Apprenticeships offer great opportunities to learn web design while working. In an apprenticeship, you can work at tech companies with seasoned professionals regardless of your background or previous experience. Web design apprenticeships are not only open to bachelor’s degree holders but also to bootcamp graduates and self-taught web designers.
In this guide, you will learn more about web design apprenticeships, what to expect, and other relevant information about salaries and responsibilities. Companies offer different types of training and compensation for web design apprentices. The core of these apprenticeship programs is to teach and train students through hands-on experience.
What Is a Web Design Apprenticeship?
A web design apprenticeship is a form of on-the-job training where you can learn programming skills for website design. You can get hands-on experience and learn new skills without having to step foot in a classroom. In some ways, a web design apprenticeship is similar to a coding apprenticeship, though you will be more focused on user interfaces.
Not all bootcamp graduates are able to get a job right after graduation. If you want to have more training and guidance, a web design apprenticeship is a good option. Through the apprenticeship, you are likely to work on actual projects for your company’s clients, further improving your skills and knowledge.
What Does a Web Design Apprentice Do?
The responsibilities of a web design apprentice are no different from those of a professional web designer. You are concerned with user interface (UI) design because you want to make sure that the website has good visual elements. Being a web design apprentice means you work with fonts, colors, layouts, typography, and aesthetics in general.
To set your expectations, you are probably not going to lead a project of your own or single-handedly design a website or application. However, your voice as a web design apprentice is necessary to complete client projects. You will be working on requests from real clients who have high expectations for the level of service they receive.
Web Design Apprenticeship Salary
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a web design apprentice is $50,045, with a range of $19,000 to $118,000. To compare, web developers and digital designers earn a median salary of $77,200 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Web Design Apprenticeship Requirements
Since you will be working on web design and development, you’re expected to have skills similar to those of a professional web designer. You are not required to have a bachelor’s degree, but having at least an associate degree or bootcamp training is expected. Each company has different requirements, but it is best to have a good web design portfolio.
We’ve listed some of the skills and traits companies will likely look for when reviewing your application.
- General ability in programming basic web pages with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Knowledge of design elements such as layouts, fonts, colors, and typography
- Keen eye to create products that cater to good user experience
- Comfort using digital design tools such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
Types of Web Design Apprenticeships
There are many opportunities in the field of web design, so a web design apprenticeship can be in one of many areas. Starting early with your specialization gives you an advantage when you start working professionally. You should be focused on training and on acquiring the right skills for the field of web design that you want to specialize in.
Web Development Apprenticeship
Web design is part of the job of a web development apprentice. You are responsible for both front end and backend development, so you deal with both the user interface and the server. You will be ensuring that the website is designed optimally so that users will have a good time exploring it.
Software Development Apprenticeship
A software developer is in charge of designing computer programs. As an apprentice, you will be working closely with developers to find the right design. Finding the optimal interface design is an important factor in quality assurance.
Product Design Apprenticeship
Web design also has a place in product design, which is closely related to user experience design. You are using the same digital design tools to create a product design that will capture your intended audience’s attention. Web design is an important part of building brands online.
Mobile Application Apprenticeship
Aside from web applications, mobile application development is another field where web designers are needed. Mobile applications or games need to be visually pleasing to the users. You can use your web design skills to create a design that is optimal for smaller screens.
Social Media Marketing Apprenticeship
Social media marketing is one of the most in-demand fields today, and web designers can be helpful in the digital sphere. In this case, your work as a web designer is intended for marketing purposes. Aside from pure web design, you are likely to delve into analyzing insights and engagements to gauge what is attractive to your target audience.
Web Design Apprenticeship Jobs
Several companies, from startups and multinational corporations, offer web design apprenticeship opportunities. You will have the chance to work on actual projects and connect directly with clients. Apprenticeships are often full-time jobs, so you’ll have to dedicate your time and focus to any of the following opportunities.
8th Light Apprenticeship Program
8th Light is a company focused on creating well-crafted software programs. One of its main goals is to ensure that the web design systems it creates will be loved by its intended users. Each software program is a special product, so it offers an apprenticeship that will give you an opportunity to work on actual client projects.
Established in 2006, 8th Light offers mentorship and apprenticeship to anyone interested in web design and software development. Regardless of your educational background, as long as you have the curiosity and core skills, you are welcome to apply. The apprenticeship program has a structured curriculum so you are assured of guidance.
What you will gain from this apprenticeship, according to 8th Light, is a full understanding of the software development life cycle (SDLC). You will contribute to team projects and attend client meetings in a collaborative environment.
Detroit Labs Apprenticeship Program
Detroit Labs is a software development company established in 2011. Its main services include designing and building web and mobile applications for its clients. Some of its known clients are Bosch, Chevrolet, Domino’s Pizza, and Hyundai.
