Web development apprenticeships are a key component to becoming a web development specialist. They combine paid, on-the-job training with structured mentorship and let you practice and gain real-world skills while also earning a salary. Apprenticeships are a proven way to enter the tech industry without requiring years of prior experience, and they are great for people wanting to grow in the field, career changers, or those interested in exploring the industry. This guide explains what web development apprenticeships are, how they differ from internships and bootcamps, the jobs you can get, and the salaries you can expect in these roles.
Key Takeaways
- Web development apprenticeships are especially valuable for career changers, coding bootcamp graduates, and recent college students that have limited experience. They provide a paid pathway into the tech industry.
- Apprenticeships offer hands-on training, portfolio development, and mentorship while participants can simultaneously earn salaries.
- Apprenticeships differ from internships because they are paid, structured programs that typically last one to two years. They focus on skill mastery and will often lead to full-time roles and/or industry-recognized credentials.
- Types of web development apprenticeships can include web application developer, full stack developer, front end developer, backend developer, and web-based game developer roles.
- According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, web developers earn a median annual salary of $84,960 nationally.1
What Is a Web Developer Apprenticeship?
A web development apprenticeship is a type of paid, structured training program that allows aspiring and/or early-career web developers to learn on the job skills while also earning a salary. Apprentices will develop technical skills, build professional portfolios, and gain mentorship from experienced engineers while in these programs.
These programs are especially popular among coding bootcamp graduates, online course graduates, and college students that are seeking real-world experience. Apprentices work under supervision and they typically contribute to live projects alongside full-time staff. Many programs are designed to lead to permanent roles, with some also offering industry-recognized credentials by the time you complete the program.
What Does a Web Developer Apprentice Do?
A web developer apprentice performs many of the same tasks as an entry-level developer would while working under the supervised guidance of senior engineers. Apprentices collaborate with their teams to design and build websites, develop and test web applications, and maintain client sites to ensure functionality and efficient performance.
Day-to-day responsibilities for web developer apprentices may include writing and reviewing code, creating test applications, monitoring website traffic, and troubleshooting issues. Apprenticeships provide exposure to common web development challenges and allow program participants to strengthen both their technical and problem-solving skills in a professional and supportive environment.
Web Development Apprenticeship vs Internship: What’s the Difference?
While web development apprenticeships and internships both provide valuable work experience, there are key differences between the two pathways. Apprenticeships are structured, paid programs that typically last one to two years. They focus on mastering related skills, provide mentorship experience, and will often lead to full-time roles or industry-recognized credentials.
Internships, by contrast, are usually shorter-term opportunities that often take place over a single summer or semester. Some internships are unpaid, and they tend to emphasize exposure to workplace settings rather than long-term training. While internships can be a good first step, apprenticeships are designed to provide a clearer pathway into stable employment in the tech industry.
Types of Web Development Apprenticeships
There are several types of web development apprenticeships and they each focus on different aspects of the field. The right choice for you will depend on your personal career goals and technical interests.
Web Application Developer
Web application developer apprentices typically design, build, and maintain web applications that solve user problems and deliver strong user experiences. These types of apprentices will collaborate on application architecture, coding, and testing, and often contribute to ongoing updates and feature releases.
Full Stack Web Developer
Full stack developer apprentices work across both the front end (user interface) and backend (server-side logic) of websites. They contribute to the design, performance optimization, and troubleshooting, and will help to ensure that the site delivers a smooth experience and meets business goals.
Front End Web Developer
Front end developer apprentices focus on the layout and design of websites and web pages. They ensure that visuals, graphics, and interactive features are functioning properly across browsers and devices, while also optimizing site speed and usability.
Backend Web Developer
Backend developer apprentices specialize in server-side programming. They may build new systems from scratch or update existing infrastructures. Typical responsibilities for this type of apprenticeship include writing APIs, structuring databases, and handling how sites process and store data.
Web-Based Game Developer
Web-based game developer apprentices use both creativity and programming expertise to design and test browser-based games or online gaming systems. They write game logic, optimize graphics and performance, and troubleshoot bugs to deliver engaging gameplay experiences for users.
Web Developer Apprenticeship Jobs
Many companies across different industries will offer web development apprenticeship opportunities, especially in technology, software, and digital services. These programs provide paid training, portfolio development, and mentorship that can lead to long-term careers. Below are several well-known options.
