Have you heard of apprenticeship? Are you someone from a non-science background and want to make a career transition in tech? Are you looking for an opportunity to upskill and make yourself future-proof? You are in the right place, let’s discuss apprenticeships in the tech field.
What is Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships in the tech field are structured training programs that provide individuals with a combination of on-the-job learning and classroom instruction, enabling them to develop practical skills and knowledge in specific technology-related roles. Apprenticeships are for individuals new to the industry or looking to switch careers and offer a pathway to gain hands-on experience while working alongside experienced professionals.
Tech apprenticeships can cover various areas such as software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, network administration, digital marketing, and more. These programs aim to bridge the gap between formal education and industry requirements, providing individuals with practical skills and a pathway to enter or advance in the tech industry.
The Key Features of Apprenticeships in the tech field.
Let’s explore some of the prominent benefits of apprenticeship and understand how it can enhance your tech career.
1. Learning While Working
Apprenticeships emphasize learning through practical experience within a professional work environment. Apprentices receive on-the-job training, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
2. Structured Training Programs
Apprenticeships follow structured training programs that combine practical work experience with theoretical learning. Apprentices may attend classes, workshops, or training sessions to gain a solid foundation in relevant technical concepts and skills.
3. Mentoring and Guidance
Apprenticeships often provide apprentices with mentors or supervisors who guide and support their learning journey. Mentors offer expertise, share industry insights, and provide constructive feedback to help apprentices develop their skills.
Do read how you can leverage your career with the right mentor and network skills.
4. Accreditation and Certification
Apprenticeships may lead to recognized certifications or qualifications upon successful completion. These certifications validate the apprentice’s skills and knowledge and can be valuable for career advancement or seeking employment opportunities.
5. Collaborative Learning
Apprenticeships often foster a collaborative learning environment where apprentices can interact with fellow apprentices and industry professionals. This promotes knowledge sharing, networking, and the development of teamwork skills.
6. Career Pathways
Apprenticeships in the tech field offer clear career pathways. As apprentices gain experience and knowledge, they progress to more advanced roles within the organization or industry.
5 Companies that Provide Fascinating Apprenticeships.
Tech companies are always in search of fresh talent. Some prominent companies have apprenticeship programs to train individuals and prepare them for the tech industry. Many individuals from non-science backgrounds are benefitted from this program. Here are 5 companies that offer Apprenticeships and you should apply them immediately.
1. Google
Google’s Apprenticeship is a structured learning and development opportunity and an official Department of Labour Registered Apprenticeship Programme. To build professional abilities, apprentices will participate in on-the-job training, associated technical education, and career development courses. Upon completion, apprentices earn a nationally recognized certification from the US Department of Labour.
Google has apprenticeships in Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, and New York and a few remote opportunities. Each location offers one or more professional tracks like data analytics, digital marketing, information technology, project management, software engineering, and user experience design.
Apprentices are paid hourly for their time spent on on-the-job training and receiving related technical instruction, and they must devote 40 hours per week to the program. Individuals receive integrated career preparation training as part of the program, and at the end of the program, they will have the time and space to prepare for their next effort. Apprentices will then join a Google team for on-the-job training while participating in track-specific learnings and career workshops throughout the program.
2. IBM
The IBM Apprenticeship Program allows people with the necessary skills but no standard college degree to gain access to IBM. The program has the approval of the US Department of Labor and permits apprentices to receive payment while developing skills for various strategic roles. Since its inception in 2017, the program has grown to include over 25 registered apprenticeship opportunities in cybersecurity, software development, data science, and design.
IBM apprentices participate in learning classes and on-the-job training to build the skills and abilities required for their future employment. Apprentices learn at their speed, but most finish within 12 months and graduate with a US Department of Labor credential.
3. Microsoft
The Microsoft Leap Apprenticeship Program provides opportunities for young tech professionals from diverse backgrounds. Apprentices are given both formal classroom and on-the-job training. They may also work on projects for Xbox, Office365, and Bing.
Microsoft’s 16-week tech apprenticeship program can lead to employment as a business program manager, data analyst, and software engineer. The locations of each position differ.
Applicants must have at least six months of professional software development or project management experience. They must have additionally completed a coding boot camp or a comparable program, ideally in project management.
4. Accenture
Accenture and Aon have trained over 1,000 apprentices in more than 30 cities through their apprentice program. Their Chicago Apprentice Network was established in 2017, and by 2030, the collaboration hopes to have opened 10,000 more apprenticeships.
The curriculum combines classroom and on-the-job training to prepare learners for corporate IT and technology. Apprentices work as business analysts on an agile scrum team during the 12-month program.
5. LinkedIn’s Apprenticeship
This computer coding apprenticeship provides a variety of programming and engineering classes, as well as mentoring and on-the-job training.
Apprentices advance through three levels before being considered for a permanent position on LinkedIn’s software engineering team. The program lasts 1 to 5 years, depending on the experience, qualifications, and growth of each trainee. Apprentices get paid for their studies in addition to benefits and salary.
Applicants with an unrelated degree and a coding boot camp or self-taught coding curriculum are ideal. Professionals who want to return to work after a long break or change careers are also eligible. Site reliability engineer, back-end engineer, and artificial intelligence engineer are all possible job titles.
Apprenticeships in the tech field provide a valuable pathway for individuals to enter and progress in the technology industry. They offer practical experience, mentorship, and structured learning, enabling individuals to develop the skills needed for successful careers in various tech roles.
It’s important to note that apprenticeship programs may have different structures, durations, and requirements depending on the country, organization, or industry. If you aspire to make a career transition in tech, explore these apprenticeships and figure out what works best for you. All the best!