Apprenticeships
Balancing coursework and employment can be a significant challenge for many community college students, with approximately 70% working while enrolled and nearly 30% working full-time.1 In comparison, only about 12% of four-year university students work throughout their entire college experience.2
Registered apprenticeships offer a compelling solution by integrating hands-on experience with academic learning, enabling students to earn a living wage while pursuing their degrees. These programs help students transition from a job to a career, equipping them with industry recognized skills that complement their educational and career goals.
This successful training model, traditionally used in the building trades, is now expanding into innovative fields. With support from the California Apprenticeship Initiative and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, Cañada College is proud to offer apprenticeship programs in Digital Marketing and Extended Reality (XR) Development, as well as a pre-apprenticeship program in Early Childhood Education.

For all programs, we are enrolling students in courses for the fall semester 2025. See more information below.
Are you passionate about communication, business, social media and ready to make an impact in the real world? Our Digital Marketing program is designed for you!
Rooted in core business principles, our curriculum prepares you for success in the ever-changing world of digital marketing. You'll not only learn the fundamentals but also have the opportunity to apply them through hands-on experience.
Your journey begins with a pre-apprenticeship, where you will gain valuable skills and insight. Afterward, if accepted, you’ll progress into the apprenticeship—working with an industry partner while continuing your education with ongoing support and additional classes.
Start your path to a rewarding career in digital marketing today!
Course Pathway
Earn an Apprenticeship Certificate and a Certificate of Specialization in Digital Marketing, Business Department.
- BUS 180: Marketing (Pre-apprenticeship)
This course is an introduction to marketing and sales techniques used in business. Students learn about the "four P's" of marketing (Product, Price, Place, Promotion), market segmentation, target markets, market research, marketing budgets, and the marketing plan. Internet tools for small business marketing are also included, such as social networks, blogging, images, video, and websites.
- BUS 193: Digital Marketing (Apprenticeship)
This course provides a comprehensive overview of digital marketing, which is the practice of promoting products, services, or brands using technology such as websites, search engines, social media, email, and mobile apps. The course covers critical digital marketing strategy components. Through the discussion of theoretical concepts as well as engaging in hands-on activities, students are exposed to careers in this dynamic field.
- BUS 233: Social Media Marketing (Apprenticeship)
This course offers a comprehensive examination of the strategic role of social media in digital marketing, delving deeper into technical methodologies and tactics tailored for maximizing social media engagement and effectiveness. Topics include social media platforms, content creation, paid advertising, influencer marketing, and the ethical use of social media. Students develop social media marketing plans, set objectives, identify target audiences, and evaluate the success of social media campaigns.
- MGMT 100: Introduction to Business Management (Apprenticeship)
Introduction to the principles and functions of contemporary business management. Topics include: planning, organizing, staffing, controlling and decision-making.
Would you like to learn more?
For more information please complete this short, online expression of interest form:
Are you creative, driven, and excited about the possibilities of new technologies? Do you have a passion for storytelling? If so, you could be the perfect fit to become an Extended Reality (XR) Developer!
No prior experience? No problem. Just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm to the classroom, and we will teach you everything you need to know. Our courses are designed to immerse you in the world of XR, covering everything from technical skills and team building to the production processes that bring virtual worlds to life.
Your journey begins with our pre-apprenticeship, where you will build a solid foundation. After that, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for the apprenticeship. If accepted, you will continue your learning path with an employer partner, gaining real-world experience and receiving additional classes and support to guide you through every step.
Start your path to a rewarding career in XR development today!
Course Pathway
Earn an Apprenticeship Certificate and credits toward an Associate's Degree, Interaction Design/User Experience, in Digital Art & Animation.
- MART 100 XR 1: Foundations of Immersive Production (Pre-apprenticeship)
Using 3D modeling fundamentals and interaction design principles, students will conceptualize, create, and implement immersive Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) experiences. This introductory course includes hands-on experience with industry-standard software and production tools and covers the technical skills required to bring immersive worlds to life across a variety of platforms.
- MART 110 XR 2: Crafting Immersive Environments in Engine (Apprenticeship)
The key elements of world-building from style and environment to storytelling and interactivity are explored. The course covers navigating and manipulating objects in engine; creating and managing assets; sculpting and painting terrain; designing immersive environments; building structures; adding interactive elements; balancing narrative with gameplay; and optimizing performance. Students craft their own immersive environments using industry standard development platforms and other essential tools.
