Apprenticeship
programs
Apprenticeship
programs
Career Seekers
Ready for a Career in IT?
Interested in building a career in the dynamic, fast-paced and ever-growing field of technology? An apprenticeship with one of many Arkansas employers is the perfect place to start. We'll help you begin!
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What Apprentices are Saying
Caitlyn, SharePoint Developer, First Orion
"I’m actually the first in my family to graduate college. ... I worked at McDonald’s for several months after graduation. ... I saw First Orion’s apprenticeship post on Indeed, that they would hire me and teach me what I needed to know. I’ve now been at First Orion since the summer of 2018. I work with the mobile data team, which is comprised of a small number of people, and there are so many projects that we’re almost a shared resource. I feel like there's a lot of decision on what I can work on, which I love."
Abdoul, C/Unix Developer with DXC Technology
"I’m from West Africa originally. ACDS came to my school, at UCA, and told us about the data analytics apprenticeship program. I signed up, and they connected me with DXC. We graduated from the apprenticeship classes in April, and now I’m a C/Unix Developer for DXC. I have the career I wanted."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
What apprenticeship positions are available? When do they start?
A
Apprenticeship positions are available and start based on employer demand. For this reason, a schedule is not always available. However, apprenticeship applications are always accepted here.
Q
Did I apply for a job at ACDS?
A
No, but by applying with us, you give us permission to share your resume with our company partners. Think of us as a matchmaker, based on criteria you share (position of interest, pay, location etc) and what an employer is looking for. Keep in mind a company decides whom to interview and extend an offer to.
Q
Is an apprenticeship the same as an internship or temporary position?
A
NO! An apprenticeship is a full-time employee status position.
Q
How long is apprentice training?
A
The length of training (not to be confused with the length of employment) can vary depending on the employer, complexity of the occupation, industry, and the type of program. The employer is required to provide a minimum of 144 hours of training and designated mentor during your first year.
Q
What companies do you work with? (We call them our company partners & employers)
A
We work with start-ups to large corporations across all industries. The one common theme is they have IT positions to fill and the positions are based in Arkansas. Current and previous employer partners can be found here.
Q
What is the application process and timeline?
A
Once an application is received, it can take 3-4 weeks for an ACDS Recruiter to review the application and set up the initial phone interview. Timing varies due to the availability of employers hiring at that time.
Q
When will I hear something?
A
It could take 1- 6 months! It all depends on company demand. Please know we are working our hardest to get you paired with the right company fit and will reach back out once a potential match is available.
Q
What is your success rate of finding me a job?
A
The apprenticeship model for hiring IT positions is still a new concept in the state of Arkansas. We recognize IT is a competitive field, so we encourage you to still continue your job search as we work to match you with our company partners. Our hope is to add value and that our resume & interview tips help along the way.
Arkansas Center for Data Sciences will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX (INCLUDING PREGNANCY AND GENDER IDENTITY), SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENETIC INFORMATION, OR BECAUSE THEY ARE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY OR A PERSON 40 YEARS OLD OR OLDER. Arkansas Center for Data Sciences will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.
Candidates with Disabilities: If you have a disability or are a disabled veteran who is unable to use our online tools to search and/or apply for jobs, you may request a reasonable accommodation. Contact us at 501-500-0811. This option is reserved only for people unable to use or who require assistance with the online tools as the result of a disability and is not intended for other purposes.
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Equal Opportunity is the Law poster can be found here.
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