Apprenticeship Toolkit: Information Technology

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Welcome

The Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards has developed this Information Technology (IT) apprenticeship toolkit as an introduction to the state's apprenticeship program for IT employers looking for creative and proven training opportunities to increase and improve their workforce. It contains detailed information about sponsoring apprentices and the exciting new apprenticeship opportunities in the IT sector.

Contents History of Apprenticeship .......................................................................................................... 3 Components of Apprenticeship ................................................................................................ 4 Benefits of Apprenticeship ........................................................................................................ 5 Information Technology & Apprenticeship .............................................................................. 6 Sponsoring an IT Apprentice .................................................................................................... 7 Data Analyst ................................................................................................................................ 7 IT Service Desk Technician ..................................................................................................... 11 Software Developer .................................................................................................................. 13 Resources ................................................................................................................................. 15

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History of Apprenticeship Apprenticeship dates back more than 4,000 years. In the Middle Ages, master tradesmen employed young, unmarried workers as apprentices. They did not receive wages but worked in exchange for training and room and board in the household of the master. Seven-Year Indenture Historically, an apprentice contract was known as an indenture and lasted about seven years. Upon completing the indenture, the apprentice traveled from employer to employer earning wages as a journeyworker. A journeyworker with sufficient skill and means could open a business to become a master tradesman. Four Enduring Elements A formal apprenticeship has always included at least three elements: an apprentice, an employer, and an indenture (contract). Craft guilds, a fourth element, surfaced in medieval times. The guild was comprised of tradesmen who oversaw the quality of training and integrity of the trade to ensure it did not become diminished over time.

Nation’s First Law Apprenticeship first came to the American colonies in the 17th century, as indentured apprentices arrived with master tradesmen. Three centuries later, in 1911, Wisconsin created America's first modern apprenticeship law, designating 200 occupations for apprenticeship training. They included professions like plumbing and carpentry and required a mandatory apprenticeship period. The law also established the state’s vocational school system to provide classroom instruction to apprentices. Modern Apprenticeship Today, apprenticeship still contains traditional elements: an apprentice, an employer, a contract, and industry oversight. However, it has been expanded and improved to meet the needs of a changing economy. In 2018, the state oversaw the enrollment of its first Information Technology (IT) apprentices.

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Components of Apprenticeship

On-the-Job Training (OJT) During an apprenticeship, approximately 90 percent of training will take place on the job. The apprentice will perform progressively skilled tasks under the guidance of a qualified journeyworker. Written standards for each trade are approved by an apprenticeship committee and the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS). The standards for each trade spell out the number of training hours that must be dedicated to each work task. Related Instruction In addition to OJT, apprentices participate in related instruction to learn theoretical aspects of the occupation. Wisconsin is the only state in the nation that requires the apprenticeship sponsor to pay apprentices their normal wage while they attend related instruction. Though the apprentice is responsible for the cost of tuition, books, and supplies, many sponsors reimburse these costs. Successful completion of the instruction component is a requirement for fulfilling an apprenticeship contract and can help the apprentice earn credits toward a technical college degree. Progressive Wage Scale Every apprenticeship contract contains a progressive wage scale to be earned by apprentices as their skills grow. Wages are set by the employer and apprentices are paid this wage while they attend related instruction. As an employee, the apprentice may also be able to participate in employer-sponsored healthcare and other benefit programs. Apprenticeship Sponsor Apprenticeship begins with a job. To be eligible to hire an apprentice, the employer, also known as the sponsor, must meet the requirements set forth in the state standards. Moreover, an apprenticeship sponsor must commit to the following: • Provide the highest quality of training • Cover the full scope of work in the apprentice's training for the specific trade • Ensure the apprentice will qualify for an industry-recognized credential upon completion of

the apprenticeship. State Registration and Oversight Another element of apprenticeship is governmental regulation through laws and program oversight. This function is provided by BAS. BAS registers apprenticeship programs and apprentices, works to sustain high-quality apprenticeship training in the skilled trades, provides technical assistance to apprenticeship sponsors, and protects the rights of apprentices. Completion Certificate Upon successful completion of an apprenticeship, the apprentice receives a Wisconsin Apprenticeship Completion Certificate, which confers status as a qualified journeyworker in the trade. The completion certificate is recognized nationwide.

