Information Technology (IT) Institute Pre-apprentice Certificate of Achievement

The Information Technology (IT) Institute Pre-apprentice Certificate of Achievement is a one-semester certificate designed to equip learners with foundational skills for careers in IT Support. This certificate provides a structured introduction to IT support through a combination of online coursework and a work-based learning micro-internship to prepare students for jobs.

Students complete essential coursework covering IT Support Fundamentals, including hardware and software troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration, automation, and security. In addition to technical skills, the certificate focuses on career development, helping students build competencies in interviewing, resume building, negotiation, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Academic counseling and support are built into the certificate to help guide students toward further certifications and academic opportunities.

The IT Institute Pre-apprentice Certificate of Achievement provides a critical foundation for those seeking to break into the IT field and build a sustainable career in technology. This combination of classroom learning and work-based experience opens doors to further certifications, career advancement, and pathways into degree programs in IT and cybersecurity. Upon completion of this pre-apprenticeship certificate, students will be able to continue on the pathway to the Information Technology (IT) Support Apprentice Certificate of Achievement

The certificate will be scheduled and offered in Spring only and plans to enroll 20 to 30 students. Completion rates of the IT Institute Certificate of Achievement is expected to be 15 to 25 with potential for growth.  

Cabrillo College is seeking approval from the Chancellor’s Office for the Information Technology (IT) Institute Pre-apprentice Certificate of Achievement in Career Technical Education. This one-semester program is specifically crafted to introduce adult learners from minoritized and underserved communities to the field of IT support, providing foundational skills for those who are unemployed, underemployed, or looking to transition into a sustainable and high-demand career. By offering a structured entry point into IT, the program aligns with Cabrillo College’s mission, master plan, and the statewide Guided Pathways initiative, creating equitable access to career readiness in a field with strong local and regional workforce demand.

The IT Institute Pre-apprenticeship delivers essential training in IT Support Fundamentals, including hardware and software troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration, automation, and security. Additionally, students build crucial career skills in interviewing, resume building, negotiation, and teamwork, along with academic and professional skills such as communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and critical thinking. A unique aspect of the program is the inclusion of a work-based learning micro-internship, where students apply their knowledge in a real-world IT support setting, further enhancing job readiness and confidence in their technical abilities. Academic and education pathway counseling is also provided to support students in identifying further training and career advancement opportunities.

This certificate serves as a valuable credential for individuals seeking entry-level positions in IT. IT supports students in transitioning to the workforce or pursuing additional certifications, including pathways to Cabrillo College’s IT Support Apprentice program, CompTIA A+, Cisco IT Essentials, and Google IT Support Professional Certificate, positioning them competitively in the job market.

Designed for individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, or from minoritized communities, this program provides a structured introduction to IT support through a combination of online coursework and a work-based learning micro-internship.

Labor market analysis highlights the significant demand for IT support professionals within the Bay Area, where job openings in IT Customer Support exceed 18,000 annually, with approximately 600 of those in the Santa Cruz-Monterey region. This regional demand, paired with an undersupply of qualified candidates, underscores the critical role of the Information Technology (IT) Institute Pre-apprenticeship Certificate of Achievement in addressing local workforce needs. By equipping students with in-demand skills and work-based learning experience, this program creates opportunities for meaningful employment while helping bridge the labor market gap in IT support across the Bay Area.

The pre-apprentice certificate requires 9.5 units of coursework and .5 units of internship or work experience for a total of 10 units. 

The IT Institute Pre-apprenticeship Certificate of Achievement addresses a specific gap in Cabrillo College’s curriculum by offering an apprenticeship-based, earn-and-learn model for students pursuing IT support careers. This program uniquely combines structured coursework with defined, on-the-job work experience, aligning with Cabrillo’s commitment to practical, career-focused education.

Utilizing existing courses, this certificate program provides a scaffold to the Computer Support - Associate in Science (A.S.) degree, enabling students to seamlessly continue their education within the college’s established IT pathways. By offering hands-on experience with local employers, the program not only strengthens practical learning but also supports industry-aligned certifications, positioning students for successful entry into the workforce.

Monterey Peninsula College delivers a similar program. In collaboration with Monterey Peninsula College they have reported that our program would not negatively affect their respective programs or students.  Contacted for approval: John Skellenger, Dean of Instruction, Career Education and Workforce Development, Monterey Peninsula College, jskellenger@mpc.edu 831-646-4081