LaunchCode Apprenticeship Program
LaunchCode is a nonprofit that helps people start careers in technology. Its apprenticeship program is open to US-based candidates with skills in languages such as Java, JavaScript, Python, PHP, C#, .NET, Swift, C/C++, and Ruby on Rails. Apprentices will receive a full-time paid role, mentorship, and access to healthcare benefits, with the potential to transition into permanent employment.¹
Amazon Web Services Apprenticeship Program
Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers apprenticeship opportunities primarily for US military veterans and spouses. Applicants may qualify through four years of troubleshooting experience, a STEM-related degree or certificate, or equivalent technical expertise. Comfort with Linux or Unix systems is often required. Participants train in cloud engineering roles and may earn permanent positions upon completion.²
Umbrage Apprenticeship Program
Umbrage, a Houston-based software solutions company, runs a 12-week apprenticeship program that includes lectures from senior engineers, an internal project, and a client project. Candidates with knowledge of tools like React and SQL are preferred. Graduates may receive full-time offers or detailed feedback to strengthen their job search.⁴
Thunder::tech Apprenticeship Program
Thunder::tech is a digital marketing agency that offers an apprenticeship open to candidates with at least a high school diploma. The program starts with web programming fundamentals and includes self-paced modules, technology-specific training, and collaboration on client projects. Apprentices undergo a 90-day review period before being considered for full-time positions.⁵
Web Developer Apprenticeship Salary
Web development apprenticeships have the unique advantage of earning while learning. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for web developer apprentices in the United States is about $104,000 as of August 2025, with reported ranges between $80,000 and $136,000, depending on the employer and location.2
Paid apprenticeships will allow participants to gain valuable skills, build portfolios, and offset living expenses while training. After completing an apprenticeship, many professionals transition into full-time developer roles, where they can continue with their career growth and development.
Web Developer Apprenticeship Requirements
The requirements for web development apprenticeships will vary by employer, but most programs expect candidates to have at least a foundation in programming and a willingness to learn in a professional environment. Some roles require only a high school diploma or equivalent, while others look for candidates with college coursework, bootcamp training, or prior technical experience.
Common technical skills include proficiency in languages such as JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and Python, along with familiarity with frameworks like React or Node.js. Soft skills, such as problem-solving, time management, and communication, are also emphasized, since apprentices work closely with teams on real-world projects.
How to Get a Web Development Apprenticeship
The most direct way to secure a web development apprenticeship is to apply to a company’s official program directly. However, there are multiple pathways that can strengthen your chances of being accepted. Options include completing coding bootcamps, internships, trade schools, and vocational training.
Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps offer immersive training in programming and often partner with companies that hire apprentices. Completing a bootcamp can demonstrate technical readiness and provide job placement support. Some examples include:
- General Assembly | Front-End Web Development Course | 10 weeks
- Ironhack | Web Development Bootcamp | 3 months full-time; 6 months part-time
Internships
Internships are shorter-term experiences that can lead to apprenticeship opportunities with the same employer. They provide a chance to build professional networks and demonstrate your skills in real-world settings. Examples include:
- Google | Student Training in Engineering Program (STEP) | 12 weeks
- Amazon | Front-End Engineer Internship | 12 weeks
- Zoom Video Communications | Software Development Engineer Internship | Contact Zoom for details
Trade Schools
Trade schools offer structured curricula in web development and may partner with employers who provide apprenticeships. Options include:
- Pinellas Technical College | Web Development | 1,050 hours
- Community College of Philadelphia | Web Development Proficiency Certificate | Program length varies
- Platt College | Web Development Programming and Coding | 7 months
Vocational Training
Vocational programs provide targeted training in coding and web technologies. Graduates can leverage these credentials to apply for apprenticeships. Examples include:

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
- ABCO Technology | Certified Internet Webmaster Career Training Program | 7 months
- Pitman Training | Web Developer Diploma | 230 hours
- OpenClassrooms | Web Developer Diploma | 6 months
Is a Web Development Apprenticeship Worth It?
Yes, for many aspiring developers, a web development apprenticeship is well worth it. These programs allow you to gain hands-on experience, expand your technical portfolio, and earn a salary while you are training. Apprentices often work directly on client or internal projects under the mentorship of senior developers, which helps you to accelerate skill growth and professional confidence.
Apprenticeships are particularly valuable for coding bootcamp graduates, recent college students, and career changers who are looking for real-world experience to compete for higher-level roles. They also provide a pathway into full-time employment, since many companies use apprenticeships as pipelines for long-term hiring.
Web Developer Apprenticeship FAQ
To become a web developer, you should have skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and at least one backend language such as Python, PHP, or Ruby. Familiarity with frameworks like React, Node.js, or Angular is also valuable in these roles. Design knowledge, including user experience (UX) and user interface (UI), can strengthen your applications and make you competitive against other candidates.
Absolutely. Most apprenticeships do not have age restrictions, but many target early-career professionals. A 25-year-old, or even someone older, can absolutely pursue an apprenticeship as long as you meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
Yes. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for web developers is $84,960.1 Earnings will vary by specialization, employer, and location, but web development remains one of the higher-paying entry-level roles in tech.
No. While some employers may prefer you to have an undergraduate degree, many companies will hire candidates with alternative training such as coding bootcamps, trade schools, or vocational programs. Apprenticeships are designed to provide this type of practical, work-based experience without requiring a four-year degree.
References
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