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What's a Software Engineering Apprenticeship?

 
A laptop with stickers sits on a table in the University Center while a student whose face cannot be seen in the photo works on it.

To address the ongoing shortage of skilled tech workers, many IT companies in Montana and across the nation offer apprenticeships. These opportunities are a win-win for employers — and you.

Tech apprenticeships close the skills gap and help make training more accessible to everyone. They also diversify the industry by encouraging women and workers from underrepresented backgrounds. Employers gain qualified workers ready to hit the ground running. You gain the skills to excel in a high-demand career while earning a salary.

In this article, we’ll focus specifically on software engineering apprenticeships, exploring what’s involved, how to find the right opportunities for you, and how an apprenticeship can help you secure a software engineering job.

How is an Apprenticeship Different from an Internship?

While software engineering apprenticeships and internships share things in common, there are also important differences. For example, software engineer internships are usually one to three months while apprenticeships last one to three years.

Software engineering apprenticeships involve a structured training plan focused on mastering specific skills an employer needs to fill a role within the organization. Internships do not necessarily relate to a specific role and often focus on entry-level, general work.

Apprentices receive individualized training from an experienced mentor. Internships do not always include 1:1 guidance. Also, whereas apprenticeships are paid experiences that usually end with a full-time job offer, internships are often unpaid roles and may not lead to a permanent software engineering job.

Finally, you may obtain industry-recognized credentials at the end of your apprenticeship that help improve marketability in securing software engineering jobs. Typically, software engineer internships do not offer industry credentials.

What Will You Do As a Software Engineering Apprentice?

As a software engineering apprentice, you’ll receive training from experienced industry professionals, many of whom hold degrees in software engineering. At the same time, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the role of software engineer as well as the tech industry overall.  Typically, you’ll spend about 80% of your time learning the job by working alongside an experienced team. Common tasks include:

  • Coding and testing software
  • Troubleshooting and bug fixing
  • Collaborating with teams across the company
  • Building and maintaining databases

The other 20% of your time will be spent taking part in off-the-job training such as lectures, online learning, shadowing or working on your portfolio.

Apprenticeships also allow you the opportunity to experience the unique approach and organizational culture of your sponsoring employer. Understanding the industry will help you pursue the right software engineering job for you.

What Skills Employers Look for in Software Development Apprentices

Tech companies are looking for software developers with mathematical aptitude and basic programming language experience. Candidates with a degree in computer science or software engineering have an edge, but employers also value problem-solving and organizational skills, and attention to detail and time management capabilities.

How to Find the Right Software Engineering Apprenticeship for You

A big misconception about apprenticeships is that they are only for younger candidates — those who have not finished their primary education or those with a degree in software engineering. That is not the case. Software engineering apprenticeships are suitable for anyone, at any stage of their career. Whether you are just completing high school or have a degree in another field, a software engineering apprenticeship is accessible and valuable.

Software Engineering Jobs Outlook and Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developer jobs will grow 25% over the next decade. That’s almost three times the average growth rate for all occupations, making this among the fastest growing professional fields in the nation. Other related careers, such as computer systems analysts and computer network architects are also experiencing strong growth.

Software engineering jobs also pay well. Here are average salaries for several careers to give you an idea of earning potential:

  • Computer programmer: $93,000
  • Computer systems analyst: $97,270
  • Software developer: $109,020
  • Computer network architect: $120,520

Job seekers who hold a degree in software engineering may be more marketable for these roles, but completing comprehensive apprenticeships can level the field.

Prepare for a Career in Software Engineering at the University of Montana

Earning your degree in software engineering from UM means you’ll gain the skills necessary to secure valuable apprenticeships, and high paying software engineering jobs. Missoula College also offers a groundbreaking apprenticeship program that connect students with IT companies across the region.   

Learn from faculty who bring years of real-world professional experience to the classroom. Get hands-on training via apprenticeships, internships, research opportunities and more. Focus your computer science bachelor’s degree in software engineering, algorithm design or data science.

In addition to the undergraduate program, UM offers two computer science master’s degrees and a Big Data Analytics Certificate. You can also pair a minor in computer science with a bachelor’s in another discipline. For example, any of the degrees offered from UM’s College of Business.

Learn more about UM’s Bachelor in Computer Science — Software Engineering.

Explore all of our Computer Science degrees:

The University of Montana offers many scholarships to help you achieve your computer science educational goals.