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Benefits of Apprenticeship

Trained Employees: Apprenticeship ensures a steady supply of employees trained to industry standards who understand the values of the company. It creates a pipeline of talented employees prepared the future. Less Turnover: Employees who apprentice in a company are more likely to stay. Training apprentices increases loyalty and reduces turnover in a company.

Save Money: Training talent in-house is affordable. Not only is the business in control of its workforce's skill development, but apprentices produce while they learn.

Improve Productivity: An apprenticeship program produces trained professionals whose knowledge, skills and “hands-on” experience contribute directly to the company's bottom line. Trained apprentices gain an intimate understanding of business needs and how best to meet them. Advancement Opportunities: An apprenticeship program provides a career pathway and opportunities for lesser skilled employees to advance. By the Numbers In 2014, the White House hosted the Summit on American Apprenticeship, which found that:

• Every dollar spent on apprenticeship yielded $1.47 in return for employers.

• Nearly nine out of ten apprentices remained employed after completing their training.

The United State Department of Labor found that over 70 percent of college graduates planned on leaving their first job within three years, while 90 percent of registered apprentices remained with their employer over a three-year period. 1 An April 2018 report by the National Apprenticeship Service in the United Kingdom found:

• One in four consumers are willing to pay more for products from a business with apprentices.

• Three-quarters of employers say that apprentices improved their goods, service quality, morale, and productivity.

• Two-thirds of employers reported that employing apprentices improved their image in the

sector and helped staff retention.

• Two-thirds of apprentices remain working for the company that trained them, and 86 percent of employers said that apprentices helped fill the skills gap.

1 Smith, Keith. "Achieving the Benefits of Apprenticeships: A Guide for Employers." National Apprenticeship Service, April 2018. Accessed October 25, 2018. doi:10.3897/bdj.4.e7720.figure2f.

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Information Technology & Apprenticeship

Employment in Information Technology (IT) occupations continues to be one of the fastest growing parts of the U.S. economy. Businesses are continuing to have challenges meeting their IT talent needs and creating a diverse workforce, which is why they are turning to apprenticeship programs to train the highly skilled employees needed for this fast-paced field. Most businesses look to fill such positions with recent university or technical college graduates. This labor source is generally comprised of applicants with little to no work experience. An apprenticeship in IT, on the other hand, provides on-the-job learning and immediate output from the apprentice. In this manner, apprentices develop a strong working knowledge of the IT occupation as they learn and grow within the company. Wisconsin offers apprenticeships in three IT occupations:

• Data Analyst • IT Service Desk Technician • Software Developer

Wisconsin offers the following IT opportunities in Youth Apprenticeship:

• General IT Pathway • Network Systems and Information Support & Services Pathway • Programming & Software Development and Information Support & Services Pathway • Web & Digital Communications Pathway

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Sponsoring an IT Apprentice

Which organizations can apply to sponsor an IT Apprentice? • Must have been in business for at least one year in the IT field • Must be able to employ the apprentice full-time • Must employ a full-time skilled worker to supervise and train the apprentice in the

competencies as outlined in the apprentice contract • Must ensure that the apprentice is trained in all work processes • Must provide an environment conducive to delivering well-rounded training Sponsor Responsibilities • Train apprentice(s) on-the-job as outlined in the apprentice contract • Properly supervise, monitor, and mentor the apprentice • Release and pay apprentices to attend related instruction • Maintain personnel and training records for the apprentice

Who can apply to be an IT apprentice? • Must be at least 18 years of age • Must be a high school graduate or equivalent • Must have valid government issued photo Identification • Must be physically able to perform the work of the occupation with reasonable

accommodations

Apprentice Responsibilities • Work safely and follow the employer’s written work rules and policies • Advance competency, on- the-job, under the supervision of a skilled worker • Maintain a record of training • Notify the Bureau of Apprenticeship of changes in contact information or program status

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Data Analyst Data analysts collect and organize data to provide business insight. Data analysts are typically involved with selecting, integrating, querying, and aggregating data, then conducting a range of analytical studies on that data. They work across a variety of projects, providing technical data solutions to a range of stakeholders/customers issues. They document and report the results of data analysis activities to improve business performance. They have a good understanding of data structures, database systems, and data processing and manipulation skills using analytical tools to undertake a range of different types of analyses.

