If you are a former or current servicemember thinking of making a transition into a civilian career, you might want to consider technology.

There are many employers out there willing to hire veterans with a wide range of skills. Major companies that hire veterans include Google, Amazon, GoDaddy, IBM, LinkedIn, and Microsoft. However, many of the nation’s larger tech organizations require an introduction through one of their hiring partners.

Apprenticeships in different fields within technology are designed to help veterans make a smooth reintegration into civilian life. From private companies to the Department of Veteran Affairs, apprenticeship programs are becoming a mainstream choice for kicking off a career in technology.

Why should veterans consider tech careers?

• The IT industry is hot: Technology is becoming increasingly important for the economy, as well as our daily lives. Statista emerging tech fields like big data, IoT software, and AR/VR are expected to grow exponentially in the next few years. Figures from Glassdoor reveal that the average pay for an IT employee in the US is $83,956, which is higher than many other industries.
• Vets have complementary skills: Most veterans have skills that are desirable in the IT industry, including adaptability, organization, tenacity, time management and problem-solving

Type of tech apprenticeships

In technology, veterans can consider various kinds of apprenticeships based on their interests. Here are three of the most common tech fields:

Software engineering

In this type of apprenticeship, you will work in collaboration with software developers and software engineers to build useful applications. With software development skills, you will be able to offer solutions for software products.

Data science

If you are interested in data management or big data, then you might want to consider a data science apprenticeship. You will learn how to secure data in order to prevent the theft of sensitive information.

Web development

In this type of apprenticeship, you will need to learn coding skills. You will use tools like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML to develop web applications.

Conclusion

According to a recent Korn Ferry study, about 85 million jobs could fall vacant by 2030 because there aren’t enough skilled individuals to take them. A tech apprenticeship will prepare you for future opportunities by equipping you with the necessary skills.

If you wish to pursue a career in technology, consider applying for our Technology Apprenticeship Program (TAP). Even without a previous technical background, you will acquire valuable skills via on-the-job training. The good news is that you can access a federal grant to cover some of the expenses associated with the training.