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Code the Dream

At Code the Dream, we envision a world in which tech innovation comes from all of us and benefits all of us.

Registered Apprenticeship at Code the Dream

A life-changing opportunity for early-career software developers

Code the Dream offers an award-winning U.S. Department of Labor-registered, competency-based apprenticeship in software development. The CTD apprenticeship prepares participants to launch successful careers in the tech industry.

More than 80% go on to full-time roles in tech, earning an average annual starting salary of more than $90,000.

About Registered Apprenticeship

Registered Apprenticeships are proven, structured models for developing a skilled workforce. They provide paid on-the-job training, are nationally accredited, and meet specific goals and standards that help ensure job-ready talent.

In the past decade, the number of active apprentices in USDOL-registered programs has increased from around 400,000 to more than 700,000. While the majority of Registered Apprenticeship Programs are in the construction and skilled trades sectors, there are an increasing number of RA opportunities in technology. According to the USDOL, in 2025, there were more than 58,000 Registered Apprentices in technology, cybersecurity, and AI-related occupations.

Participation in Registered Apprenticeship is just one way CTD is on the cutting edge of industry trends as the tech sector—and the workforce—changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

CTD Apprentices are early-career software engineers from communities underrepresented in the tech industry.

At CTD, Apprentices apply for a spot in our competitive program after completing coding classes at CTD Learns. CTD Learns students who have completed the Advanced Practicum in the web development track are eligible to apply, and the acceptance rate is typically 15% to 20%.

All Apprentices are on the CTD Labs team, where they build tech-for-good solutions for our clients. The Apprentices work alongside CTD’s staff developers, who provide mentorship and valuable experience working as part of an agile development team.

Some also have the opportunity to work for companies partnering with CTD through the organization’s Tandem Apprenticeship program. The program provides companies with skilled associate developers while Code the Dream shares the administrative and mentorship load.

Once accepted into the Registered Apprenticeship, all participants receive a salary and benefits, including paid time off and health insurance. They also have access to a comprehensive career development program that includes resume review, interview preparation, and career coaching.

The Apprenticeship typically lasts between one and two years.

In today’s job market, employers increasingly demand real-world AI project experience that training alone cannot provide. The Registered Apprenticeship model allows Apprentices to gain this experience, now a must-have for remaining competitive.

Participants work on AI systems using cutting-edge approaches, including RAG architectures, LLM integration, and AI-powered user interfaces. All Apprentices have access to Claude Code to support their learning and prepare them to use industry-standard AI tools—while still being responsible for every line of code they ship.

Apprentices gain real-world experience building for CTD clients, then launch their careers. More than 80% go on to full-time roles in tech, earning an average annual starting salary of more than $90,000.

Our tech tools support farmworker outreach, access to public benefits, a transparent democracy, childhood literacy, and more. View the CTD Labs Portfolio.

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Photo of Asiya Bykova, former CTD Apprentice now a Fullstack Developer at Hybrid Healthcare Communications
“Code the Dream really makes a difference – It was the best thing that could happen in my life.”
Asiya Bykova, former CTD Apprentice now a Fullstack Developer at Hybrid Healthcare Communications
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Photo of Abel Gechure, former CTD Apprentice, now a Software Engineer at Fubo
“Because of Code the Dream, I now have a career, I have a bright future, and I have the means to provide for my family.”
Abel Gechure, former CTD Apprentice, now a Software Engineer at Fubo