The Data Analyst Registered Apprenticeship Program The program is twenty-four months of not less than 4,000 hours, including 360 hours of related instruction. It uses the hybrid model which requires apprentices to successfully complete learning hours as well as competency requirements. On-the-job learning requires the employer to train the apprentice in five mandatory duties and five optional duties, outlined in the apprentice contract as "work processes":

1. Create technical specifications 2. Perform data integration 3. Query data 4. Analyze data 5. Present data

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IT: Data Analyst Apprentice Related Instruction Model The two required SQL courses should be front loaded. Potentially in a block (5 days a week) or semi-block (3-4 days a week) format. The courses could be delivered online. All other courses are delivered either face-to-face or hybrid (both online and face-to-face).

Occupation Specific: 10 Credits (360 hours) Occupation Supportive: 0 Credits (8 hours) Year 1: Term A Course Info Course 50-156-701 2 Credits 72 Hours

Introductory SQL – Prepares apprentices to leverage a relational database management system to retrieve data. They will create and execute queries using SQL statements. They will read an entity-relationship diagram to direct the creation of the correct query.

50-156-702 2 Credits 72 Hours

Intermediate SQL – Reviews the construction of a SQL query joining multiple tables using both INNER and OUTER joins, subqueries, scalar functions, and aggregate functions. Apprentices add, modify, and remove data records using DML statements; identify and create appropriate indexes to improve system query performance; and analyze the results for accuracy and completeness as well as review query performance for review and optimization.

Year 1: Term B Course Info Course 50-156-703 3 Credits 108 Hours

Data Presentation – Introduces data report creation. Apprentices learn data presentation formats and types of reports. Focus is placed on the creation of a variety of reports utilizing industry standard reporting tools. Data findings will be presented verbally and in writing, including through executive summaries.

Year 2: Term A Course Info Course 50-156-704 1.5 Credits 54 Hours

Introductory Business Analysis – Prepares apprentices to work as liaisons among stakeholders and understand the structure, policies, and operation of an organization. Apprentices use techniques to gather and analyze business requirements using best practices and relevant technologies. Prepares apprentices to function as liaisons with IT and subject matter experts supporting the needs of businesses in a wide variety of industries.

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Year 2: Term B Course Info Course 50-156-705 1.5 Credits 54 Hours

Introductory ETL – Prepares apprentices to extract from unstructured and structured data stores, transform data for usability and readability, and load data for consumption. Apprentices use applicable technology and techniques to provide reliable and accurate data for the end user or application.

47-455-455 0 Credits 8 Hours

Transition to Trainer: Your Role as a Journeyworker – The apprentice has already learned to use the tools of their chosen trade. In this workshop the apprentice will be introduced to a new set of basic tools--the tools of a jobsite trainer. The apprentice will explore the skills that are necessary to be an effective trainer, discover how to deliver hands-on training, and examine the process for giving useful feedback. During the workshop the apprentice will build a Training Toolkit to take back to use on the job.

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IT Service Desk Technician An IT service desk technician is responsible for fielding incoming technical support communications and tickets; troubleshooting issues; communicating over the phone, email, and live online chat; and resolving help desk inquiries. The job includes working with customers and internal teams to process incoming customer contacts, triaging customer issues, solving issues, and escalating issues. The IT Service Desk Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program The program is one year of not less than 2,000 hours, including 144 hours of related instruction. It uses the hybrid model which requires apprentices to successfully complete learning hours as well as competency requirements. On-the-job learning requires the employer to train the apprentice in four mandatory duties and five optional duties, outlined in the apprentice contract as "work processes":

1. Process incoming customer contact e.g. call/ticket/chat 2. Triage the issue 3. Solve the issue 4. Escalate the issue

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IT: Service Desk Technician Apprentice Related Instruction Model Occupation Specific: 4 Credits (144 hours) Occupation Supportive: 0 Credits (8 Hours) Year 1: Term A Course Info Course 50-154-701 2 Credits 72 Hours

Research and Troubleshooting – Provides instruction in IT service desk technician research and Troubleshooting. Apprentices research and troubleshoot, investigate service desk operations, create a support utility kit, and correct information and mistakes.

