IT Flexible Apprenticeship (ITFA)

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Program Overview

The IT Flexible Apprenticeship is a two-year (one year classroom and Career READY preparation which may result in an up-to one year apprenticeship) earn-and-learn program available to students in select Information Systems Technology majors (see the Eligibility section below for more information). Students who progress successfully through the program will enhance their learning by applying their classroom knowledge in the workplace, while picking up additional workplace skills that help with classroom performance.

Highlights of the program include:

• During the first year, students complete full-time technical coursework while engaging in a rigorous career readiness program.
• At the end of year one, qualified students have the opportunity to interview with employer partners to compete for a paid IT apprenticeship.Wages range from $18-27/hour, with an average of nearly $23/hour.
  • Apprenticeship interviews are competitive and employment is not guaranteed. Approximately 60% of students receive an apprenticeship.
• Students who are hired by an employer spend approximately 12 months in a paid apprenticeship with the opportunity to be converted to full-time employment upon graduation. 
  • Since 2017, 80% of apprentices are converted to full-time regular employment.

Alumni Testimonial

After finishing his service in the armed forces, Garrett Braxton chose Columbus State for its career-focused classes. Through the ITFA program, Garrett applied what he was learning in real time, earned a competitive wage while still in college, and graduated with both an associate degree and a job as a software engineer at State Auto.

Application Process

1. This requirement may also be satisfied through college transfer credit, AP scores, or IB scores.
2. Eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
3. Current Columbus State students must have a minimum of 24 credit hours (approximately 4 semesters) remaining in their degree program, and a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA.
   *If you are unsure, or have a prior college degree, you should consult with an advisor in Computer Science & IT Pathway.
4. New students who have not attended college before should complete the appropriate New Student Program.
5. Complete the ITFA program application below. 

Program Onboarding

Students who are accepted to the program are required to complete several additional steps prior to the start of the Autumn semester. These steps will be outlined in your official acceptance email, but include:

1. Attend a mandatory ProgramREADY session, which will take place during the Summer semester. At the virtual ProgramREADY session, students will gain a further understanding of program expectations and requirements including:
   1. Academic expectations
   2. Career preparation requirements
   3. Next steps you need to complete prior to Autumn semester
2. Complete the Earn and Learn student agreement.

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1800612. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.