Last week at the MN Broadband Task Force, cyber security experts spoke about the need for qualified workers in their field. The conundrum was getting the education and experienced required – at the same time. Education is important but especially in the field of technology, you need to keep up on what’s happening in the field today too. So I was delighted to read (in The Line) about an apprenticeship program at Metro State…

In less than a year, a partnership between Advance IT Minnesota and Metropolitan State University has produced Fusion, an “IT residency” program that will officially launch during the 2014-15 academic year. Fusion places students in various technology degree programs with local employers—ranging from cutting-edge startups to Fortune 500 firms—that need flexible, entry-level IT labor. The program has already accepted applications for the coming year’s roster and is in the process of vetting applicants.

Unlike a traditional internship, which typically runs a single academic semester, each participant’s residency lasts 18 to 24 months—roughly tracking their last two years of college. Students are paid for their time, typically less than 20 hours per week, with projects assigned by their employers and paychecks issued by their school.

Worth looking into if you’re a potential apprentice or could use an apprentice. Worth looking into if you think a similar program might work in your community!