Year 1: Term B Course Info Course 50-154-702 1 Credit 36 Hours

Documentation – Provides instruction in IT service desk technician documentation. Apprentices learn communication and documentation skills related to incorporating information sources, writing procedures, maintaining a knowledge base, preparing reports, presenting oral reports, and developing ticketing skills.

50-154-703 1 Credit 36 Hours

Professional Skills – Provides instruction on IT service desk technician professional skills. Apprentices perform research and troubleshooting skills, investigate Service desk operations, create a support utility kit, correct information and mistakes.

47-455-455 0 Credits 8 Hours

Transition to Trainer: Your Role as a Journey Worker – The apprentice has already learned to use the tools of their chosen trade. In this workshop the apprentice will be introduced to a new set of basic tools--the tools of a jobsite trainer. The apprentice will explore the skills that are necessary to be an effective trainer, discover how to deliver hands-on training, and examine the process for giving useful feedback. During the workshop the apprentice will build a Training Toolkit to take back to use on the job.

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Software Developer Software developers develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. The job includes working with internal teams or customers to analyze user needs, develop software solutions and design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. Software developers may analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

The Software Developer Registered Apprenticeship Program The program is two years of not less than 4,035 hours including 360 hours of related instruction. It uses the hybrid model which requires apprentices to successfully complete learning hours as well as competency requirements. On-the-Job Learning requires the employer to train the apprentice in eight mandatory duties and one optional duty, outlined in the apprentice contract as "work processes":

1. Contribute to the development lifecycle 2. Complete programming tasks 3. Troubleshoot problems 4. Perform developer testing 5. Maintain version control 6. Package and deploy applications 7. Develop professionally 8. Create documentation

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IT: Software Developer Apprentice Related Instruction Model Occupation Specific: 10 Credits (360 hours) Occupation Supportive: 0 Credits (8 Hours)

Year 1: Term A Course Info Course 50-152-701 3 Credits 108 Hours

Basic Programming for IT: Software Apprentices – Provides an introduction to software developer skills. It focuses on the use of an integrated development environment and managing code in a repository. Apprentices use logic, function, basic collections, object-oriented concepts, and programming concepts to build and debug an application.

Year 1: Term B Course Info Course 50-152-702 2 Credits 72 Hours

Collaborative Application Development – Explores the software development life cycle and the functional requirements used to create a successful application using a collaborative approach. The course provides apprentices the opportunity to develop skills in presenting and demonstrating software to internal and external stakeholders. Emphasis is placed on clear and concise delivery. Apprentices also examine online developer resources and interpret technical information

Year 2: Term A Course Info Course 50-152-703 2 Credits 72 Hours

Intermediate Programming for IT: Software Apprentices – Focuses on intermediate programming skills for apprentices. Apprentices create a code branch, resolve merge conflicts, and utilize file storage. Emphasis is placed on object-oriented programming principles.

Year 2: Term B Course Info Course 50-152-704 3 Credits 108 Hours

Advanced Programming for IT: Software Apprentices – Examines advanced programming skills for apprentices. Focus is placed on design patterns, algorithms, data structures, and delegates. Apprentices utilize a database with an application.

47-455-455 0 Credits 8 Hours

Transition to Trainer: Your Role as a Journey Worker – The apprentice has already learned to use the tools of their chosen trade. In this workshop the apprentice will be introduced to a new set of basic tools--the tools of a jobsite trainer. The apprentice will explore the skills that are necessary to be an effective trainer, discover how to deliver hands-on training, and examine the process for giving useful feedback. During the workshop the apprentice will build a Training Toolkit to take back to use on the job.

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Resources Registered Apprenticeship: (608)266-3332 or visit WisconsinApprenticeship.org Find local Job Centers: JobCenterofWisconsin.com/directory Veteran Employment Services: dwd.wi.gov/veterans/ Youth Apprenticeship: ya@dwd.wisconsin.gov or visit ya.wi.gov. Apprenticeship USA/Department of Labor: apprenticeshipusa.workforcegps.org/.

This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees,

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Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards PO Box 7072

Madison WI 53703

DETA-18615-P (N. 03/2019)