With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 377,500 job openings annually in the tech sector until 2032, the demand for skilled tech workers is rising rapidly. As we strive to build a workforce capable of supporting the ever-growing scale of technology in our personal lives, businesses, and critical infrastructure, the path forward points to a time-tested labor development strategy used by many skilled trades: apprenticeships.
Focusing on youth apprenticeships is especially important because it allows young people to start their careers with real-world experience and practical skills, bridging the gap between education and employment. By investing in the next generation, we’re not only filling critical labor needs but also ensuring that our workforce is equipped to meet the demands of the future.
As we observe National Workforce Development Month this September, it’s an ideal time to highlight how tech apprenticeships can shape the future of Maryland’s labor market and which roles will be needed the most.
Cybersecurity penetration testing
As businesses become increasingly reliant on digital systems for payroll, benefits, timekeeping, accounting, contracts, client-protected data, intellectual property, and more, it’s becoming easier for hackers to steal that information. Companies of all sizes must perform cybersecurity penetration testing to “test” the vulnerabilities a potential hacker might find and exploit, identify those gaps, and develop a strategy to better protect those systems.
Penetration Testing positions are ideal for apprenticeship programs because the nature of the role requires continuous learning and adaptation to new tools and techniques, making it well-suited for mentorship and structured training. As demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, this apprenticeship is the perfect stepping stone to a career pathway in cybersecurity.
Data analyst
Data Analysts continue to be in high demand due to the sheer volume of data that is now being created and stored by businesses in just about every industry. The value to a company is when meaning is derived from that data – and while artificial intelligence and models are becoming more sophisticated and can assist with this, the end user of those outputs will be a human, drawing in more context, “checking” the work of the model, and identifying the significant takeaways.
Due to the shortage of workers with data analytics skills, companies are now turning to apprenticeship programs to train and develop their workforce internally. These programs allow businesses to tailor the training to meet their specific needs, ensuring that employees gain the exact skills required to analyze data effectively based on the company’s unique demands.
Help desk support
Technology has become a part of daily operations for almost every business, creating an increasing need for skilled help desk professionals to provide immediate technical support and ensure the smooth functioning of IT systems.
While these roles are entry-level, they require the person to not only have a wide range of technical knowledge but also soft skills such as communication and problem solving, making this a historically hard-to-fill role. Companies can leverage youth apprenticeships to address current help desk needs, providing apprentices with hands-on experience that can lead to more specialized roles like network administration, cybersecurity, or system analysis, making it an excellent foundation for long-term career growth.
AI prompt engineering
Artificial intelligence can work hard for us, contributing valuable information, analyses, creative content, and more. But, it’s only as good as the prompter behind it.
Investing in youth apprenticeships for AI prompt engineering is a path toward companies upskilling their entire workforce on how to effectively use and integrate AI into their workflows. By investing in “early adapters,” companies can help to develop the first generation of prompt engineers trained to leverage and think about AI in a way that truly contributes to the bottom line and improves the quality of life for other employees and customers. Academic programs can’t build a curriculum fast enough to keep up with AI’s progress, making apprenticeships even more vital for those who don’t want to fall behind.
The demand for technology professionals in Maryland has never been higher. To prepare this next generation of workers, we must broaden high school students’ awareness of career options through activities like job shadowing, internships, and career exploration programs. However, this alone isn’t enough — employers must also offer registered apprenticeships to provide alternative, faster paths to skill development.
Programs like Health Tech Alley’s new Business Analytics and Data Science Youth Apprenticeship, launched in collaboration with Maryland Apprenticeship Connector, exemplify how these opportunities can equip students with essential skills in emerging technologies, such as AI and data science, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly evolving field. As the tech workforce is projected to grow at twice the rate of the overall U.S. workforce, it’s crucial for businesses here in Maryland and beyond to actively contribute to developing the tech talent that will drive and protect our economy in the future.
