Convergint, a service-based systems integrator, recently launched an apprenticeship program that provides high school students with hands-on technical skills in the security systems integration industry.

The Technical Apprenticeship Program (TAP) aims to create a strong talent pipeline for the systems integration industry which continues to face a talent gap with 100,000 job openings in the U.S., according to Zippia, an online recruitment services company. Through the program, schools work directly with Convergint and its local colleagues to bring students a course curriculum that provides relevant transferable skills and opens the door for career opportunities in the security sector, says the company.

The training starts with two-and-a-half weeks of instruction and lab coursework. Participants will then receive approximately 50 weeks of hands-on on-the-job training, using the company’s Pro Learning app to track progress and guide them to full certification in their chosen field.

TAP has kicked off at Dominguez High School in California’s Compton Unified School District. Starting in September, students were introduced to hands-on technical knowledge and skills in the industry, with the curriculum covering safety and basic electric, cable, infrastructure, and systems integration principles.

To prepare for the apprenticeship program, Dominguez High School teachers attended a two-week training course led by local Convergint employees. Those teachers are now able to instruct, review, and test students on core skills to pursue a career in security systems integration. Throughout the duration of the program, teachers will have continued technical and hands-on support from Convergint.

“Many students aren’t aware that pursuing a career in the systems integration industry is an exciting and rewarding career option, and this apprenticeship program is an important opportunity for our students,” said Dominguez High School Principal Caleb Oliver. “As educators, our role is to help guide students towards success after graduation, and we saw an opportunity to prepare our students for jobs in security systems integration by partnering with Convergint, a leader in the industry.”

“The Compton Unified School District shares Convergint’s mission to have a positive impact on the community and we’re proud to partner on this new apprenticeship program,” said Yaruba Tate, Vice President of Inclusion and Diversity at Convergint. “TAP will introduce students to the skills needed for a career in security systems integration and help ensure they are set up for success early on in their careers — and we’re looking forward to the doors this can open for the next generation of talent.”

The company plans to expand its offerings to schools across the country, with Atlanta and Chicago as the next locations. Schools that are interested in the TAP can reach out to Yaruba Tate at Convergint at yaruba.tate@convergint.com.

To read more about the program, visit convergint.com/tech-apprentice/.

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