IBM’s 21st Century Apprenticeship Program Now Recognised By The American Council On Education

Published Aug 22, 2021
IBM
Technology & Beyond

By John F. Heerdink, Jr.

Reportedly, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) 21st-century apprenticeship program has officially been recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE) allowing IBM apprentices to translate their 12 months of on-the-job training for up to 45 college credits, or around three semesters of college coursework, from participating academic institutions. As a result, IBM’s software engineering apprenticeship will be represented in ACE-endorsed badges and transcripts on the Credly Acclaim platform, which translates learners’ skills, knowledge, and achievements into digital credentials. IBM’s technical apprenticeship in software engineering will allow past, current, and future IBM apprentices to apply for their credits at participating two and four-year institutions across the country, offering a unique opportunity for apprentices to fast-track their progress toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree towards their career goals.

“Amid the pandemic, industry leaders nationwide are rethinking their approach towards education, skills training and hiring. Apprenticeships have become an increasingly critical element in the country’s skills portfolio because they can rapidly provide more people with access to new career opportunities, all while continuing to earn a paycheck. This validation by ACE reaffirms the impact of IBM’s apprenticeship model and its ability to provide an opportunity to learn in-demand technical skills that can lead to some of technology’s fastest growing careers without taking on student debt or taking time away from the workplace.” stated Kelli Jordan, Director of skills, career, and performance at IBM.

Earlier this year, ACE also launched its Apprenticeship Pathways project, in partnership with the Charles Koch Foundation, to expand and offer a range of alternative educational experiences eligible for college credit and better leverage the impact of high-quality apprenticeships. To date, IBM has trained nearly 1,000 apprentices across 17 states and 30 cities through its earn-while-you learn model.

Michele Spires, executive director for Learning Evaluations at ACE stated, “We are proud to validate programs like IBM’s Software Engineering Apprenticeship, which provide opportunities for underserved student populations to improve their economic mobility through postsecondary education and professional advancement.This program empowers students to further their education while helping colleges and universities grow and diversify their student body.”

Dow 30 component International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) provides information technology (IT) products and services worldwide. To learn more about International Business Machines Corp (IBM) and to track its ongoing progress please visit the Vista Partners IBM Coverage Page.

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