The best way to become a professional mobile application developer is by practicing. That’s what a mobile apprenticeship affords you. You’ll gain the opportunity to work directly with and learn from experienced mobile app developers. Through on-the-job training, you’ll gain expertise in mobile development so you can build a successful career in the tech industry.
Mobile apprenticeships are worthwhile as you will get the chance to build theoretical knowledge in the field while getting paid. These programs also enable you to acquire the necessary work experience to land a high-paying job afterward.
What Is a Mobile Apprenticeship?
A mobile apprenticeship is a paid training program aimed at recent graduates of coding bootcamps, online courses, or independent study. During the program, the apprentice puts into practice their recently-learned development skills on live projects by developing web or mobile applications under the supervision and guidance of a professional mobile developer.
What Does a Mobile Apprentice Do?
Mobile apprentices receive career training in software development with a focus on mobile development. They build mobile platforms such as Android, Windows, and iOS to create interactive software prototypes and final applications for mobile devices.
As a mobile apprentice, you are expected to have some coding knowledge, and through the apprenticeship will learn to use high-level programming languages such as Java and Kotlin to write functional application programming interfaces (APIs) for mobile development.
Mobile apprentices also learn how to write integrative unit test codes for backend services. They collaborate with development teams such as system engineers, product managers, and UX/UI designers to come up with innovative product ideas, designs, and functionalities.
Mobile Apprenticeship Salary
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for software developer apprentices, which includes mobile apprentices, is $85,306 per year. The salary for mobile apprentices also depends on the location, associated company, and apprenticeship level.
Mobile Apprenticeship Requirements
To qualify for mobile apprenticeship opportunities, applicants need to at least have a high school diploma, familiarity with programming, and a passion for learning. Some mobile apprenticeship programs require you to have some working experience in a related field. There are also youth apprenticeships for students who are still enrolled in high school.
Types of Mobile Apprenticeships
A mobile apprenticeship can help you achieve immense career growth as an application software developer or engineer. As part of their apprenticeship training offerings, apprentices are exposed to different career paths that will help them build expertise in mobile development. Listed below are some of the different types of mobile development specializations.
Mobile App Developer
A mobile app developer uses programming languages such as Java, Kotlin, C++, MySQL, and HTML to write code for the development of mobile applications and the creation of mobile platforms. They collaborate with other development teams to define mobile application development goals, processes, and life cycles.
Mobile app developers are familiar with operating systems and integrated development environments such as iOS and Android, where applications run. They specify the performance of the application and manage the product life cycle including testing, fixing, and upgrading design features. They understand networking and how applications run on computer networks.
Software Developer
Software developers create all forms of applications for mobile, desktop, and web use. They apply their creativity and programming skills to transform ideas into functional applications. They design software operating systems and troubleshoot network and system issues to ensure optimal performance of software applications.
Software developers also install, test, and manage existing software. They have diverse skills in application development and software engineering. They can design client applications and APIs to boost system servers and web services. They work with both backend and front end programming languages such as JavaScript, C#, HTML, Python, C++, and Java.
UX/UI Designer
UX/UI designers create functional, aesthetic, and interactive applications that optimize the user experience. They come up with structural design blueprints for digital and physical products. They implement features like imagery, animation, and typography that enhance the usage of the products. They also design visual interfaces to boost user interaction with the product.
UX/UI designers collaborate with mobile developers and system engineers to transform product ideas into interactive applications and manage the product life cycle. They gather information about user preferences so they can better design applications that users will benefit from. They also interact with users to fix issues relating to the use of the applications.
Android Engineer
Android engineers work on the Android platform. They are knowledgeable about operating systems and can write native codes to develop applications that can run on Android devices. They resolve bug issues and technical difficulties associated with application use. They also have skills in computing algorithms and compiling data structures.
Android engineers collaborate with cross-functional development teams in designing functional Android apps. They have extensive knowledge of object oriented programming languages such as Java and Kotlin for Android development. They can also write reusable codes and unit tests, and deploy software solutions.
Product Manager
Product managers manage the development of an application from the idea generation stage to the deployment stage. They define product requirements based on client needs. They work with different teams, such as UX designers, engineers, software developers, and business analysts to transform ideas into actual functional and interactive apps.
Product managers facilitate communication between mobile developers, product owners, and product users. They communicate to relevant teams throughout the development process to implement the recommendations from product research. They ensure the product meets user satisfaction and coordinate the implementation of product upgrades.
Mobile Apprenticeship Jobs
The apprenticeship programs listed below can help you develop the programming, management, and creative skills you need to build credibility in the industry.
