Do you want a rewarding career in a growing industry? Do you want higher pay and benefits, and opportunities for advanced education and training?
Constant change defines the Information Technology (IT) industry. Many occupations in the industry that are commonplace today didn't exist even a decade ago. There is a gap between the education and skill levels of the existing IT workforce and the proficiency desired by employers. Education and credentials help individuals gain entry into many occupations; however, experience and training are essential for high performance.
Registered Apprenticeship
The Registered Apprenticeship model is well known and has served the training needs of a variety of businesses and industries over time. The basic components of the model are especially suited to the information technology industry.
The apprenticeship model helps participants attain high performance through a cohesive process which links formal instruction in the form of a degree or certification with a standardized process of delivering and measuring hands-on/on-the-job learning (OJL).
For decades, registered apprenticeship programs have been successful by combining on-the-job learning with classroom theory supported by a strong mentoring component. The apprentice goes through a structured program established by the employer that includes incremental wage increases until he or she completes the course of training.
How it Works in Information Technology
Apprenticeship programs are designed to respond to real-world business goals, such as increased productivity/performance, greater efficiency, and improved customer retention. Employers in the Information Technology industry often partner with credentialing and licensing agencies to ensure that apprentices get the training and instruction needed to meet applicable requirements. A key organization involved in IT competency attainment, certification, and apprenticeship is the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), which has partnered with organizations such as IBM, McDonald's, and more recently DeVry University.
Some apprenticeable information technology occupations are:
- Computer Operator
- Computer Programmer
- Graphic Designer
- Internetworking Technician
- IT Project Manager
Find out more about apprenticeship programs in information technology:
You can also search for your nearest One-Stop Career Center for additional assistance.
|