IT pre-apprenticeship programs should provide wraparound supports such as tutoring and case management, including access to resources for child care, mental health, transportation, and housing.
In addition to supports needed across sectors, IT pre-apprentices need robust academic support and access to computer hardware and software.
While many other types of IT on-ramp training programs do not typically offer wraparound supports, high-quality pre-apprenticeship programs that serve underrepresented populations should address a range of needs such as child care, transportation, housing, and living expenses as a way of supporting persistence. Due to the highly technical and accelerated nature of IT training, academic supports that assist participants who are at risk of falling behind are particularly important. IT pre-apprenticeships can draw on many different best-practice models—from educational specialists providing customized assistance to cohort support for core academic content, to the provision of individual tutoring and extracurricular activities.
In addition to general case management and resource needs, IT pre-apprentices may also lack access to technology and materials needed to complete training. High-quality pre-apprenticeships should dedicate program resources, access Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act supportive service funding, use philanthropic grants, or leverage employer partnerships to fund computer and software purchases for participants.