Viget Application Developer Apprenticeship
The Viget Application Developer Apprenticeship is a 10-week paid program that focuses on helping apprentices boost their development careers in the tech industry. This program is directed at coding bootcamp and college graduates who have acquired relevant knowledge in software development. Self-taught candidates are also welcome to apply.
Viget apprentices learn from experienced developers to develop web applications for clients using frameworks such as Phoenix and Elixir. You’ll learn to write unit tests and functional codes for application development. At the end of this program, you’ll have gained the practical experience needed to accelerate your web app development career.
Microsoft Software Engineer Apprenticeship Program
The Microsoft software engineer apprenticeship program is an inclusive and diverse full stack development training program, open to interested candidates within and outside of the United States. This program is ideal for graduates of coding academies and coding bootcamps who have at least six months of project or work experience.
Self-taught programmers and community college graduates are also encouraged to apply. University graduates are eligible for this apprenticeship, as well, although they are required to have taken at least a two-year break since graduating.
Google UX Design Apprenticeship Program
This 20-month apprenticeship is for anyone who wishes to gain practical experience in UX design. Anyone can apply, although university graduates must have majored in a non-relevant field to qualify, as a related degree would already qualify them for a full-time position.
This program is offered in different US locations including Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, and San Francisco. To qualify for this apprenticeship, candidates must be fluent in English, be authorized to work in the US, prove a strong academic performance, and provide a resume and cover letter.
Fetch Rewards Android Mobile Engineer Apprenticeship
Fetch Rewards offers a three-month remote Android mobile engineer apprenticeship to interested candidates. Successful candidates have the opportunity to transition into full-time positions at the end of the program. Apprentices contribute to building highly functional integrative mobile applications for backend technologies and offer relevant application solutions.
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To qualify for this position, you need to have good programming skills, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to learn. Candidates with knowledge of full stack development and the use of full stack technologies such as Kotlin, React, JavaScript, will be highly considered for this position. Familiarity with mobile development in Android or iOS is also a requirement.
Detroit Labs Software Apprenticeship
Detroit Labs offers a paid software apprenticeship to welcome the next generation of professional developers to the world of software development. This three-month program trains apprentices in mobile development, quality assurance, and software development.
Beginners are welcome to participate in this program. There are no stipulations for skill sets as long as the candidates are willing to learn the software development craft and relocate to Detroit at their own expense. Upon completion of the training program, apprentices will receive full-time job offers to work in Detroit Labs or their partner company.
How to Get a Mobile Apprenticeship
In order to qualify for a mobile apprenticeship, you need to have the necessary knowledge and skills. There are several popular ways to pursue mobile development education, including bootcamps, internships, trade schools, college, and online courses.
Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps are a great way to gain the education you need to qualify for a technical apprenticeship. These programs provide students with the required hands-on training to succeed in competitive tech fields like mobile development. You’re taught with a well-rounded curriculum and gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
Internships
An internship program is very similar to an apprenticeship. Internships differ in that they usually host college students who need it as part of their degree program. Additionally, internships are rarely paid. Apprenticeships are eager to accept graduated interns because they’re typically already familiar with the demands of the workplace.
Trade Schools
Trade schools are training institutions designed to prepare participants for craft careers. Students learn through assimilation and hands-on projects. They’re especially popular among high school graduates who do not wish to pursue a college education. Due to the nature of trade school programs, graduates are fully prepared for the demands of a mobile apprenticeship.
Vocational Training
Vocational education or training shares many similarities to trade schools, how it differs in some significant ways. While trade schools typically use curricula that include both theory and hands-on skills, vocational training focuses on workforce development and specific job-related duties. They heavily utilize a tactile approach to education.
Is a Mobile Apprenticeship Worth It?
Yes, it is. A mobile apprenticeship prepares you for a successful career in mobile app development. The benefits of apprenticeship training are numerous. Aside from getting paid to learn, you get to work with industry experts and increase your chances of securing employment with a prestigious company at the end of your training.
Mobile Apprenticeship FAQ
To become a mobile developer, you need to acquire practical knowledge in programming and mobile software development. You can learn how to become a mobile developer by attending a coding bootcamp, college, or online course. Apprenticeships are one of the most affordable pathways to enter this career.
Yes, mobile apprenticeships are very reputable. The National Apprenticeship Act, commonly referred to as the Fitzgerald Act, is a House-passed apprenticeship bill that regulates the training provided by apprenticeships. It ensures you’re adequately prepared for your career. Registered apprenticeship programs are also offered through the US Department of Labor.
Yes, they are. Mobile developers will remain in high demand as long as technology continues to advance and expand. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers, which includes mobile app developers, have a projected job growth of 22 percent between 2020 and 2030.
To work as a mobile app developer, you’ll need an in-depth understanding of operating systems, programming languages, and development platforms. You’ll also need an app development education and experience to work in this field professionally.
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