Think of all the websites and apps that have become part of our lives every day. These were all made by Software Engineers. They code and develop software, apps and websites that solve problems for companies and everyday people alike.

A critical part of any tech team, the demand for Software Engineers is skyrocketing. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates there will be 189,200 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers each year from 2020 to 2030. It’s no surprise salaries are also on the rise in this field and experienced Software Engineers often command six figure salaries.

The good news is that you do not need a four-year college degree to become a Software Engineer. This is a hands-on, practical role that benefits from on-the-job training that apprenticeships provide.

It starts with the Software Engineer Pre-Apprenticeship

The first step towards a career as a Software Engineer is to complete Franklin’s Pre-Apprenticeship program. To start our program, you’ll take a scientific assessment to see if you have an aptitude for software engineering. Then, you’ll have access to guided virtual learning to gain foundational knowledge and industry-recognized certifications, with the support of a Franklin Success Coach.

After you complete the Software Engineer Pre-Apprenticeship, you’ll have the opportunity to be connected with Franklin employers actively hiring Software Engineering Apprentices. The pre-apprenticeship provides a huge advantage in the hiring process for Software Engineering Apprenticeship roles.

By the time you start to interview, you’ll have already completed guided virtual learning and earned certifications, demonstrating your determination to succeed in this career path – including:

• Gaining general, foundational software engineering knowledge and skills with 55 hours of guided, online technical training in software engineering
• Earning an IT Fundamentals certification which is recognized in the industry
• Support from a Franklin Success Coach
• Soft skills training, including resume and interview preparation

When complete, you’ll be qualified to earn as you learn and matched with opportunities for full apprenticeships.

This rigorous pre-apprenticeship training program can be paid for through government grants, at no cost to you. And the costs of training through your apprenticeship will be covered by your employer, while you also are getting paid.

Earn-And-Learn in a Software Engineer Apprenticeship

The Software Engineer Apprenticeship cements and builds on the concepts you learn as a pre-apprentice. It generally lasts 12-15 months and includes 165 hours of training to help you develop both professional and technical skills and demonstrate your competence on-the-job.

At the end of the apprenticeship, you will have learned the following skills:

*Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and MarketResearch.com