Apprenticeships After Coding Bootcamp: Should I?
So here we are. The end of phase four of a software engineering bootcamp. All that’s left to do is a final, capstone project. But, like everyone else in this position, the anxiety of starting the job search process lingers overhead. For me the anxiety is really coming from the thought of switching careers and starting a job that my inner saboteur is telling me I won’t be able to do. Will I be ready for an entry level position? This thought has led me to think more and more about apprenticeships. But, in the world of software engineering, what exactly are they? Also, are apprenticeships the right way to go?
What is an Apprenticeship?
Well, Webster defines it literally as, “one bound by indenture to serve another for a prescribed period with a view to learning an art or trade.” And that’s basically what it is. It is a position where on-the-job training is the main focus. In the coding world this comes from being paired with a mentor, and performing junior level tasks along with some sort of structured training. Apprenticeships are also only for a certain amount of time, like six to nine months. The expected outcomes of these positions are the experience of learning and working alongside seasoned professionals, and an opportunity to land a full-time position within that company if you have proven yourself.
What are some benefits?
One of the main benefits is the training received. Yes, any job or position will have some level of on-the-job training, but apprenticeships typically involve some structured learning in the form of classes or personal projects. For example, IBM has a large apprenticeship program. On their job posting for this position it lists a requirement of completing a certain amount of learning hours during your time there. Or like at Revelry Labs, which lists combining pair programming with a tutorial curriculum. These postings list another great benefit that comes with most apprenticeships, a salary. Getting paid to learn is a huge benefit. According to Glassdoor the average salary of a software engineer apprenticeship is $58,909. With the range being from $37k to $93k. And one of my personal favorite benefits is that the exception from your employer is that you are there to learn. The anxiety coming from any imposter syndrome thoughts is then lessened.
What are some Disadvantages?
Well, one disadvantage is potentially receiving a lower pay than with a full-time position. For a Junior Software Engineer position Glassdoor lists the average salary to be $71,692. nearly $20k more than with an apprenticeship position. Also, not every company will offer a benefits package as an apprentice, these packages will only become available if you are hired as a full-time employee. Another disadvantage is the uncertainty of full-time employment after your apprenticeship is done.
How do I Get One?
Good news is there doesn’t seem to be a shortage of apprenticeship programs out there. Some are harder and more coveted than others to get( Google I’m looking you). But a simple search on Indeed or Glassdoor will show you what is out there in your city. And for the most part these programs are basically designed for bootcamp graduates, based on my search for these positions on job sites. They do not require much programming experience, if at all. And most only require knowledge of one or two popular programming languages. They all seem to want some sort of general working experience, though. Going back to IBM’s apprenticeship program here is what they list under requirements:
Required Technical and Professional Expertise:
Must have basic knowledge in one of the following programming languages: Java, JavaScript, PHP, C#, Objective-C, C/C++, Python, Ruby and/or functional languages (Haskell, Scala, F#, Clojure)
• Willingness to complete the requirements of the apprenticeship program. Preferred Technical and Professional Expertise:
• none
So, those of us straight out of bootcamp are, according to IBM, qualified. Now we just need to get through the interview process. Easy, right?