opportunities, and provides guidance on how to secure a coding apprenticeship.

Types of Coding Apprenticeships

Tech apprenticeship programs come in many different forms. They are typically paid opportunities that are designed to train you to become a full-fledged tech professional. Regardless of your field of choice, there’s most likely an apprenticeship opportunity available. Below are three of the most popular types of IT apprenticeships in the U.S.

Web Developer Apprenticeship

Ideal for those interested in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development, web developer apprenticeships offer hands-on experience in building and maintaining websites and web applications. Apprentices work alongside experienced developers, learning the nuances of the profession and accumulating experience to gear up for an entry-level web development job.

Software Developer Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships focus on developing software applications, ranging from desktop programs to mobile apps. Participants gain experience in coding, debugging, and collaborating within development teams, sometimes leading to full-time positions upon completion.

Data Science Apprenticeship

Data science apprenticeships are designed for individuals interested in data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling. Apprentices learn to manage databases, interpret complex datasets, and derive actionable insights, equipping them for roles in data-driven organizations.

Leading Companies Offering Coding Apprenticeship Programs

Coding apprenticeships are quite common in the tech industry. You can typically find opportunities such as web developer apprenticeships or programmer apprenticeship programs. While not all apprenticeships are paid, they can still offer valuable mentorship and work experience.

Novice professionals can benefit enormously from these on-the-job learning programs. Below are examples of large-company tech apprenticeship programs, along with details on their programs and how they can help you grow your professional skills.

Microsoft Leap Apprenticeship

• Duration: 16 weeks
• Structure: Combines in-class learning with hands-on engineering projects.
• Eligibility: Candidates must be authorized to work in the country of the cohort location.
• Focus Areas: Software engineering and cyber security.

The Microsoft Leap apprenticeship is a program structured much like a coding bootcamp. Students spend 16 weeks immersed in real-world projects, working on real products and collaborating with real teams at Microsoft to build key skills for high-paying tech careers. Microsoft’s apprenticeship program currently offers two U.S.-based opportunities: Cyber Security Engineer and Software Engineer. These are both unique, excellent learning opportunities that offer the possibility of getting a foot in the door with a large tech company.

Google Apprenticeship Programs

• Duration: 18 months
• Structure: A blend of on-the-job training and related technical instruction, with apprentices dedicating 40 hours per week.
• Focus Areas: Data analytics and information technology.

Google is known to offer some of the best apprenticeship programs in the tech industry. Google apprentices get a chance to train on the job with experienced mentors while also receiving area-focused training. A Google apprentice’s salary and program duration vary based on location and career track.

LinkedIn REACH Program

• Duration: 1 to 5 years
• Structure: Full-time employment with 20% of time dedicated to self-development.
• Focus Areas: Backend engineering and artificial intelligence/machine learning engineer.

LinkedIn offers two technical apprenticeship programs designed for people from non-traditional backgrounds. LinkedIn’s REACH apprenticeship is extensive, lasting anywhere between one and five years. Employees progress through several levels of apprenticeships, each of which allocates them adequate time to explore personal and technical skill development training. The application process involves an essay, a take-home project, and a virtual interview.

AT&T Technology Development Program

• Duration: Up to 2 years
• Structure: Rotational program providing experience in various tech roles.
• Focus Areas: Software engineering, data analytics, network engineering, and more.

AT&T’s technology development program is designed to equip STEM degree holders with the right skillsets to explore a career in software engineering, technical business management, network engineering and operations, data analytics, or DevOps engineering. Depending on your track, the training can take between 24 and 36 months.

Pinterest Apprenticeship Program

• Duration: Up to 12 months
• Structure: Hands-on experience in engineering, product management, design, and research, with potential for full-time conversion.
• Focus Areas: Engineering and more.

Pinterest offers four apprenticeship programs that focus on two key areas in tech: engineering and products. Each Pinterest apprenticeship takes up to one year, during which apprentices will work on high-impact projects at the company. You will also be assigned a mentor who will guide you during the training period. Pinterest is committed to supporting individual growth and promoting diversity within its apprenticeship program. As such, the company welcomes all job seekers from non-traditional backgrounds, especially those identifying as minorities in tech.

Accenture Apprenticeship Program

• Duration: 12 to 24 months
• Structure: Full-time, salaried positions offering mentorship, formal training, and on-the-job experience.
• Focus Areas: Technology, consulting, operations, and more.

Accenture’s year-long apprenticeship is suitable for applicants without a college degree. The company only requires a high school diploma or equivalent. During the apprenticeship, professionals receive on-the-job training, mentorship, formal training, and coaching opportunities to help them excel in various tech positions.

IBM Apprenticeship Program

• Duration: 12 months
• Structure: Combines technical courses with practical training across emerging tech fields.
• Focus Areas: Cyber security, data science, software development, and more.

