What is a Technical Apprenticeship?

It’s no secret that the current job market isn’t at its best. Despite the high demand in tech (the U.S. Department of Labor notes that the job outlook through 2030 is above 25%), it’s still competitive and oftentimes challenging to find that perfect role – especially if you’re new to the industry.

If you're interested in a career change into the tech industry but feeling a bit lost, there's a lesser-known pathway called a technical apprenticeship that might just be your golden ticket.

Learn more about what a technical apprenticeship is, determine ‘Are apprenticeships worth it?’, and learn how App Academy could help you land one as a stepping stone to your new tech career.

Understanding Technical Apprenticeships

The easiest way to understand what a technical apprenticeship is is to think of it as a hybrid between a college degree and an internship. You get to really roll up your sleeves and dive into real-world projects while you continue learning new languages and skills. This unique combination of on-the-job training and more traditional technical training makes you a desirable candidate when you’re ready to enter the workforce.

There are tech apprenticeship programs for nearly any career path in tech, including software engineering and development, computer science, web and app programming, cybersecurity, data science, information technology, and machine learning, among others. You can participate in apprenticeship training upon completing your standard classroom instruction if you pursue a bachelor’s degree or a coding bootcamp.

The Benefits of Technical Apprenticeships

Unlike an internship or another kind of training program, most technical apprenticeships are paid gigs. With some, you’ll even earn a full salary and benefits while getting real-world work experience, but know that payment isn’t always guaranteed. With any career move, you can negotiate for more pay or other opportunities.

Beyond the financial incentives, you're getting hands-on training, enjoying professional mentorship, building a killer portfolio of your technical skills, and rubbing elbows with industry pros who can open doors for you down the line.

Do Apprenticeships Still Exist?

When people think of an apprenticeship, they often picture someone studying carpentry or another historic trade. Tech apprenticeships and paid internships are very much a thing of today’s reality. In fact, apprenticeships are making a comeback in the tech world, with companies of all sizes jumping on the bandwagon to mold the next generation of talent.

In fact, there are several major tech companies and many more smaller tech companies, startups, and providers that offer technical apprenticeships, including:

• Google
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest
• Airbnb
• Microsoft
• IBM
• Amazon

Ultimately, Are Apprenticeships Worth It?

Many aspiring tech professionals find themselves wondering ‘Are technical apprenticeships worth it?’

The short answer is they can be – it all depends on your goals. As mentioned, the market isn’t the best for anyone in tech, new or established, and an apprenticeship can be a great way to get your foot in the door with an organization you’d love to work full-time with eventually.

For some, getting right into the workforce and securing a salary and benefits is of the most importance, and an apprenticeship would take away from time they could spend as a full-time employee. For others, it’s more critical to focus on studying and really nailing down concepts of their chosen career path before working through any real-world applications.

While not a requirement, landing a registered apprenticeship program that can provide you a certificate or other references once you’ve completed the program will look even more impressive on a resume.

Technical apprenticeships happen at global scale, as well. Tech professionals are in-demand across the world, so your eligibility to accept one of these internships doesn’t rely on English proficiency, being American, or any other specific credentials. They’re often competency-based, and providers look for learners who have a real drive to move up in their career.

Land your next technical apprenticeship with App Academy

Whether you're a fresh-faced newbie or a seasoned pro looking to pivot into tech, consider a technical apprenticeship as part of your roadmap to a brighter future.

While it’s always our goal to get our students into full-time software development roles, some students opt to continue learning on the job with a technical apprenticeship role, especially at FAANG organizations or other major corporations.

Learn more about our process and how App Academy sets students up for success. Sign up for a live online info session to learn more, or schedule a 1:1 call with one of our team experts!