Major technology companies are rapidly expanding apprenticeship programs as alternatives to traditional four-year degree requirements. Google, Microsoft, and IBM collectively added 15,000 apprenticeship positions in 2026, a 40% increase from the previous year.
These programs typically last 12 to 18 months and combine paid on-the-job training with structured coursework. Apprentices earn between $55,000 and $75,000 annually during training, with most transitioning to full-time roles upon completion.
The shift reflects broader changes in hiring practices, with more than 60% of Fortune 500 companies now listing at least some technical positions without degree requirements, according to a new report from the Burning Glass Institute.
