Technology companies turn to apprenticeships in tight labor market

IBM chief executive Ginni Rometty will take the stage at CES today to unveil a widespread industry effort to expand apprenticeships training workers in digital skills such as cybersecurity or software engineering in an effort to prepare them for careers at technology companies.

Seventeen companies, including IBM, Ford, Canon, Sprint, Postmates and Bosch, have committed to expand apprenticeships to thousands of workers across 20 states to help fill a shortage of trained tech talent. IBM is seen as a leader in the coalition after launching its own apprenticeship program more than a year ago, and Rometty will say the company is doubling those apprenticeships to train between 400 and 450 workers per year, according to a preview provided to The Technology 202.

By Cat Zakrzewski