The IBM Apprenticeship Program is a skills-based pathway that allows non-degree holders to leverage their existing technical knowledge and develop the professional skills required to break into tech. As of now, the company offers 25 apprenticeship positions across emerging tech fields, including cyber security, data science, and software development. IBM apprentices can expect to complete technical courses and practical training over 12 months. After that, they can apply for full-time employment at IBM.

Amazon Technical Apprenticeship

• Duration: Up to 12 months
• Structure: Dedicated to veterans and their families, offering pathways in AWS-related roles.
• Focus Areas: Cloud consulting, solutions architecture, technical sales, and more.

Unlike others on this list, Amazon’s Technical Apprenticeship is specially dedicated to veterans and their families. There are seven pathways, all related to Amazon Web Services (AWS), which include cloud consultant, technical salesperson, solutions architect, and more. After completing a desired track, apprentices undergo on-the-job training for up to a year to further refine their practical experience. Note that all apprentice roles at Amazon are paid positions.

How Much Can You Earn From a Coding Apprenticeship?

Coding apprenticeships can be a great way to earn good money while gaining valuable experience. Compensation for coding apprenticeships varies based on the company, location, and role. While specific figures fluctuate, apprentices can generally expect competitive salaries that reflect the value of their contributions and the cost of living in their respective areas. For instance, software engineering apprentices at major tech firms often receive salaries commensurate with entry-level positions, along with benefits such as healthcare, paid time off, and professional development resources.

Most apprenticeships for IT roles offer competitive pay compared to other entry-level roles. According to data from ZipRecruiter, as of June 2025, software developer apprentices earn an average of $111,845 per year. It also revealed that the top-paying states for this role in the U.S. are California, New York, and Michigan. Meanwhile, Glassdoor estimates that software developer apprentices earn up to $105,000 annually.

Note that overall earnings are influenced by a number of factors, including company, location, and academic performance. Another crucial aspect to look at is the area of tech that the apprenticeship is associated with. For example, data science apprentices make more money than their software developer counterparts, with an average salary of $106,396 per year.

Benefits of Coding Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a valuable step in the education process as they provide real-world experience that you won’t find in a classroom. Apprenticeships also facilitate the journey of embarking on your first tech job, making your transition smooth and seamless. Below are the top three benefits of a coding apprenticeship.

Real-World Experience

An apprenticeship offers on-the-job training. It exposes new programmers to real-world situations and provides an accurate glimpse into the realities of the career they’re building. An apprenticeship allows students to develop the critical thinking abilities required in a dynamic workplace, such as a tech company.

Mentorship

Apprentices work closely with experienced professionals who offer guidance, feedback, and support throughout the program.

Networking Opportunities

Engaging with teams and participating in company events helps apprentices build valuable professional networks.

Pathway to Employment

Many apprenticeships lead to full-time job offers, providing a seamless transition into the tech industry.

Ways to Find Coding Apprenticeships

One of the best ways to find tech training programs is by going straight to the source. You can make a short list of potential employers that you are interested in and visit their websites to see if they offer tech apprenticeship programs. Below are some other ways you can find software apprenticeships and other relevant opportunities.

City Internships

City Internships offers a unique on-the-job training opportunity through the Global Explorer and Global Accelerator programs. Students spend eight weeks immersed in an apprenticeship with a real company. Plus, students can access additional training opportunities through City Internships itself.

Apprenticeship.gov

Apprenticeship.gov is a popular online resource that you can use to find tech apprenticeship programs. It has a built-in tool that allows you to filter opportunities according to occupation, company name, location, and other important keywords. You can also sign up as a career seeker and browse apprenticeship opportunities that are registered with the US Department of Labor.

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Job Boards

You can look for apprenticeship opportunities on popular job boards such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed. These websites are actively used by thousands, if not millions, of employers for the purpose of recruitment. To ensure a successful search, it is recommended that you perform a targeted search using relevant keywords like software apprenticeships or programming apprenticeship programs.

How to Secure a Coding Apprenticeship

While not all companies have the same exact requirements, most ask that you complete an application, submit an essay and a resume, tackle a challenge, and attend an interview. After submitting your application, you may be invited to participate in an interview process to determine your eligibility for the apprenticeship cohort. Here are some ways you can secure a coding apprenticeship:

• Tailor Your Application: Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills, experiences, and your enthusiasm for the specific apprenticeship program.
• Prepare for Assessments: Some programs may require technical assessments or projects. Practice coding challenges and familiarize yourself with common interview questions.
• Leverage Your Network: Connect with alumni, mentors, or professionals in the industry who can provide insights or referrals.
• Stay Persistent: Competition can be fierce. If you don’t succeed initially, seek feedback, improve your skills, and reapply when opportunities arise.

If you do not hear from the company within a specified timeframe, it may mean you were not selected for the current cohort.

Coding Apprenticeships FAQ

Final Thoughts

Embarking on a coding apprenticeship is a strategic step toward a rewarding tech career. By gaining hands-on experience, building professional networks, and developing in-demand skills, apprentices position themselves for long-term success in the ever-evolving technology landscape.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your tech journey, consider exploring these apprenticeship programs and find the one that aligns with your career goals.