How Training Concepts' Apprenticeship Program Helps Service Members Prepare for Civilian Work in IT

Columbia, South Carolina | Small business
Apprenticeship established 2023
 

Based in Columbia, South Carolina, Training Concepts is an information technology vocational school that prepares novice tech learners, veterans, and active-duty military with the skills needed to launch a civilian career in IT.

Training Concepts has been an apprenticeship sponsor since 2023, supporting 32 apprentices across 12 cohorts. About 85 percent of Training Concepts’ apprentices participate in the Information Technology Career Start (ITCS) Program funded by Skill Bridge, the US Department of Veteran Affair’s (VA’s) Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses program, and VA Vocational Readiness and Employment benefits for service members with a disability rating.

After completing the Training Concepts certificate training program, some graduates advance to a technical support specialist Registered Apprenticeship Program. Apprentices gain hands-on experience assisting new students with technology tools and certification review sessions. Apprentices start at $18 per hour and receive progressive wage increases with additional experience and certifications.

Training Concepts program operations manager, Michael Ray, explains, “certifications are really the standardization of knowledge.” The program is designed to equip apprentices with practical skills and knowledge aligned with global industry standards.

With support from Urban Institute, Training Concepts upgraded its technology to ensure all apprentices train on the most cutting-edge platforms, tools, and concepts, preparing them for the rapidly evolving demands of the tech industry.

Apprentice Spotlight: Andrew Tryon

Andrew Tryon’s career journey exemplifies the value of resilience, adaptability, and lifelong learning.

A classically trained musician with a master’s degree in musical performance, Tryon began his career in the Army band, serving with dedication and pride. But when health concerns shortened his military career, Tryon faced a daunting challenge: finding a new career path.

Training Concepts’ ITCS and apprenticeship program helped him find a way forward. Tryon learned about Training Concepts through a military transition program at Fort Jackson and used his VA benefits to obtain five certifications in IT and project management.

His aptitude and drive caught the attention of Training Concepts’ apprenticeship program operations manager, Michael Ray, who personally invited him to become a technical support specialist apprentice.

Kevin Peterson, the apprenticeship project manager says, “Andrew Tryon was a remarkable student who completed certificate testing in a record minimum time. His strong work ethic and willingness to help fellow students through leading review sessions made him a logical choice for an invitation to our apprenticeship.”

In this role, Tryon provided technical support to fellow veterans at Training Concepts while sharpening his own skills. He found himself in a unique position: overqualified for entry-level roles because of his advanced degree, but underqualified for senior roles given his lack of technical work experience. The apprenticeship gave him the opportunity to fill his experience gap, giving him the hands-on training he needed to excel in a civilian career. 

Tryon’s success ultimately earned him a full-time position on Training Concepts' IT administrative team, where he continues his professional growth.

His story is a testament to the power of opportunity and mentorship, and the courage to pivot toward a new career.