For decades, the pathway into a tech career seemed locked behind a four-year degree, often followed by a mountain of student debt. But 2025 is proving to be a turning point. As employers shift their focus from degrees to demonstrable skills, tech apprenticeships are becoming a powerful alternative for aspiring IT professionals.
From Amazon’s growing apprenticeship cohorts to IBM’s long-standing push for “new collar” jobs, apprenticeships are no longer the backup plan. They’re quickly becoming the plan.
Why Tech Apprenticeships Are Gaining Ground
A combination of factors has accelerated the rise of tech apprenticeships:
- Workforce shortages in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics.
- Changing employer priorities, favouring experience and adaptability over formal degrees.
- Student debt concerns, pushing learners to seek affordable, practical routes into tech.
- Success stories proving that real-world skills and hands-on learning can land high-paying jobs.
This shift isn’t just anecdotal. According to CompTIA, over 70% of tech executives in 2025 say they prioritise hands-on experience over academic credentials when hiring.
Big Tech Is Leading the Charge
Major players like Amazon, IBM, and Accenture are building robust apprenticeship programs designed to attract non-traditional candidates:
- Amazon: The Amazon Technical Apprenticeship program has scaled rapidly, offering pathways into cloud support, software engineering, and cybersecurity roles.
- IBM: A pioneer in this space, IBM continues to champion “new collar jobs” that focus on skills-first hiring. Their apprenticeship model pairs classroom-style learning with real job tasks.
- Accenture: The firm’s apprenticeship model now accounts for a growing percentage of their early-career hires, focusing on diversity and inclusion.
These programs aren’t just PR exercises; they’re workforce pipelines. Apprentices often stay on in full-time roles after completing their programs.
What Do These Apprenticeships Look Like?
Most tech apprenticeships run between 12 to 24 months and combine classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job training. Areas of focus include:
- Cybersecurity
- Software Development
- IT Support
- Cloud Infrastructure
- Data Analysis
Apprentices work under experienced mentors, gaining both technical skills and the soft skills—like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving—that are crucial for career growth.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Meet Jordan, a 26-year-old former retail worker who completed a cybersecurity apprenticeship with a Fortune 500 company. “I didn’t think tech was an option for me. I didn’t have a degree. But this apprenticeship gave me a new life,” she shares.
Or Alex, a veteran who transitioned into cloud engineering through a six-month paid program. “Learning while earning was a game-changer,” he says. “It meant I didn’t have to choose between paying rent and building my future.”
These stories are not outliers. They’re becoming the norm.
How to Find the Right Apprenticeship
If you’re considering a tech apprenticeship in 2025, here’s how to get started:
- Research Trusted Providers: Look for programs offered by reputable companies or through government-backed platforms.
- Check Eligibility: Some are aimed at veterans, career-changers, or underrepresented groups in tech.
- Understand the Commitment: Most require full-time availability and a willingness to learn fast.
- Prepare Your Foundation: Basic certifications like Google IT Support, CompTIA A+, or Microsoft SC-900 can boost your chances.
- Stay Curious and Consistent: Employers are looking for mindset as much as skillset.
The Road Ahead
The beauty of apprenticeships is that they open doors that were once closed. They democratise access to high-paying tech jobs by valuing what you can do over where you went to school.
With over 35% of IT job listings in 2025 no longer requiring a degree, according to Burning Glass Institute, apprenticeships are poised to fill a vital gap. They meet learners where they are and help them grow into roles that are both in-demand and fulfilling.
Final Thoughts
In a world where technology changes fast, learning models must evolve too. Tech apprenticeships in 2025 represent more than just a trend; they reflect a deeper shift in how we define readiness, capability, and opportunity.
For learners tired of gatekeeping, and for companies hungry for talent, this is more than a win-win. It’s a new way forward.
Ascend Education continues to support learners through every step of their IT journey—whether it begins with a classroom, a certification, or an apprenticeship. Because the future of tech isn’t about who gets in the fastest. It’s about who stays, grows, and leads.
