Despite the scarcity of tech talent, for those wishing to start a career in this industry, the path can be extremely difficult. However, many companies (and regional entities) are utilizing a traditional approach to bringing in talent: apprenticeships. For example, TechHire Seattle-King County recently implemented LaunchCode; this apprenticeship program places students with basic software skills in full-time, paid apprenticeships for six months with the chance to be hired as employees if they meet expectations. Cynthia Tee, executive director of Ada Developers Academy, a section of TechHire, says that the apprenticeship element of Ada’s program is essential to helping to fill the tech skills gap. “You can only learn so much in a classroom,” Tee said. While participating in an apprenticeship program, students will learn the social and technical skills that are difficult to teach in a more traditional setting, while making contacts and building relationships that will help further their careers. Additionally, apprenticeships can expose employers to a talent pool they might not otherwise tap into. “I think it is a good training for companies to be more inclusive of candidates who are not like them,” Tee said.