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 it, we will discuss what a software engineer apprenticeship is, the different types available, and how much you can expect to earn as an apprentice.
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 makes it an excellent option for code newbies and career changers.
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 and give you more of an opportunity 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 allow organizations to train future employees on the unique ways their company approaches the discipline. Students learn the ins and outs of the industry in a real-world work environment.
The 13 Best Software Engineering Apprenticeship Jobs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects software developer jobs to grow by 25 percent by 2031, which is much faster than the national average. 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 remote software engineering apprenticeship for candidates interested in engineering and design. During the first part of the program, apprentices receive immersive training and feedback from General Assembly’s instructors. Successful candidates then move on to a technical engineering or design apprenticeship.
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 involves training from an experienced instructor, practical exercises, and then opportunities to code as part of a team. High-performing apprentices may be hired for a permanent position upon completion of the program.
Amazon Technical Apprenticeships
An Amazon software engineering apprenticeship, part of their Technical Apprenticeship Program, helps candidates successfully pivot into tech by providing them with valuable training. It is an excellent opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers and gain practical experience working in one of the world’s leading companies.
Google Software Engineering Apprenticeship
Google is the tech giant responsible for the Android operating system and, of course, the largest search engine in the world. The Google software engineering apprenticeship program helps people develop their skills working for a company that serves billions of clients every day. This program’s apprentices work with multiple teams in the Google family.
IBM New Collar Apprenticeships
An IBM software engineering apprenticeship allows candidates to strengthen their software skills with one of the most prominent names in tech. At the end of the program, apprentices receive a certificate and eligibility to apply for full-time roles at the company. As a testament to IBM’s high standards, only engineers with experience in languages such as JavaScript, Ruby, and C# can apply.
LinkedIn REACH Apprenticeship
LinkedIn’s REACH program is designed to find top talent by opening doors for anyone passionate about coding. Whereas most other apprenticeships we’ve listed last for up to a year, this program lasts for several. You can choose to work in a technical capacity on applications, site reliability, or artificial intelligence.
Lyft SWE Apprenticeship Program
The Lyft software engineering apprenticeship was created to help people break into tech, regardless of their educational background. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work alongside the company’s experienced tech staff, learn about emerging technologies, and actively participate in Lyft’s continuous growth.
Meta Apprenticeships
A Facebook, now Meta, software engineering apprenticeship offers a combination of full-time work plus a skills development program. It is geared toward candidates interested in engineering and IT support. Upon acceptance, you will be assigned a mentor who will provide you with guidance and support. The apprenticeship takes place in London.
Microsoft Leap
Microsoft’s Leap Program includes apprenticeships for several positions, from user experience (UX) designer to data analyst and software engineer. At one of the multiple locations around the country, you’ll sharpen your software engineering skills by working with Microsoft products.
Spotify’s Technology Fellowship Program
Spotify’s Technology Fellowship Program takes place over the course of 18 weeks, during which apprentices will receive mentoring and professional guidance. This program targets candidates with unusual educational backgrounds, such as self-taught coders, bootcamp graduates, or graduates from community colleges.
Twilio Hatch Apprenticeship Program
Twilio’s Hatch program was created to provide software engineering training and opportunities to candidates regardless of their background. During the first part of the program, apprentices work together as a group. After that, they are paired up with mentors so they can receive more personalized training from an engineering manager.
Twitter Engineering Apprenticeship Program
The Twitter Engineering Apprenticeship Program hopes to attract talent with unconventional educational backgrounds or who come from underrepresented communities. It is a one-year program that offers full benefits. Apprentices are paired up with mentors and coaches and receive the technical training needed to build a successful tech career.
Uber Apprenticeship Program
Uber has an apprenticeship program designed specifically for software engineers that follow a non-traditional path. In this six-month program, developers get the opportunity to work at one of the largest companies in the United States. Apprentices have explored everything from driver document programs to developing incentives for Uber Eats partners.
Software Engineering Apprenticeship Salary
The average software engineering apprenticeship salary is $102,348, according to ZipRecruiter. Compared to many other types of apprenticeships, this is very high. Many apprenticeships last for a predetermined length of time while also paying the apprentice hourly.
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 at twice the national average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 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 work with their clients to design a personalized product, and software engineers mostly build the product. By becoming a software developer apprentice, you can learn the foundational skills you need to be a better engineer later on 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.
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.
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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?
Yes, a software engineering apprenticeship is worth it. 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 taste. Software engineers can work as data scientists, machine learning engineers, full stack developers, desktop developers, and more.
Are software engineering apprenticeships paid?
Yes, software engineering apprenticeships are paid. You can expect average pay in the beginning, but as these are entry-level positions, you can expect to earn more once the program is finished.
How can a software engineer prepare for an apprenticeship?
To prepare for a software engineer apprenticeship, you should spend some time learning to code, which you can do through online courses, bootcamps, or college. In addition, make sure to work on your soft skills, including communication, time management, and problem-solving.
How long does it take to get hired as a software engineer apprentice at Amazon?
Currently, there is no information on how long it takes to get hired as a software engineer apprentice at Amazon on their site. However, you can expect the selection process to last a few weeks to a couple of months.
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