7 Companies Paying You to Get Certified (No Degree Required)
Summary
This video details seven major companies offering paid apprenticeships designed to train and certify individuals for tech careers without requiring degrees or prior experience. These programs provide full salaries and benefits, acting as a bridge for those with skills but lacking traditional credentials. The presenter emphasizes the urgency of these applications, as windows often close quickly, and advises viewers to apply proactively and strategically.
Key Insights
Employer-sponsored tech apprenticeships are a significant but underreported opportunity.
Many companies, including large tech and professional services firms, are actively creating apprenticeship programs because they struggle to find enough qualified talent through traditional hiring routes. These programs prioritize skills over degrees, closing the gap between employers' stated needs and their hiring practices. This presents a unique opportunity for individuals without formal qualifications to enter lucrative tech careers.
Actively monitor and apply quickly to these high-demand apprenticeships.
The application windows for these paid apprenticeship programs can be extremely short, sometimes closing within 24 hours of opening. Prospective applicants must be vigilant, frequently checking company career pages and actively applying as soon as opportunities arise. Missing a window can mean waiting for the next cohort, which might be months or even a year away.
Sections
Introduction to Paid Tech Apprenticeship Programs
Seven companies offer paid tech apprenticeships with full benefits.
The video highlights seven major companies that provide full-time employment, including salary and benefits, while training and certifying individuals for tech roles. These are not side projects but full-time positions from well-known companies.
No degree or prior experience is typically required.
A key feature of these programs is that they do not require a four-year degree or extensive prior experience in the tech field. The focus is on skills and potential, making them accessible to a wider range of applicants.
Many overlook these programs due to lack of awareness or application window speed.
The presenter notes that most people pursuing free online certifications are unaware of these paid apprenticeship opportunities. Furthermore, application windows for some programs open and close very rapidly, often within 24 hours, making timely application crucial.
Market reality: skills are prioritized over degrees, but hiring practices lag.
Studies show employers claim to value skills over degrees, but their hiring processes often don't reflect this. The companies featured in the video are actively bridging this gap by creating their own training programs to fill their talent needs.
Pay figures are estimates and program availability varies.
The pay ranges provided are based on data from sources like Glassdoor and ZipRecruiter and are not guaranteed. Program availability can change based on the cohort and geographic location, so verifying current status and application details is essential.
Company-Specific Apprenticeship Programs
IBM New Collar Apprenticeship: Long-standing program with diverse tracks.
IBM offers over 30 apprenticeship tracks including cybersecurity, software development, data science, and cloud engineering. It's a full-time, salaried position with benefits, averaging around $52,000 annually. It leads to industry credentials and a Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Certificate. A significant catch is that application windows can be as short as 24 hours.
Accenture Apprenticeship: Large scale with strong career pathways.
Accenture, a major professional services firm, has a scaled apprenticeship program across many US cities. Tracks include app development, cybersecurity, cloud engineering, and data analytics. The program lasts 6-12 months, offers full pay and benefits, and leads to full-time offers. Some cybersecurity completers report offers around $115,000. Requirements are being 18+, having a high school diploma, and work authorization.
LinkedIn Reach: Focuses on internal engineering and data roles.
LinkedIn's internal program targets AI/ML, back-end engineering, cybersecurity, and data science roles. It pays between $47,000-$68,000 with full benefits and dedicated paid learning time. Importantly, it evaluates candidates based on essays and technical projects, not resumes, making it ideal for those with skills but no traditional pedigree. It has a small number of spots, making competition high.
Aon Apprenticeship: Unique program offering debt-free degree and experience.
Aon offers a 2-year apprenticeship in business, insurance, technology, or data analytics. It provides a full salary starting around $46,000 with raises every six months, paid health insurance, and covers tuition, books, and fees for an associate degree. Applicants need only a high school diploma. Applications open in January, positions post in March, and cohorts start in August.
Boeing Technical Apprenticeship Program (BTAP): Cybersecurity focus.
This program is designed for career changers interested in cybersecurity roles like incident response, threat hunting, and cloud security. Starting pay is around $45,000, increasing to over $60,000, with a Department of Labor credential upon completion. Higher education credits may also be awarded. Boeing looks for aptitude and documented interest, making self-study or certifications valuable.
Microsoft LEAP: Intensive program embedded in product teams.
The 16-week Microsoft LEAP program includes four weeks of virtual classroom training and 12 weeks embedded in actual Microsoft product teams (Azure, Xbox, etc.). Tracks cover cloud engineering, data analytics, UX design, and software engineering. It's for individuals with a foundational technical understanding but not necessarily a degree. Most graduates transition into tech roles within Microsoft or elsewhere.
Google Apprenticeship: Targets individuals with less than one year of experience.
Google offers full-time apprenticeships for 12-24 months in tracks like data analytics, IT support, UX design, software development, and project management. Participants receive a competitive stipend and a Department of Labor recognized credential. Requirements include a high school diploma/GED and less than one year of relevant experience, positioning it for true entry-level talent.
Application Strategy and Resources
Combine free certifications with paid apprenticeship applications.
The most effective strategy is to build a foundation with free certifications (e.g., Trailhead, IBM SkillsBuild, Google Career Certificates) while simultaneously applying to all suitable paid apprenticeship programs. Applying to multiple programs increases the chances of securing a position.
Application timing is critical for each program.
Each program has a specific application timeline. IBM requires frequent checks due to rapid openings/closings. Accenture has rolling applications. LinkedIn Reach posts cycles periodically. Aon's key window is the March posting for an August start. Boeing and Google require regular checks on their career pages.
Additional resources are available for direct links and application guidance.
The presenter mentions a Patreon resource called 'Heights' which offers direct application links, a timeline tracker for program openings, and a resume framework tailored for skills-based applications. However, it's stressed that these resources do not guarantee placement due to the competitive nature of the programs.
These programs build the 'builder economy'.
The video concludes by framing these apprenticeships as a way to build the 'builder economy', contrasting it with a shrinking coordinated economy. It encourages viewers not to remain on the sidelines but to actively pursue these opportunities.
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