“My vision after joining this program has changed positively. Before it was all a dream, an illusion like “maybe someday” but now it’s more of an attainable dream. Very much something I can do, not something I want to do. It was the key I needed to open doors to the opportunities I was looking for. It was the missing key.” Yesenia, 2022 APP Alumni 

The Lost Art of Apprenticeships and Their Comeback in Tech 

While apprenticeships have always been a large part of job culture, they’re making a bold comeback in tech—and it’s about time. For years, the field prioritized degrees and costly credentials, creating barriers that left talented people behind, especially women and individuals from historically excluded communities. Now, companies of varying sizes are understanding the value behind this entry to tech.  

Apprenticeships offer a path where you can earn while you learn, gaining real-world skills alongside mentors who have walked your journey — they’ve navigated apprenticeships, overcome barriers as historically excluded talent in tech, and pushed forward with the same determination that now fuels your own career ambitions. It’s a model that values potential and perspective, not just degrees. And this is why your representation matters! Every time someone from a diverse background enters tech, it strengthens the industry, fuels innovation, and makes tech work for everyone. Apprenticeships are more than a return to basics—they’re a step toward a more inclusive, future-ready tech landscape. 

Why Do Apprenticeships Matter Now? 

Traditional tech pathways can be riddled with barriers—high tuition, unpaid internships, and rigid degree requirements—that keep diverse talent out, especially women in tech. These challenges disproportionately impact people from underrepresented backgrounds, limiting who gets to shape the future of tech. 

Apprenticeships change that. Offering paid, hands-on learning with real mentorship, they break down entry barriers and provide an accessible, community-driven path into tech. This alternative pathway opens doors for those who’ve been shut out, bringing fresh voices and perspectives that drive true innovation. 

The Impact of APP: Real Results in Diversity and Inclusion 

The AnitaB.org Apprenticeship Pathway Program (APP) is built on a mission to create a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable tech workforce. Focused on historically excluded communities—Black, Latine, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+ women, and nonbinary people—APP provides participants with paid, hands-on learning and a pathway to full-time tech roles. 

This program has driven impressive results in tech inclusion: 

• 80% Employee Retention from 2021. 

• 90% of participants feel confident about building successful tech careers. 

• 82% say the cohort learning model was essential to their growth. 

APP’s model doesn’t just get participants in the door; it helps them thrive long-term. 75% have received full-time job offers, and 80% of the pilot cohort members are still at their host companies two years later. 

The support doesn’t stop at the job offer—APP builds mentorship and lasting connections, with a 165% increase in participants who report strong mentor relationships by the program’s end. 

Real Voices: Testimonials from APP Alumni 

The true impact of the Apprenticeship Pathway Program (APP) shines through in the voices of its participants. These stories highlight the transformative power of the program, from fostering community and growth to paving a non-traditional path into tech. 

“One of the hardest and most beneficial experiences you will go through. It really taught me so much about myself and gave me the opportunity to become a software engineer in a non-conventional way.” 

“Yeah, it can be a lonely experience, but I think programs like (APP) will make it a little less lonely when people will look at the previous apprentices and see, ‘Oh my gosh she looks like me! I can apply, she has my background.’ And so, knowing that we are potentially like bringing someone in who would not have, feels really good because they can do it, and they just need to see someone who could do it. Representation matters.” – Gabby 

“I genuinely loved my time during the learning phase. I made strong connections to other peers and tutors and learned to push myself in ways I have never done before … I am very thankful for this opportunity to be given a chance to get my career in tech started.” 

These testimonials highlight just how palpable the diversity of experiences within APP are and the program’s role in helping participants find community, develop skills, and break into tech on their own terms. 

Why Companies Should Partner with AnitaB.org to Create Apprenticeship Programs 

Partnering with AnitaB.org to create apprenticeship programs offers companies a unique opportunity to foster a more diverse workforce while addressing critical talent shortages in tech. Here are some compelling reasons for organizations to get involved: 

1. Fostering a Diverse Workforce: By supporting apprenticeships, companies can actively contribute to a more inclusive tech industry. Diverse teams bring varied perspectives that drive innovation and creativity, essential ingredients for solving today’s complex challenges. 
2. Building a More Innovative Team: A commitment to diversity isn’t just about representation; it’s about harnessing the power of different experiences and viewpoints. Companies that embrace diverse talent are better positioned to develop innovative solutions and stay ahead in a competitive landscape. 
3. Filling Critical Tech Roles: The tech industry faces a persistent skills gap, with many organizations struggling to find qualified candidates. By partnering with APP, companies can tap into a pool of motivated, trained apprentices ready to fill essential roles, ensuring they have the skilled talent necessary for success. 

APP strategically supports workforce development needs by connecting companies with individuals from historically excluded communities. This partnership not only strengthens the talent pipeline but also aligns corporate diversity goals with practical, impactful action. By investing in apprenticeships, companies can create a meaningful legacy while driving growth and innovation in their organizations. 

The Future of Tech is Diverse—Your Representation Matters 

Representation in tech is a necessity for driving innovation and creating solutions that reflect the diverse world we live in. Apprenticeships, like those offered through the AnitaB.org Apprenticeship Pathway Program, are crucial in building pathways for historically excluded technologists, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued in the industry. 

By participating in or supporting apprenticeship programs, everyone has the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive tech landscape. Each step taken to increase representation strengthens the entire field and helps foster a culture where diverse talents can thrive. 

Whether you’re a technologist ready to advance your career or a company looking to cultivate diverse talent, join us in making a difference.