- MART 200 XR 3: Collaborative XR Development (Apprenticeship)
Students work in small teams and with individual partners to create Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality/Mixed Reality (AR/VR/MR) experiences using current platforms such as Unity and the Unreal Engine. Developing these technical and collaborative skills helps prepare them for careers in Extended Reality (XR) development.
- MART 210 XR 4: Enterprise XR Development Project (Apprenticeship)
Collaborate with classmates to develop a comprehensive Extended Reality (XR) project. The course provides experience meeting client requirements, managing large-scale projects, meeting industry standards, and working on a team to create an XR solution for real-world application.
Would you like to learn more?
For more information please complete this short, online expression of interest form:
Are you passionate about education and working with children? This program is designed to help you build English proficiency, develop essential technical skills, and meet core requirements for a rewarding and in-demand career in early childhood education.
Upon completing the program, you will be well-prepared to confidently apply to the Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program at Skyline College and take the next step in your professional journey.
Our Pre-apprenticeship Course Pathway
Earn credits toward a college certificate and degree while preparing for apprenticeship.
- ESL 914: Reading and listening - Speaking IV (Pre-apprenticeship)
Introduces students to advanced integrated practice in reading, speaking and listening for academic English. Special attention is paid to advanced vocabulary and comprehension of original authentic readings and lectures. The course is designed to prepare students for college-level entry courses.
- ESL 924: Grammar and Writing IV (Pre-apprenticeship)
Introduces students to grammar and writing skills at the advanced level. Special attention is paid to grammar terminology for the purpose of editing student writing.
- ECE 210: Early Childhood Education Principles (Pre-apprenticeship)
This course provides the historical contexts and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education for children birth through age eight. Explores the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators. Identifies professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. Introduces best practices for developmentally appropriate learning environments, curriculum, and effective pedagogy for young children including how play contributes to children's learning, growth, and development.
Would you like to learn more?
For more information please complete this short, online expression of interest form:
What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)?
A Registered Apprenticeship Program is a government-backed workforce development program
designed to equip employees with hands-on experience and specialized training.
Program Highlights:
- On-the-Job Training (OJT): Apprentices complete pre-determined competencies while earning a wage increase.
- Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI): A minimum of 144 hours of free, industry-specific training through a Local Education Agency (LEA).
- Official Certification: Apprentices receive a certificate of completion upon successfully meeting all training and educational requirements.
Why Partner with us?
- Access to a Skilled Talent Pool: Partnering with us connects you to a motivated, diverse pool of apprentices, eager to pursue a career in your industry. We prioritize inclusive recruitment, ensuring you tap into a broad range of candidates who bring unique perspectives and valuable skills to your organization.
- Seamless Program Administration: We take care of the program logistics, from apprentice registration to compliance with apprenticeship standards. This allows you to focus on your business operations while we manage the program administration.
- Better Success and Retention: Registered apprenticeship programs are proven to deliver results. More than 90 percent of workers who complete an apprenticeship earn an average of $70,000 annually, and 94 percent are retained in employment six months after completion.3
- Community Connection: Partnering with a Registered Apprenticeship Program demonstrates your company’s commitment to social impact initiatives. It highlights your role in regional economic growth and showcases your brand as one that attracts top talent and customers who value your community engagement.
Occupations We Support
We offer apprenticeship opportunities across a range of roles:
Digital Marketing:
- Digital Marketer
Extended Reality Development:
- Extended Reality Developer
- Junior Producer
- Junior Software Engineer
- Junior 3D Content Creator
- Junior Technical Artist
- Junior User Experience Designer
Our programs are competency-based, with apprentices working through a series of on-the-job assignments that align with professional, managerial, and technical skills related to their specific occupation.
Get Started Today
By partnering with us, you not only gain access to a skilled, diverse talent pool, but you also play a critical role in shaping the future workforce. Let’s work together to meet your business goals and foster long-term success!
Are you interested in learning more? Please contact our Project Director of Apprenticeships, David Gainey.
Meet the Team
Alexander Kramer (Dean of Business, Design & Workforce)
Business, Design and Workforce - Division OfficeJasmine Jaciw (Director of Workforce Development)
Business, Design and Workforce - Workforce DevelopmentDavid Gainey (Project Director of Apprenticeships)
Business, Design and Workforce - Workforce Development