Information technology apprenticeships can help you develop your technical skills and eventually lead to plenty of rewarding career opportunities. Different companies and organizations offer apprenticeship programs in information technology to build exceptional talent. This is your chance to learn and train while also getting paid.
During an apprenticeship for IT, you will learn valuable skills and techniques that can help you land a job in the technology industry. A company may directly hire you once you prove yourself in its apprenticeship program. Any of the IT apprentice jobs detailed in this article are a good investment of your time and can provide a reliable foundation to build a promising career.
Key Takeaways
- Information technology apprenticeships provide hands-on training and valuable experience working closely with industry professionals.
- IT apprentices gain practical skills, enhanced employability, and opportunities for professional growth and networking.
- Average salaries for IT apprenticeships range from $29,000 to $59,000 per year.
- Prerequisites for IT apprenticeships may include a background in IT, programming knowledge, or a bachelor’s degree.
- Qualifying for an information technology apprenticeship can be achieved through bootcamps, internships, trade schools, or vocational training.
- Tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta (formerly Facebook) offer IT apprentice roles.
- IT apprenticeship jobs include IT technician, web developer, software developer, computer programmer, and database administrator.
What Is an Information Technology Apprenticeship?
An information technology apprenticeship is a program focused on hands-on training that eventually gives you a chance to qualify for a higher role. You might learn about programming, communications, networking, or software development.
Regardless of your field of study, IT apprenticeship programs will provide valuable experience that closely resembles what real work will be like. You will likely work closely with professionals in the field and learn the processes and expectations required for a role with a specific company.
What Does an Information Technology Apprentice Do?
Information technology is a broad discipline and you have the choice to follow your own specialization based on your IT skills. You will likely be working with programming languages or developing software systems with a team. Since you’ll be an apprentice, you will be mostly following a mentor and making sure that you deliver on your required tasks.
7 Best Information Technology Apprenticeship Jobs in 2023
Popular tech companies all over the country offer IT apprenticeship jobs and internships that provide intensive job training to upgrade their talent pipeline. The US Department of Labor recognizes some of these programs as providing much-needed training for tech professionals. Once you complete your apprenticeship, you will be qualified for bigger roles.
1. Amazon Technical Apprenticeships
Amazon offers information technology apprenticeships for members of the military and veterans. If you started learning IT during your service, then you may continue learning at Amazon. This apprenticeship is paid and you will learn from industry experts on your way to earning a certificate.
Some of the roles that you may explore are associate cloud consultant, cloud support associate, solutions architect, and software development engineer. The length of the program depends on your chosen path, but the typical range is between 10 to 14 weeks. Once you complete your apprenticeship, you have a chance to be directly hired by Amazon or another big tech company.
More than 700 individuals have completed this program and 90 percent of those who start the program finish it. You may use your GI Bill to cover the program’s cost or apply for available scholarships.
2. AT&T Edge Internship Program
The AT&T Edge internship program is designed for undergraduate students hoping to learn more about the industry and solidify their career goals. During this internship, students can specialize in technology, sales, finance, marketing, or corporate leadership.
Technology interns are creative and analytical thinkers ready to innovate. Some topics covered include software-defined networking, automation, and cloud computing. This is a paid internship, with students earning between $39,800 and $59,600 yearly, depending on their location, education, and experience.
3. CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech
CompTIA offers its IT apprenticeship programs for employers, educators, and training providers. Its programs are a combination of classroom education and hands-on training for different information technology skills. Moreover, you will earn certification from CompTIA, which is responsible for some of the best IT certifications in the industry.
The CompTIA apprenticeship program is conducted in partnership with Maher & Maher, with support from the US Department of Labor. Its curriculum is focused on developing your skills for entry-level positions, such as network or tech support specialist, tech project coordinator, or cyber security support technician.
Other than a direct apprenticeship program, there are also other apprenticeship options at CompTIA. If you represent a business, you can select an option to upskill your entire workforce. The other option is for training providers and educators who want to receive certification to qualify to teach IT as a profession.