The apprenticeship program is for candidates who have no prior experience in software development and web design. For 12 weeks, you will learn from a structured curriculum that is a combination of classroom and project-based learning. Detroit Labs is interested in candidates who are efficient problem-solvers.
In 2020, Detroit Labs offered a Java Apprenticeship where students were trained in developing projects using Java. Apprenticeships at Detroit Labs are paid opportunities. You also have a developer coach who will guide you and train you throughout the experience.
Glantz Design Apprenticeship Program
Glantz Design mainly provides graphic design services to its clients. Its design solutions are meant for graphic design and branding, web design and development, and content creation and advertising. Working at Glantz Design means that you are surrounded by skilled people in the field of web design and beyond.
The design apprenticeship opportunity at Glantz is considered as an entry-level role where you are expected to have completed a bachelor’s degree and a past internship experience. In this program, you are responsible for assisting the design team with projects. You are also considered a secondary designer.
For four months, you will work full-time and are expected to effectively use your knowledge of design for every project. You must have all-around skills in using programs like Adobe Photoshop, AfterEffects, Powerpoint, and Sketch.
BUCK Apprenticeship Program
BUCK is a global company focused on building brands through design and technology. Established in 2004, BUCK brings creative stories and experiences to the world through an emphasis on collaboration. It has several design apprenticeship opportunities available.
If you are passionate about expanding your design skills, then BUCK’s six-month program is for you. A full-time commitment is necessary to make sure that you will get the chance to learn and work on several projects. You will also get to build your sense of responsibility as you collaborate with other designers.
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BUCK hopes to hire apprentices with some experience using design software such as Adobe Suite, AfterEffect, and C4D. What is most important in this apprenticeship is that you are curious and willing to learn.
Accenture Apprenticeship Program
Accenture is a multinational company working with clients to provide technological solutions. Being such a huge organization, Accenture takes part in bridging the gap for underrepresented groups to acquire technological skills.
One of its web design apprenticeships is a program in front end web development. You will mainly work in development, including web design, and will get practice using JavaScript and its various libraries such as React and Node.js. The apprenticeship experience involves building and designing programs that will serve the clients well.
It will be best if you have prior coding experience or have completed a computer science course or web design bootcamp. Nonetheless, proving your skills and your ability to participate in projects is more important. You’ll want to have a portfolio of past projects ready.
How to Get a Web Design Apprenticeship
There are several opportunities for a web design apprenticeship or internship. The most common way is to directly apply to companies. However, you can also put your foot in the door by way of bootcamps, internships, trade schools, or vocational training.
Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps often partner with tech companies so that students can easily access job opportunities right after graduation. Some of these bootcamps like LaunchCode directly offer web design apprenticeships, with a focus on Python and Java programming. Apprenticeship programs through bootcamps usually last for several weeks.
Internships
Company internships are usually intended for students who need job training to complete their studies. If you are an intern or have worked as an intern at a web design company, then you can check out if an apprenticeship is offered. This way, you immediately have the background and the network to support your job application.
Trade Schools
Some companies are connected with trade schools to provide training for their students. Once you finish your studies, you can look for opportunities with these companies. Having a trade school diploma helps you get recognized by partner companies.
Vocational Training
If you want to specifically learn web design, there are vocational training opportunities that can help. Vocational training is a form of practical learning, and programs usually last a matter of weeks. With vocational training under your belt, applying for a web design apprenticeship should be easier since you will have the skills to back up your resume.
Is a Web Design Apprenticeship Worth It?
Both a learning opportunity and a chance to hone your skills, a web design apprenticeship is a good way to advance in the field. Design companies often directly offer apprenticeships to train potential employees, who can go on to join them full-time. For some companies, this is an opportunity to close the technological skill gap.
Having the curiosity to learn and improve is all you need to join a web design apprenticeship. Aside from the practical knowledge and hands-on experience, you will also get to work with professional web designers. An apprenticeship is also a way for you to be more collaborative as you work with a team and connect with clients.
Web Design Apprenticeship FAQ
Skills in programming and graphic design are necessary to become a qualified web designer. Your core is your knowledge of design fundamentals and how to effectively apply these to your projects. Essentially, you need to understand UX and UI design to successfully deliver output that your client will be happy with.
It will be better to have formal training in web design through a university degree program or a web design bootcamp. Once you have the skills and qualifications, you can apply for an internship or web design apprenticeship. A web design apprenticeship is a good alternative to immediately applying for full-time work because you’ll receive more training.
Several companies offer web design apprenticeships. Companies like 8th Light, Glantz Design, and more are on the lookout for people who want to expand their skills in web design. For some of these companies, educational background is not necessary as long as you have the skills and the drive to succeed.
Qualifications and requirements vary by company. Some want applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. Others accept bootcamp graduates or those with vocational certificates. It is more important that you have the skills required for web design. Having a web design portfolio is also a huge plus.
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