The word “apprenticeship” comes with a lot of baggage. People hear it and picture trade work, or they assume it means working for free, or they conflate it with internships. IT apprenticeship programs in Texas are none of those things. Here’s what the two main models actually look like and who each one is designed for.
The Pre-Apprenticeship model
A pre-apprenticeship is a structured training program that prepares people for employment in a specific field. In IT, that means a defined curriculum, industry certification preparation, and career readiness support — delivered before you have a job, designed to get you to the point where employers will hire you.
Infotech Academy’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program runs six months, delivers five industry certifications, and covers fifteen-plus learning tracks including Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Software Development, AI and Automation, Data Analytics, SAP, and Networking. The entire program — training, instruction, certification exam fees — is covered by federal and state workforce development grants. Eligible Texas residents pay nothing.
The PAP is for people who are currently unemployed, underemployed, or making a career change. No prior IT experience required. The prerequisite is eligibility, not background.
The Registered Apprenticeship model
A registered apprenticeship is different in one fundamental way: you’re employed while you train. You keep your current job. You train virtually, on your own schedule, alongside your existing work. The Registered Apprenticeship Program at Infotech Academy is specifically for Texas residents who are currently employed and whose employer is based in Texas.
This model matters for people who can’t afford to stop working while they build new skills. You don’t take a pay cut, don’t quit your job, and don’t need your employer’s involvement in the training itself. You train on the side, earn the certifications, and then make the career move when you’re ready.
Which one applies to you
If you’re currently unemployed or underemployed and want to pivot into IT full-time — the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. If you’re currently employed in Texas and want to add IT certifications while keeping your job — the Registered Apprenticeship Program. Both are 100% free for eligible residents. Start at infotechacademy.online/pap to check your eligibility for the PAP, or infotechacademy.online/rap for the RAP.