4. Google Build Your Future Apprenticeship
Google offers a variety of apprenticeship tracks, including data analytics, digital marketing, information technology, project management, software engineering, and UX design. Each track begins with a three-week onboarding process followed by a six-week bootcamp. You can check the company’s website to learn about its current openings.
The Information Technology Apprenticeship lasts 12 months. Eighty percent of your time will be spent gaining hands-on experience working with Google teams and 20 percent will be dedicated to technical instruction. According to Glassdoor, the average Google IT apprenticeship salary is $76,262.
5. IBM Software Engineer Apprentice
IBM is a leading tech company that offers an apprenticeship program for software engineers and software developers without a four-year degree. You will learn coding and design in the context of a real-world work environment. This is a rigorous IT apprenticeship that will strengthen your ability to provide tech solutions in a variety of roles.
This is a 12-month apprenticeship program and is recognized by the US Department of Labor. Like other apprenticeships, your day-to-day life will be filled with learning sessions and on-the-job training to develop your skills. Once you complete the program, you will receive a certification that is nationally recognized.
Before applying for this program, make sure that you are confident in coding with JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or C#. You will be working with a team of professional engineers on a daily basis and your development is designed to strengthen your technical and professional skills.
6. Meta Apprenticeships
Meta, previously Facebook, has an apprenticeship program in the UK for those looking for an alternative to traditional university education. The three tracks available include software engineering, IT support, and data science.
The apprenticeship lasts 18 months, during which you will gain formal technical training and work full-time on real-world projects. All apprentices are paired with a mentor and manager to provide support. If you complete the program successfully, you will be considered for full-time employment.
7. Microsoft Leap Apprenticeship Program
The Microsoft Leap Apprenticeship Program offers intensive training to help make you an expert in the tech industry. The program runs for 16 weeks and focuses on digital engineering projects. These projects are typically connected to Microsoft products like Azure, Office 365, Bing, and Xbox.
The target of these IT apprenticeship jobs are candidates who have extensive professional experience, especially those interested in Microsoft products. You need to select your pathway before applying to the program. Some of the pathways include Business Program Manager, Cybersecurity Engineer, Data Analyst, Software Engineer, or User Experience Design.
There are different prerequisites depending on your chosen pathway. For instance, a software engineer track requires you to have a background in building software, front end development, and testing programs. Make sure to check out the requirements before applying.
Remote IT Apprenticeships
Remote IT apprenticeships are uncommon because apprenticeship programs prioritize on-the-job training, which can be more difficult when students can’t interact with their trainers face-to-face or observe them in the workplace. Most major tech companies that offer apprenticeships require that you be able to participate in person.
Types of Information Technology Apprenticeships
Different information technology apprenticeships focus on different skills. Depending on the job you choose, you may work in information technology, computer science, web development, software engineering, or database management. The job and duties of an IT apprentice are similar to a professional career in tech.
IT Technician
An IT technician apprenticeship will focus on the skills you need to support, update, and troubleshoot hardware and software systems for a company. This involves a detailed understanding of Internet applications and networks, as you will be tasked with solving a wide range of tech issues when they occur. IT support apprenticeships and IT solutions apprenticeships will also prepare you to work in this field.
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Web Developer
A web developer works on websites and applications and ensures that they look good and function well. You need to have extensive knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to succeed in this role. You’ll also need to understand the basics of UX/UI design. If you are a digital designer, you need to design and create graphics for your website in different types of media.
Software Developer
A software developer builds and maintains programs and applications for computers and mobile devices. Your goal is to ensure the smooth functionality of programs and provide solutions when errors occur. You may also need to conduct procedures like penetration testing to prepare for potential security problems.
Computer Programmer
A computer programmer primarily works on writing and testing the code for multiple applications and programs. You must conduct updates when needed and make sure that your code is error-free. Apprenticeships for IT that cover popular programming languages like Java, C++, or Python can prepare you for this role.
Database Administrator
A database administrator works on making sure that data is organized, secured, and properly stored. You need to build a reliable database that will ensure that none of the information will be lost or used without permission. In case of data loss, it is also your responsibility to find a way to restore the lost data. Many IT apprentice jobs provide skills that are directly applicable to work in this field.
