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SAN FRANCISCO – Qwasar Silicon Valley, an award-winning global training provider, announced its intention to launch registered apprenticeship programs (RAP) in Backend Software Engineering, AI/Machine Learning, Embedded/Firmware Engineering, and DevOps/Cloud Engineering roles.

Qwasar Silicon Valley joins more than 90 partners in the CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech Network, a national initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) and led by the American Institutes for Research in partnership with CompTIA to create employment opportunities in the tech workforce for people from diverse backgrounds, while simultaneously helping employers fill current and long-term tech staffing needs.

“Our advanced engineering apprenticeships play a pivotal role in generating a talent pipeline for hard-to-fill roles in highly technical subjects. These RAPs uniquely address industry demand, setting us apart in the field. Moreover, our apprentices have the option to pursue a master’s degree, making our dual Apprenticeship-Master's program the first of its kind nationally,” said Qwasar co-founder and COO Jennifer Robertson.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 22% increase in positions for software developers between 2019 and 2029, more than four times the growth projected across all occupations during that same decade. Demand for software professionals continues to drive the largest volume of tech hiring activity. In September, employers across the country listed job postings for more than 48,000 software positions, according to research by CompTIA. The Embedded Engineering RAP, a rarity in the market, responds to the growing need for talent skilled in C programming. With Qwasar Silicon Valley’s rigorous training and the added value of a master's qualification, this opportunity is highly advantageous for companies seeking such specialized skills.

“I don't know anyone else offering an apprenticeship in embedded engineering, but I know a lot of employers trying to hire talent with strong C programming skills. Given the level that we train to and the de-risking that a master’s qualification provides, this is a real no brainer for companies needing such talent,” commented education veteran and Qwasar CEO Kwame Yamgnane.

Apprentices with Qwasar Silicon Valley begin their journey by undergoing three months of comprehensive training, establishing the groundwork for their transition to a company's engineering team for on-the-job training.

Training requires learners to complete software projects in a range of languages depending on their role. Programming languages include C, C++, Rust, Go, Python, and tools like Terraform, Jupyter, CUDA, AWS, and more. Equipped with this proficiency, apprentices integrate into engineering teams, ready to make a meaningful impact from Day 1.

“Apprenticeships are a proven method for building the technical and durable skills that employers are looking for and to do so in a way that brings a broader diversity of people into the workforce,” said Amy Kardel, senior vice president for workforce relationships at CompTIA. “It’s a winning strategy for any organization that’s looking to grow and diversify its tech team.”

The USDOL selected the American Institutes for Research (AIR), a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance both domestically and internationally in the areas of education, health and the workforce, and CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the IT industry and workforce, to serve as a national Industry Intermediary for expansion of apprenticeships in tech occupations.

About CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech
CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech is a national initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to increase the number of skilled technology workers and expand tech career opportunities for diverse populations, including women, individuals with disabilities and people of color. https://www.comptia.org/content/lp/apprenticeships-for-tech.

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Steven Ostrowski
CompTIA
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