Information Technology (IT) Support Apprentice Certificate of Achievement

The Information Technology (IT) Support Apprentice Certificate of Achievement prepares students for careers in IT Support. This certificate combines academic coursework with on-the-job, earn-and-learn opportunities provided by local employers so that students can gain hands-on experience while earning college credits. The certificate covers essential skills such as troubleshooting, setting up workstations, managing access controls, and supporting users with IT issues.

Students will develop both technical skills and practical experience in preparation for entry-level roles such as IT Support Specialist or Help Desk Technician. 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 apprenticeship certificate, students will receive a nationally recognized credential and a state credential through the California Department of Apprenticeship Standards.

A total of twenty apprentices over three years are expected to enroll with the potential for annual growth. Completion rates of the Certificate of Achievement are expected to be five to ten per year with a potential for annual growth.

Cabrillo College is seeking approval from the Chancellor’s Office for the Information Technology (IT) Support Apprentice Certificate of Achievement in Career Technical Education. This certificate is designed to equip students with essential skills in IT support and provide the foundation for troubleshooting, user support, and system maintenance.

The program aligns with Cabrillo’s mission, master plan, and the statewide Guided Pathways initiative, directly addressing the workforce needs identified by local and regional employers. Students who earn this certificate will provide critical support for employers by filling a demand for skilled IT support professionals in the local and regional job market. This program also aims to engage non-traditional and minoritized students, offering them a structured pathway into a sustainable, high-demand career.

The coursework is part of the current Cabrillo College curriculum inventory. The certificate and the apprenticeship are anticipated to grow enrollment and FTEs in the Computer & Information Systems department. Cabrillo College received a grant from the Chancellor's Office - California Apprenticeship Initiative (CAI) that helped launch this certificate by supporting faculty to envision and build the apprenticeship program. 

The required coursework enables students to complete the related technical instruction required by the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) and the United States Department of Labor (DOL) to award a certificate with an apprenticeship. This national recognition guarantees that the apprenticeship adheres to national standards. The apprenticeship program provides students with a portable credential, as defined by the DAS and DOL, which is nationally recognized by employers. 

Upon completion, students will be prepared to support end-users across a variety of technology environments, with competencies in hardware and software troubleshooting, setting up workstations and devices, network fundamentals, and customer support skills. Graduates will be positioned to enter the workforce as IT Support Specialists, with opportunities to advance to higher-level IT certifications or degrees, including the associate’s degree pathway. Locally, the certificate of achievement will appear on the student transcript. Nationally, this certificate is recognized by employers as meeting national standards. 

Labor market data indicates a strong demand for these skills regionally, with competitive entry-level earnings and growth potential for completers. A labor market analysis reveals a large labor gap in the Bay region with 18,675 and 611 in the Santa Cruz-Monterey Sub-Region, with annual openings in Customer Support positions. Based on the data included in this report, there is a labor market gap in the Bay region with 1,796 annual openings for the IT Customer Support occupational cluster and 65 annual (3-year average) awards for an annual undersupply of 1,731 students. In the SC-Monterey Sub-Region, there is also a gap with 46 annual openings and 17 annual (3-year average) awards for an annual undersupply of 29 students.

There are 18-21 required computer and information system courses, including internship and work experience since this is an apprentice approved certificate. Additionally, there will be 3-4 elective units also in the computer and information systems department.

The IT Support Apprentice 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.

Currently, there are limited options in the regional service area that provide a dedicated apprenticeship path in IT Support. Labor Market Information (LMI) data highlights a substantial demand for skilled IT support professionals, affirming the need for this program. By fulfilling this demand, the certificate enhances employability for graduates and addresses the workforce needs in the Bay Area and beyond without saturating the market.

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