Taking up an information technology apprenticeship can help you develop your technical skills and eventually lead to plenty of rewarding career opportunities. Different companies and institutions 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, 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 at an apprenticeship. An IT apprenticeship is a good investment of your time and can provide a reliable foundation to build a promising career.
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, software development, or software engineering. Regardless of your field of study, you will gain valuable experience that closely resembles what real work will be like.
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.
Information Technology Apprenticeship Salary
According to ZipRecruiter, an information technology apprentice makes an average of $40,852 per year. The same report shows that the salary range for IT apprentices is between $20,500 and $97,500. These salaries are similar to professional salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that median salaries for computer and information technology jobs range from $55,510 to $126,830.
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 programming different languages such as Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for web development.
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 will be advanced, or the program itself 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.
Types of Information Technology Apprenticeships
Different IT apprenticeships focus on different skills. 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.
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 media forms.
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. This is an apprenticeship that requires you to know how to code using Java, C++, and other popular programming languages.
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.
Information Technology Apprenticeship Jobs
Popular tech companies all over the country offer IT apprenticeships that provide intensive job training to upgrade their talent pipeline. The US Department of Labor recognizes some of these programs as essential to providing much-needed training for tech professionals. Once you complete your apprenticeship program, you will be included in a pool of talent that is qualified for bigger roles.
Amazon Technical Apprenticeships
The Amazon Technical Apprenticeship offers information technology apprenticeship programs targeted towards 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.
AT&T IT Apprenticeship Program
AT&T has partnered with Northern Virginia Community College to launch an IT apprenticeship program. This program is geared towards developing tech talent through technical training on various entry-level information jobs in the industry. Combining a virtual and in-person setup, you can complete the AT&T IT Apprenticeship Program within two years on a part-time basis.
To complete this program, you need to finish 2,000 hours of on-the-job training, conduct lab work, and improve your overall technical and soft skills. You are also required to take an exam to acquire a total of five industry certifications via CCNA, ITIL, Network+, A+, and Security+.
The program is open to US citizens and is supported by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. This is an exceptional opportunity that will elevate you to a higher level of expertise in information technology.
CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech
CompTIA offers its IT apprenticeship programs to different sectors, available for employees, apprentices, or educators and training providers. The program is a combination of classroom education and hands-on training for different information technology skills. Moreover, you will earn a CompTIA certification, which is well-known in the IT industry.
The 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.
IBM Software Engineer Apprentice
IBM is a leading tech company that offers an apprenticeship program for software engineers and software developers. You will learn coding and design in the context of a real-world work environment. This is a rigorous IT apprenticeship that hopes to 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 is 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 in either 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.
Microsoft Leap Apprenticeship Program
Microsoft offers an IT apprenticeship program called the Microsoft Leap Apprenticeship Program, which 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 this apprenticeship program is 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.
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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.
How to Get an Information Technology Apprenticeship
The requirements vary for different apprenticeships 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 or a coding 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 an Information Technology Apprenticeship Worth It?
An IT apprenticeship is attractive to employers because it shows that you have already received training. Since practical skills are essential to any IT job, having an IT apprenticeship on your resume gives you an advantage. Completion of an apprenticeship means that you gained job experience and 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. An IT apprenticeship offers more opportunities for you and makes you even more capable to excel at your job. It gives you the confidence to perform well once you start full-time employment.
Information Technology Apprenticeship FAQ
The main responsibilities and duties of an IT apprentice are to perform IT-related activities for an organization. Your tasks will depend on your specialization, such as coding for computer programmers or building websites for web developers. Your job is similar to that of an official employee, except you are still considered a trainee and your focus is to apply what you learned.
Yes, you are paid for apprenticeships. ZipRecruiter reports that an IT apprentice receives an average salary of $40,852 per year. IT apprentice salaries range from $20,500 to $97,500.
This will depend on your future goal, but an IT apprenticeship gives you a competitive advantage on your path to a rewarding career. It is a good opportunity to learn more about your preferred IT field and receive hands-on training. Your potential employer also looks at it favorably because it is a sign that you have gained a certain level of expertise.
An IT apprenticeship is a combination of learning and training. You are working on a real-world project within the company, so you get compensated for that work. Part of your duty is to learn different concepts and new knowledge so that you may apply it to your practical work.
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