Information Technology Apprenticeship Salary
According to ZipRecruiter, an information technology apprentice makes an average of $41,548 per year. The same report shows that the salary range for IT apprentices is between $29,000 and $59,000. Once you have a few years of experience under your belt and land a full-time job, your salary will increase. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for computer and information technology jobs is $97,430.
Information Technology Apprenticeship Requirements
The main goal of an IT apprenticeship is to prepare you for a job in the field. Besides a willingness to dive into the industry, you typically need a background in information technology. It helps to have a basic understanding of different programming languages, such as Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Some IT apprenticeships may require you to have a bachelor’s degree. Some programs may ask that you already have experience working in IT because the curriculum is advanced, or because the program is intended for specific job levels within the field, such as a leadership or management role. Make sure to check the prerequisites of the program before applying.
How to Get an Information Technology Apprenticeship
The requirements for different apprenticeships vary depending on the company or educational institution offering them. Some of these organizations require a certain level of education or professional experience. The following programs may help you qualify for an IT apprenticeship.
Bootcamps
Join an information technology bootcamp if you want short-term but intensive training in the field. These bootcamps will teach you the essential tech skills that you will need to succeed in the IT field. A bootcamp program is also filled with hands-on training that will prepare you for work as an IT apprentice.
Internships
If you completed an internship as part of your college curriculum or bootcamp program, then you may qualify for an apprenticeship. An internship is typically carried out within a company where you receive technical instruction and acquire soft skills. If you are not yet ready for a professional IT job, you can use your internship as proof of your skills and get an apprenticeship for more training.
Trade Schools
Trade schools for information technology are also an acceptable step before an IT apprenticeship program. At a trade school, you will complete two to four years of study and receive intensive training to hone your technical skills. Some schools are partnered with companies to make it easier for students to join an apprenticeship after graduating.
Vocational Training
Vocational training focuses on a program of courses that will develop your skill for a specific job or craft. What makes it an ideal step to apprenticeship is that it is focused on providing you with direct training on how to be an expert with the skill to perform a particular function. IT programs are offered at a lot of vocational schools and may help you land an apprenticeship.
Is a Job With the Company Guaranteed After Completing an Apprenticeship?
No, a job with the company is not necessarily guaranteed after you complete an apprenticeship. Whether you are offered a full-time job will depend on what openings are available and your performance. However, if you work hard and dedicate yourself to learning, gaining employment at your company is very likely.
Apprenticeships train participants in the exact skills and techniques the company looks for in employees. This, along with the fact that you will already be familiar with the team and integrated into the company culture, makes you the ideal candidate.
Is an Information Technology Apprenticeship Worth It?
Yes, information technology apprenticeships are worth it. An IT apprenticeship is attractive to employers because it shows that you have already received on-the-job training. Since practical skills are essential to any IT job, having an IT apprenticeship on your resume gives you an advantage. This job experience gives your future employer confidence that you can do your job well.
It is also possible that the company where you apprenticed may hire you permanently if you perform well. Apprenticeships for IT offer more opportunities for you to grow your professional network and make you even more capable to excel at your job. They also give you the confidence to perform well once you start full-time employment.
Information Technology Apprenticeship FAQ
It can be difficult to get into the IBM apprenticeship program because opportunities are limited and in high demand. While you don’t need a college degree or experience in the field, you will need to prove that you are dedicated and passionate about reinventing your career.
According to Glassdoor, the average Google IT apprenticeship salary is $76,262. This includes base pay of $58,070 and $18,192 of additional pay, such as bonuses or stock options. Most Google apprentices make between $61,000 and $97,000.
In general, it takes one to two years to complete an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships tend to last longer than internships because they are more comprehensive. For example, IBM and Google apprenticeship programs both last 12 months.
Anyone with a basic understanding of information technology and a passion for working in the field can apply for an IT apprenticeship at companies like IBM or Meta. However, other apprenticeships for IT might require a relevant degree or experience with certain skills. The requirements depend entirely on the company or organization offering the apprenticeship.
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