Apprenticeship Week 2024: Shining a Spotlight on the Applications Programmer Apprenticeship Program

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, November 17 - 23, Interstates is excited to introduce our newest opportunity for aspiring programmers: the Applications Programmer Apprenticeship. This program, set to launch in January 2025, is designed to bring hands-on learning and mentorship to a field not traditionally associated with apprenticeships. By combining classroom education with real-world project experience, Interstates aims to empower the next generation of programmers, equipping them with the tools they need for success in industrial automation and control systems.

Why Apprenticeship Week Matters to Us

For Interstates, National Apprenticeship Week is more than just a celebration and chance for education; it aligns with who we are as a company. "Apprenticeships allow us to provide clear, guided paths for our team members to take the next steps in their careers, fostering both personal growth and industry readiness,” explains Keith Bunger, Program Coordinator at Interstates.

The Applications Programmer Apprenticeship embodies Interstates' commitment to "providing opportunities for our people," a defining aspect of our culture. "We want everyone to know this apprenticeship program is available," Bunger says. He adds that many people are familiar with apprenticeships for skilled trades but may not realize that hands-on learning can benefit programming and other technical fields just as much. This program underscores Interstates' innovative approach to training and career growth, ensuring a workforce prepared for the evolving demands of industrial automation.

Building Skills Through Real-World Experience

One of the distinctive aspects of our Applications Programmer Apprenticeship is the balance it strikes between academic knowledge and practical skills. The program is estimated to take one year to complete and is structured to promote competency-based advancement. Jeff De Boer, Automation Architect at Interstates, says, “The active learning, combined with day-to-day experience in the industry, shortens the overall learning curve, making it a unique alternative to traditional academic pathways.”

Apprentices can expect to engage in various tasks central to industrial programming, such as designing software applications, understanding electrical systems, and evaluating security needs. "This apprenticeship gives participants the chance to work in diverse industries, from value-added agriculture to food and beverage facilities," De Boer says. This exposure provides apprentices with a versatile skill set, helping them understand the industry from a broad perspective while enabling them to experience the tangible impact of their work.

A Program Designed for the Future of Technology

The Applications Programmer Apprenticeship from Interstates goes beyond conventional programming to incorporate emerging technologies critical to our modern industry. "We focus on up-to-date tools like data collection and visualization technologies, which are integral in helping facilities operate more efficiently," says De Boer. This exposure to the latest advancements ensures that graduates of the program stay relevant in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

In addition to technical skills, the program emphasizes flexibility, another key component for today’s workforce. "While there are work requirements, we’re more results-focused than time-focused," De Boer says. This approach allows apprentices to meet their professional responsibilities while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Supportive Mentorship and Clear Career Progression

One of the pillars of Interstates’ apprenticeship program is our commitment to mentorship. Each apprentice is assigned a mentor who provides day-to-day guidance, along with structured internal training sessions from the technical training team. “This mentorship allows apprentices to personalize their learning experience and explore career paths that align with their strengths,” De Boer explains.

For those unsure if industrial programming is the right career path for them, De Boer highlights that the apprenticeship’s structure is designed to offer clarity. "The program gives apprentices a strong sense of what it takes to program industrial systems, offering pathways within programming itself, including roles that lean toward either hardware or software," he says. This diversity in potential career outcomes allows our apprentices to discover where their interests truly lie, giving them the freedom to shape their futures.

Moreover, Interstates has structured the program to ensure that apprentices finish with industry-relevant experience. "We anticipate that graduates will possess a level of experience similar to that of someone with two years in an entry-level programming position," De Boer says, underscoring the growth opportunities our apprentices can expect post-graduation.

A New Path Forward in Industrial Programming

Apprenticeships in industrial programming are still an emerging concept in many industries, but for Interstates, the Applications Programmer Apprenticeship is a natural progression from its successful Electrical and Manufacturing Apprenticeship programs. "The goal of this program is to inspire young adults and career-changers alike to consider programming as a viable and fulfilling career," says Bunger. In an industry where staying current is crucial, this apprenticeship offers a fresh and effective pathway to professional growth.

For those interested in exploring a career in programming, Interstates’ Applications Programmer Apprenticeship offers an unparalleled opportunity. Bunger sums it up: "Our apprenticeship program is more than training; it’s a career journey. We’re excited to welcome new talent to Interstates and help them grow with us."

National Apprenticeship Week reminds us that alternative learning pathways like apprenticeships can lead to rewarding and impactful careers. For those interested in industrial programming with a hands-on approach and a clear career trajectory, consider applying to Interstates’ Applications Programmer Apprenticeship. This program will begin in early 2025, and applications are open now.